Boerderij de Buytenhof is a social farm located on the outskirts of Rhoon, a short distance from Rotterdam. It is a place where agriculture, nature, and community meet, offering a genuine farm experience to its visitors. The farm operates with a focus on nature-inclusive agriculture, where the land is cultivated to support both food production and biodiversity. Working alongside volunteers and care guests, the farm provides a peaceful, accessible environment for people to connect with the countryside and each other.
Visitors can engage in self-picking of various produce throughout the seasons. The picking calendar begins in the spring with a blossoming orchard walk and then continues with strawberry picking, typically from mid-May through June. The flower picking garden is open from June until the end of September, offering over 60 varieties for bouquets. The main fruit harvest begins in late August, with apples and pears available for self-picking until approximately the end of October. Apple varieties include Delcorf, Elstar, Jonagold, and Goudreinet, while pear varieties such as Conference, Doyenne de Comice, and Triumph are also available. An annual harvest week at the end of August features the additional opportunity to dig for potatoes and pick pumpkins.
The farm is open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and all official public holidays, including Easter, King’s Day, Ascension Day, and Pentecost. The on-site farm shop and tea room operate during these same hours, offering seasonal products and freshly made food from the farm. The property includes an enclosed natural playground adjacent to the tea room terrace, and a designated walking route through the surrounding polder is available. Parking is available on-site, and the farm is accessible by public transport via metro line E to Rhoon Dorp station.
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.