Melkveehouderij Hoeve Draafsel, Lochem (Gld)
Dairy farm Hoeve Draafsel in Lochem, the Netherlands
The farm and its location
Draafsel farm is located in historic grounds. There are ancient documents dating from 1377 which describe a farm in the exact location of the current Draafsel estate. The farm lies on the banks of the Berkel river and in a field neighbouring the house there is the ' Staring Koepel' which was used by the nobility in days gone by as somewhere to drink tea and admire the stunning views of the river.
The 'Staring Koepel' was built by the young daughter of a famous Dutch poet, W.C.A Staring. She inherited the freehold of 't Draafsel in 1844 and would spend the summer months here. In 1850 she demolished the main building on the estate but left the farm and some outbuildings standing. With materials reclaimed from the house she had pulled down, she built the 'Koepel' close to the beech woods. After her sudden death in 1893 her father sold the 'Koepel' and it is now owned by the Vereniging Natuurmonumenten, the Dutch equivalent of the National Trust. The farm is responsible for the upkeep of the ' Staring Koepel' and also runs the passenger ferry across the Berkel river.
The Farming at Draafsel farmDraafsel is a dairy farm milking around 60 cows each day. Farmer Harry is heavily involved in his breeding programme and one of his cows, ‘Draafsel Lily’ became a nationwide phenomenon. The family run quite a few projects on behalf of the Dutch National Trust.
Your hosts
The farm belongs to the Ligtenberg family: Harry and Gerda and their three children Lieke, Dirk-Jan and Daaf.
Pets allowed
Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
The surrounding area
The 'Achterhoek' area is according to many, one of the most beautiful areas in The Netherlands with its characteristic scenic landscape. There are many interesting 17th century estates to visit in this area. In fact, there is an enormous amount to see. Whether you prefer to see castles, manors, stately homes, farms with painted shutters or flowering meadows, the choice is endless and the landscapes are diverse.
While travelling through this region, you cannot help but notice the ancient hedgerows of maythorn, blackthorn and brambles. These were traditionally used to keep the livestock away from cultivated land or even from the kitchen garden. The hedges provide excellent shelter for wild animals.
The location of the BoerenBed tents
The tents are located in a spacious field and have majestic views over beautiful landscape, on the banks of the Berkel river, a perfect place for a dip in the summer. Fishing is also permitted.
Unique to the farm
You can bring your own horse with you on as the farm has stabling. Loose boxes are available for hire or you can also book a few days of grazing. You can reserve a box or grazing at the time of booking. Draafsel farm was nominated for the prestigious award 'Quality in Space' by the Gelderland council.
The Berkel river provides a magnificent setting for canoe trips and swimming. The canoes are available for hire at the farm.
The Netherlands' largest BoerenBed SandBox
Let the children enjoy themself at the largest BoerenBed SandBox in the Netherlands; 1200 m2 of fun-playing BoerenBed-style!
>> Click here to make a reservation for Draafsel farm.
