Boerderij de Buytenhof is a self-picking farm and care farm located in Rhoon, near Rotterdam, offering visitors a tranquil experience of farm life. The farm is dedicated to nature-inclusive agriculture and provides meaningful daytime activities for adults with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of self-picking opportunities throughout the seasons:
- Apples: Available for self-picking from approximately late August to mid-October. Varieties include Delcorf, Elstar, Goudreinet, and Jonagold.
- Pears: Also available for self-picking from late August to mid-October, featuring varieties like Doyenne de Comice, Conference, and Triumph de Vienne.
- Strawberries: Self-picking is typically offered for about five weeks around late May to early June.
- Pumpkins: Harvested by visitors during the annual “Oogstdag” (Harvest Day), usually in September.
- Potatoes: Can be dug up by hand during the “Oogstdag” in September.
- Flowers: The flower picking garden is open from June to late September, featuring over 60 different types of flowers, including dahlias, marigolds, daisies, and lavender.
Beyond self-picking, the farm boasts a charming tea house (“Theeschenkerij”) serving homemade dishes, cakes, and drinks made with farm-fresh ingredients. There’s also a farm shop (“Boerderijwinkel”) selling local and seasonal produce like fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, meat, eggs, honey, jams, chutneys, and juices. For families, an enclosed playground is adjacent to the tea house terrace.
The Buytenhof also hosts various workshops for both children and adults, such as candle making, culinary herb workshops, wild foraging walks, and apple sauce making. The farm is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closures on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm offers a delightful retreat for families and individuals seeking a taste of rural life, conveniently located near the city. Visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit picking, including apples, pears, and strawberries, as well as choosing their own flowers, an activity frequently praised as fun and educational for children.
The farm boasts a charming shop filled with a wide array of organic and local products, from fresh vegetables and fruits to homemade syrups, jams, and baking mixes. Many appreciate the opportunity to purchase high-quality, often organic, items. Complementing this is a cozy restaurant and tearoom with an inviting terrace, perfect for enjoying coffee, various teas, and delectable homemade cakes – the apple pie and butter cake come highly recommended – or a hearty lunch. The menu often features ingredients directly from the farm, and some reviewers particularly rave about the bacon pancakes.
A significant highlight for families is the expansive, often shaded playground, where children can happily play with bikes and in sandboxes while adults relax on the adjacent terrace. The presence of farm animals like pigs and chickens also adds to the charm and educational experience for younger visitors. What truly sets this establishment apart is its role as a care farm, providing valuable work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, a fact that many patrons find heartwarming and commendable, noting the generally friendly and welcoming staff.
While the farm is widely celebrated for its warm atmosphere, diverse activities, and fresh produce, some visitors point out that it can get quite busy, especially on weekends during picking season, leading to potential queues. A few isolated comments mention the playground showing signs of age or specific food items being overpriced or of inconsistent quality, such as overly salty soup or dry cake. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it an ideal spot for a relaxing outing, offering a blend of nature, good food, and engaging activities for all ages.