About us

Early 1990s

In the early 1990s, Peter and I took over the farm. We still had a small shed with pigs, but due to increasingly strict regulations, significant investment would have been needed to get everything back on track. That did not feel like the right choice for us, as the numbers were too small. We decided to participate in the first buyout scheme. The stables were converted into dormitories for the group accommodation. In the meantime, this has grown to the point where we can now host 64 guests. The two dormitories we already had near the recreation hall were also incorporated, making it larger, more spacious, and brighter. A major transformation that has resulted in a very satisfying operation with good occupancy rates.

The bicycle rental was a leap into the unknown, which we started in 1994. After a number of years, we can say it has become a good source of income. However, it is highly dependent on the weather. We have over 150 bicycles, ranging from large to small, including panniers and child trailers. The cargo bike and the tandem for children are very popular! With bicycle rental, you can never predict how busy it will be; it can be quite chaotic at times. You need to be able to handle that. Our children used to say: “Just put a sign on the door saying we’re having lunch.” But that doesn’t work, because that is exactly when most bikes are rented out. De Hoge Veluwe National Park, our neighbour, of course, offers the famous white bicycles. Many people use those, but there is an increasing number of visitors who prefer a higher-quality bike, and that is exactly what we offer.

Continuing bed and breakfast

There was also growing demand for bed and breakfast accommodation on our farm. This had existed in the past, but we did not continue it at first. However, we eventually picked it up again! The “Bakhuus” next to the farm was converted into a double room – quite a challenge! It has been very successful, and we really enjoy it. The contact with guests is different from the group accommodation, more personal and more intensive. Since 2004, we have had three rooms. After the outbreak of bird flu, which led to the culling of all our chickens, pheasants, and peacocks, we decided not to restock the large poultry house. We now only keep a small flock of 250 free-range chickens. The space that became available was used for the bicycle rental. Where the bicycles were originally stored, the two new rooms were created.

In the summer of 2006, we built a new young cattle barn; the old one was completely demolished. The new barn includes large straw pens, calf pens for the first ten days of life, a bull pen, and three sections with slatted floors for cattle of different ages. Feel free to come and have a look!

The winter of 2007/2008

In the winter of 2007/2008, we adapted our group accommodation. The recreational space, the “Deel”, underwent a real transformation! Cavity walls, underfloor heating, and lots of natural light were added by replacing the large doors with windows. You now look straight into the forest! A toilet was also added to the Deel, which is very practical. A major renovation made possible in part by LTO Noord and the Province of Gelderland.

In this way, we have a lot of variety in our work, which we really enjoy. On the other hand, it also means that you have to keep track of both the farm and the side businesses and know a great deal about all of them. This creates a lot of administrative work and paperwork. Since September 2005, we have been working with staff from Agricultural Farm Support. A few hours a week in the low season and in the summer almost every day for a few hours. That makes a huge difference and reduces the pressure significantly.

In 2009, we extended the cow barn by 19 meters, which created much more light and space in the stable. This, in turn, benefits the welfare of the cows.

The Herenboerderij – a new branch

We worked in a partnership (VOF) with our son for two years, but unfortunately he withdrew. He is a farmer at heart, but it doesn’t work here on its own. You need the recreational activities as well to keep the business financially viable. That part did not appeal to him as much, which led to his decision. He is now married, and the grandparents moved to the village. We bought the house they lived in, originally with the intention that our son would live there. Things turned out differently. It has now been renovated, and we rent it out as the “Herenboerderij”. A new branch of the business!

In the winter of 2012/2013, we started renovating the dormitories. Two large rooms near the shower and toilet areas have now been completed. Wooden panelling, lightly painted walls, and new double-glazed windows provide more atmosphere and comfort.

The “Ovalert” system is now proving its value! This is a computer system in which cows wear a sensor on their front leg. It measures the cow’s activity. High activity indicates heat, meaning the cow can be inseminated. For us, this is extremely useful! With so much activity on the farm, it is not always possible to closely observe the cows and detect heat in time. Now a red flashing light in the barn alerts us. On the computer, we can then see exactly which cow it concerns.

End of season 2013

At the end of the 2013 season, in November/December, we once again took on some renovation work. That’s part of our winter period! This time it was the turn of the B&B rooms. New curtains, a fresh colour on the walls, new bedding, and a few fresh cushions completed the update. We’re good to go again for a while. We also added wooden panelling and lightly painted walls to the entrance area and the small bedrooms near the shower and toilet facilities. The grey doors were also repainted, fully in style with the rest. The result speaks for itself.

We also made a small start with the renovation of the “Losse Schuur”. The existing toilet was completely stripped and retiled with beautiful anthracite-grey tiles. The standing toilet was replaced with a wall-hung version – very practical.

The sanitary facilities of the group accommodation were completely renewed at the end of 2014, which was a major improvement! Two extra showers are also very welcome for larger groups.

Stopped bicycle rental

On January 1st 2015, we stopped renting out bicycles. For 21 years we did this with great satisfaction, but we reached a point where we had to decide whether or not to invest in new bikes. If you invest, it means continuing for at least another five years. Our age also played a role, and so the decision was made. The rental service was taken over by Geerts Tweewielers in the village.

In the meantime, a loader and a feed mixer wagon have been added to our yard. These save a lot of heavy labour! Feeding cows in a controlled and mixed way (maize and grass combined) also has advantages. You never feed too much or too little, because everything is calculated and weighed. The combination of maize and grass also improves the cows’ intestinal flora.

We never stand still!

The workload is always present, although it has decreased a bit since the bicycle rental stopped. Thankfully, some of the hectic pace has gone. Still, workload is part of our business. But the place where we live, and the peace it radiates, make up for a lot! Especially when you’re sitting outside with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

And if you want to know how we have kept De Houtkamp running from 2015 onwards, and what challenges we have faced, then come and be our guest – you are very welcome! In every accommodation you will find an information folder with the history.

Warm regards,

Peter and Evelien van Omme