Down the Rabbit Hole (sort of)

She might not love the Alice in Wonderland comparison, but Mignon and her husband have indeed created another world to fall into. And it’s in Borger, Drenthe. From a packed Apple Notes app (we’ve all been there) to a fully booked 2025 launch, Slaaphuisje Chutzpah is a story of vision, courage and a touch of creative ingenuity. 

Pronounced Slap-huus Chutz-pah, the name itself reflects the couple’s roots: a mix of Dutch, Yiddish, and German. They wanted a name as original as their concept, a space that feels both deeply personal and delightfully unconventional.

From Notes App to reality

Creativity runs deep in Mignon’s story. Growing up in a 17th-century harbor home in Dordrecht, surrounded by hand painted bright red shutters, polka dot gnomes, and bold ideas (inspired by her mother), she learned early that rules are meant to be reimagined.

Mignon: “My mother refused to use the ‘approved historic colors’, she painted everything fire-truck red. The house was a labyrinth of color and character.”

Years later, she brought that same spirit she’d been forging into Slaaphuisje Chutzpah. After years in hospitality and then as a full-time visual artist, she craved connection again.

“Rotterdam got too crowded. I needed space, trees, air, calm. I loved being an artist, but working alone every day was isolating. Hospitality brought contact back into my world while allowing the nature I craved.”

The couple traded city chaos for the whimsical woods of Drenthe, and with it, a slower, richer rhythm. Construction delays turned months into milestones, and pushed their original launch date of March further out but by the time they opened in July, the dream had taken vivid, tangible shape.

Where else can you find clouds painted on ceilings, fake teeth hanging from keychains, and a sculpted egg above the fridge? It’s art that you can sleep inside. Guests particularly love the fridge that is stocked with organic, local, and often homegrown food. 

The freedom of direct bookings

When it came time to manage bookings, Mignon knew one thing: she didn’t want to rely on Airbnb or Booking.com, independence was non-negotiable.

“We want guests who find us, not people scrolling endlessly. I feel that if it’s too easy, it can lose value. Our brand is about mystery and discovery. When guests book, it’s because they truly connect with what we’ve created.”

And so she went looking for an intuitive software and website builder primed for people at the start of their journey, which led her to Smoobu.

For Mignon, Smoobu was more than software, it was peace of mind. She was initially overwhelmed with the big task they’d taken on, wondering how she was going to figure it all out, and fast. Yet a Google search connected her with her next step.

“And not just that, we needed help managing messages and check-ins. The calendar and messaging automations have been such a game changer, saving us both so much time.”

Future gazing: A second property on the map 

The couple’s creative momentum isn’t slowing down.

“We’re planning a second stay on the same property, something equally creative, with its own theme. Maybe one day, a small design hotel. We’ve even talked about hosting communal dinners or creative retreats. Who knows what the future holds?”

For now, though, Mignon is simply enjoying what they’ve built.

Inspired?

If you’re ready to spend more time creating and less time coordinating, start your free 14-day Smoobu trial today.