Boerderij ’t Paradijs, located in Barneveld, is an integrated organic agricultural and care farm nestled in a beautiful, wooded natural area. The farm operates with a focus on connecting people, animals, and nature, guided by a Christian identity and holding EKO-keurmerk and SKAL certifications for its biological practices.
As a care farm, it provides day activities and support for various groups, including children and youth with specific needs, adults seeking protected work or a meaningful daily structure, and elderly individuals with dementia or other support requirements. Activities encompass animal care (Brandrode cattle, pigs, 9000 laying hens, and small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, and sheep), extensive gardening, creative tasks, and social interaction. Horse coaching is also available as a therapeutic offering.
The farm cultivates approximately 40 different types of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs seasonally in its market garden, utilizing both open ground and a cold greenhouse. The produce benefits from composted manure sourced from the farm’s own cattle.
The farm offers opportunities for self-picking, particularly through its Social Food Garden initiative, which is currently undergoing renovation and is set to reopen in Spring 2026. Once operational, this garden will host complimentary harvest sessions on Wednesday mornings (10:00-12:00) during the harvest season (June to September), inviting visitors to gather fresh, organic produce by bringing their own bag. Farm staff are also on hand to assist visitors with harvesting from the wider market garden.
Produce available for self-picking includes:
- Vegetables: Leek, winter purslane, lamb’s lettuce, spinach, endive, various types of lettuce, spring onion, palm cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kale, rapeseed, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, savoy cabbage, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, red beet, radish, fennel, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, broad beans, garden peas, and runner beans.
- Fruit: Strawberries (grown in open ground), redcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, red berries, apples, and pears.
- Herbs: Parsley, basil, and chives.
In addition to its care and agricultural activities, Boerderij ’t Paradijs operates a farm shop, selling its own organic beef, pork, eggs, soup chicken, seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally sourced honey, and baking mixes. The farm also provides “De Heerd,” a converted cow shed, as a versatile venue for events, meetings, and celebrations, complete with organic catering services.
What visitors say
This remarkable establishment is widely acclaimed, primarily functioning as a care farm that offers day care and meaningful activities for both elderly individuals and those in need of assistance. Visitors consistently praise its concept, highlighting the serene environment where participants can engage in caring for a variety of farm animals—including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, and cats—as well as gardening and preparing communal meals. This inclusive approach is lauded for fostering inner peace, providing appropriate guidance and support, and creating a delightful, recommended experience for all ages.
The farm also boasts a popular shop, highly regarded for its excellent range of fresh, organic produce, including vegetables, fruits, and meat sourced directly from its land and animals. Other favored items include delicious homemade ice cream, honey, and apple/pear syrup, with options for takeaway meals. While the quality is consistently praised, some reviewers noted that vegetables can be a bit pricey, and there’s a suggestion for enhanced promotion of the farm shop.
Guests frequently describe the overall atmosphere as wonderful, welcoming, cozy, and exceptionally hospitable, often deeming it a perfect spot for relaxation and connecting with nature. The beautifully situated facilities are notably versatile, accommodating a wide array of events such as family reunions, parties, weddings, meetings, and training sessions, with spacious and comfortable rooms. The picturesque surroundings further enhance the experience, providing opportunities for hiking, jogging, and wildlife observation, including various bird species, deer, and small creatures; dogs are welcome on a leash.
While feedback is overwhelmingly positive, minor points occasionally surface, such as a discrepancy between the website’s mention of tea and cookies and their actual availability, and an isolated comment regarding uncleaned cutlery in a meeting room. Despite these small observations, the farm is celebrated for its peaceful environment and its profound respect for both people and nature.