Elisabeth Hoeve, an agricultural farm run by the Ham brothers, Jan and Ben, is located in Nieuw-Vennep. This fourth-generation family farm has expanded its traditional arable farming of potatoes, onions, beets, and wheat to offer various activities for the public.
One of the main attractions is the self-picking garden, where subscribers can harvest fresh, seasonal vegetables weekly. The garden is open from mid-May to the end of November, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 to 17:00. Examples of produce available for self-picking include parsnips, beans, and lettuce, among other seasonal vegetables.
The farm also features a shop, open Monday to Saturday (closed Wednesdays and Sundays) from 9:00 to 17:00. Here, visitors can buy fresh products directly from the farm, such as eggs, potatoes, onions, and various vegetables from their kitchen garden. The shop also offers jams and chutneys made from their own fruit, egg liqueur, flour from their wheat, and quinoa, alongside items from other regional producers like honey from beehives on their fields.
Beyond produce, Elisabeth Hoeve provides educational programs for school groups, teaching children about food origins, particularly focusing on potatoes. A 4.3 km walking path, “De Elisabeth Route,” allows visitors to stroll through fields of potatoes, sugar beets, grain, and onions, observing the crops in different growth stages. Additionally, the farm operates a care farm, offering day activities for individuals with disabilities.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise this self-picking farm for its exceptional freshness and quality of products, which are often described as being ‘straight from the land.’ The selection includes delicious butter, eggs, strawberries, and dairy, with many guests enjoying the hands-on experience of picking their own seasonal produce, such as pumpkins. Beyond fresh produce, the farm also offers local specialties like tasty fresh fries, homemade jams, and lamb meat.
The overall atmosphere is repeatedly lauded as cozy, pleasant, and an enjoyable outing, often enriched by the presence of farm animals like pigs, cats, and lambs, making it a delightful visit for families. Reviewers frequently commend the exceptionally friendly, hospitable, and knowledgeable staff and owners, highlighting their helpfulness in various situations, from assisting with parking to providing travel guidance. The farm is also appreciated for its easy accessibility, free parking, and good value for money, leading many to recommend it as a ‘go-to place’ for fresh farm goods and to encourage buying directly from the farmer.