Dutch entertainment icon André van Duin has purchased an apartment in ‘t Gooi, a region northeast of Amsterdam, to escape the city’s increasing crowds and annual Pride celebrations, according to a report in De Telegraaf.

As Amsterdam prepares for its annual Canal Pride festival today, featuring a vibrant parade of boats and large crowds, Van Duin, 77, is opting for a quieter retreat. The move comes as the city grapples with increasing tourism and congestion, impacting daily commutes and quality of life for residents.

“I’ll Stay Here!”

Van Duin revealed to de Telegraaf that the new property serves as a pied-à-terre, conveniently located near the headquarters of Omroep Max, the public broadcaster where he currently holds a prominent role. He specifically cited the desire to avoid both the Pride festivities and the constant presence of tourist attractions like cargo bikes and beer bikes.

When asked if he planned to attend Pride, van Duin stated, “No, I’m too busy. I will stay here for a while.”

Escaping the Amsterdam Hustle

The entertainer expressed his frustration with Amsterdam’s increasing noise and congestion. “I think Amsterdam has become way too busy anyway, and that is why we bought a flat this year, an apartment in ‘t Gooi, precisely to avoid those crowds,” he explained.

He detailed the significant time lost commuting, stating that a trip to Hilversum, where Omroep Max is located, can take an hour and a half just to exit the city, followed by a mere fifteen minutes on the highway.”What a hassle, I will go to the eighty, haha,” he joked, referencing his upcoming 80th birthday.

A Rotterdam Native Considers Options

While Van Duin currently maintains a home in Amsterdam, he previously expressed uncertainty about its long-term suitability in a recent interview with Story magazine. He cited the influx of tourists and the resulting traffic congestion as key concerns.

“You never know how life goes and I think Amsterdam will be very full. There are many tourists. You are busy for 45 minutes to get out of the city,” he said.

although born in Rotterdam, Van Duin indicated that a return to his birthplace isn’t necessarily on the cards. “Fernando and I have not yet thought about where we were going to live if we left Amsterdam. It is not necessarily the case that I go to Rotterdam, even though I was born there.Although I always stay a Rotterdammer.” Fernando is believed to be his partner, although their relationship is kept largely private.