De Hommelhoeve is a small-scale, mixed farm operating on biodynamic and nature-inclusive principles, located north of Brummen, between Zutphen and Apeldoorn, in the rural area between Empe and Klein Amsterdam. The farm aims to produce healthy food while providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.
Visitors can join a self-picking garden program by subscription, allowing them to harvest delicious fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits on a weekly basis. Beyond the self-picking garden, the farm offers a variety of products for sale in its small shop, including meat from grass-fed Brandrode cattle, Duroc free-range pigs, and free-range chickens, as well as eggs from their chickens. Currently, beef and bone packages, along with potatoes, are available for purchase. Honey is also produced by the farm’s bee colonies, and various grains like summer wheat, summer rye, oats, spelt, St. John’s rye, and barley are cultivated on their fields, used for animal feed, and for baking bread. A medicinal plant called ‘Lichtwortel’ (light root) is also grown.
In addition to its agricultural offerings, De Hommelhoeve operates a small farm campsite where guests can stay in tents or an original Buggenhoutse caravan. The farm also hosts activities and offers courses on topics such as composting, biodynamic preparations, and vegetable gardening for those interested in learning more about sustainable farming practices. Open days are occasionally held, and visitors are welcome to contact farmer Jasmijn for more information or reservations.
What visitors say
This charming self-picking farm and garden consistently earns high praise for its beautiful setting and dedicated approach to biodynamic agriculture. Guests frequently commend the extensive selection of delicious, seasonal produce available, from raspberries and berries to potatoes and various vegetables, all cultivated in well-maintained gardens. The team behind the farm is often described as passionate, friendly, and genuinely attentive, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Beyond the harvest, the farm offers unique experiences, including opportunities for volunteering, which many find enjoyable thanks to the sociable community. For those seeking a deeper immersion, a stay in the distinctive gypsy wagon accommodation is highlighted as a wonderfully relaxing retreat. Guests value the tranquility of being surrounded by nature, observing grazing cows and nesting storks, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been raised regarding the gypsy wagon, specifically the absence of shaded outdoor areas and a firm mattress. More notably, one customer reported significant difficulty with communication during course registration, citing unanswered emails and phone calls. The owner, addressing this concern directly, explained a recent email system malfunction and the challenges of being reachable while working in the fields, offering apologies and an invitation to reconnect.