Where would you like to spend those exciting first months? “Here,” say Jouke Baaima and Michael Berendsen almost simultaneously. They are the co-founders of Corporate Housing Factory, a young dynamic company aimed at internationals who need accommodation in the Netherlands for a few months for business purposes. These are gentlemen who know their stuff, as they understand expat life from the inside out. Baaima lived in New York, the Antilles and London, while Berendsen spent a long time in Germany and now operates from Milan. “You then know what these kinds of professionals need,” Baaima says. “Not an anonymous hotel room, but an excellent place for a soft-landing where you immediately feel at home, and that has everything you need.”

Benoordenhout

“Our philosophy is focused on saying ‘yes’ in almost all circumstances,” adds Berendsen. ‘We always find a solution. So even if we don't have apartments available, we still make sure we can help clients through our sister company Yosaa.’ Corporate Housing Factory offers contemporary serviced apartments at the top end of the corporate market. ‘Everything exudes quality,’ says Berendsen. ‘We have furniture by Eames, chairs by Vitra and lamps by Artimide and Flos. We offer a five-star service, which means our apartments (ranging from 35 to 119 square metres) are suitable for a whole range of users. “You’re welcome here whether you arrive alone or with your family, even your furry friend is more than welcome.”

It is not surprising that Corporate Housing Factory has chosen Hoge Duin in Benoordenhout as its newest location. Designed by architect Hans Oud for Shell, the building is part of the Oostduin-Arendsdorp estate, which features a blend of lush greenery, ponds, canals, and a playground where children from the neighbourhood play on the climbing frames.

Hoge Duin

‘You can't do better than this,’ in Berendsen’s opinion, ‘we have locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and The Hague, but Hoge Duin is our most beautiful and sustainable one.” That message must have reached the market as well, because on the day we met on the ground floor —overlooking the park—all the apartments were occupied. The users of Corporate Housing Factory's services tend to work in the immediate vicinity, for example at Shell or Ernst & Young, various embassies, or other international organisations. “Through the level of service we provide, we contribute to The Hague's profile as an international city. The Hague needs the facilities we offer,” Jouke Baaima says decisively. ‘We’re establishing a sustainable relationship; we’re here for the long run.”

www.corporatehousingfactory.com