De Groene Hoeve, Wijdenes (NH)

The farm and its location
A stone's throw from the Markermeer is this characteristic thatched farmhouse dating from 1850 centrally located between the charming VOC towns Hoorn (8 km.) and Enkhuizen (13 km.) The farm was more than 150 years active as a dairy farm and in 2000 Cees and Niki Groenendijk transformed it into a goat farm and associated cheese factory. Over the years the stables were added and cow Belle Ami found a cosy home on the farm.
Cees and Niki try to maximize self-sufficiency and prefer sustainable farming. That means that they have a private herb garden and shop with its various local products. On warm days it is mainly the self-produced goat ice cream which is demanded for.
Thanks to the small scale of the farm with 29 goats, 10 lambs, two goats, three horses, a cow and a dozen chickens, there is ample opportunity to experience the authentic rural life. Whether it's milking the goats, making cheese or feeding the horses, this is still largely done by hand.
From the tents you look directly out onto the meadows and the animals, over the typical Dutch lowlands and onto the sea dike which stopped the water of the Zuiderzee for centuries. On the bike you're already within 5 minutes in the harbor of Wijdenes and a few hundred meters away is a nice recreation area with swimming possibilities. Towards Hoorn there are some further beaches where surf lessons are offered.



Agricultural activities
De Groene Hoeve is a goat farm focused on producing organic goat cheese. The 29 goats are in the pasture in front of the tents during the summer. For those who are up early there is a opportunity to come and watch the milking of the goats. There are also a small stables for horses that need extra care and in the front yard there is one's own herb and vegetable garden.

You are a guest at
At De Groene Hoeve, you are cordially invited by by Cees and Niki and their daughters Kayleigh, Meagan and Eibhlin.

The Area
The farm is situated on the outskirts of town Wijdenes. The typical Western Frisian countryside village has a rich history and there is also plenty to do. Already in the Middle Ages, Wijdenes was important because of the citadel built there by Count Floris V. Unfortunately, nothing of the castle survives, but also during the following centuries the town played an important role as suppliers of agricultural produce for the VOC ships which departed in large numbers from the major port cities of Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik. These towns have stood the test of time unscathed and still breathe the atmosphere of the Golden Age. Take the bike from the farm and within half hour you are in the center of these charming old towns.
Besides an important role as producers of agricultural products Wijdenes was also important as a refuge for ships in trouble on the Zuiderzee. There is still a port with lifeboat, but now there is room for fun as swimming and surfing. Near the village an attractive recreation area was created with picnic table, lawn and two shell beaches. Surfing enthusiast can visit the nearby beaches at Schellinkhout which offers both surfboard rental and surfing lessons.
Other attractions include Wonderland in Enkhuizen (especially with smaller children a fun day), the Zuiderzee Museum, Hoorn-Medemblik steam railway, castle Radboud, the steam engine museum and bakery museum in Medemblik. In addition, trips to some more distant places like Alkmaar, the dunes of Schoorl and the historical landscape of Leeghwater (Beemster and Schermer) are possible.

The farm tent pitches
The tents have a clear view of the meadows adjacent to the seafront. With five tents this location is ideal for a family weekend or group outing. Rent them all and you enjoy maximum privacy.

>> Click here to make a reservation for Hoeve Wijdenes.