De Buytenhof is a self-picking farm and care facility situated in Rhoon, near Rotterdam, offering visitors an immersive experience of rural life and sustainable agriculture. The farm features a cozy teahouse that serves lunches and high teas crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients from their own land, complemented by an enclosed playground for children. A well-stocked farm shop also sells pure, local, and seasonal products, including a variety of fruits, organic vegetables, meat, eggs, homemade jams, chutneys, honey, and fresh juices.
Visitors have the opportunity to self-pick a range of produce throughout the seasons:
- Apples: Varieties such as Delcorf, Elstar, Goudreinet, and Jonagold are typically available from late August to mid-October.
- Pears: Doyenne de Comice, Conference, and the early-ripening Triumph de Vienne can be picked from late August to mid-October.
- Strawberries: These are usually ready for self-picking for approximately five weeks around late May to early June.
- Flowers: The flower picking garden boasts over 60 different species, including dahlias, marigolds, daisies, lavender, Cosmea, and Amaranth, and is generally open from June to late September.
- Potatoes and Pumpkins: Available for harvesting during the annual “Oogstdag” (Harvest Day/Week), typically held in late August to September.
- Herbs: A selection of fresh herbs like various types of mint, celery, rosemary, coriander, fennel, basil, chives, flat-leaf parsley, and oregano can be picked from the herb garden.
In addition to self-picking, De Buytenhof offers various workshops for both children and adults, covering topics from apple sauce making and pumpkin decoration to wild herb walks and culinary sessions. The farm also functions as a care facility, providing daytime activities and care apartments for adults with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities, involving them in the farm’s daily operations. Meeting facilities are available for businesses, and the farm organizes cycling and walking routes through the scenic polder landscape. De Buytenhof operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What visitors say
This charming destination consistently receives high praise from visitors, who commend its multifaceted appeal. It operates as a delightful combination of a self-picking farm, a welcoming tea garden, and a well-stocked farm shop, all nestled within beautiful, relaxed surroundings.
Guests can enjoy picking their own seasonal produce, such as apples, pears, and flowers. The farm shop offers an extensive selection of local and organic products, including vegetables, fruits from their own garden, meat, cheese, and nuts, although some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side.
The tea garden and restaurant are celebrated for their delicious and fresh food, with options ranging from breakfast and lunch items like tasty grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, and falafel buns, to delightful cakes, pastries, and a wide variety of fresh teas—the ginger tea being a particular highlight. Reviewers often mention the excellent food and service, describing the atmosphere as cozy and ideal for a leisurely visit. High tea options are also available.
It’s a fantastic spot for families, featuring a petting zoo, a large and often fenced playground, and various engaging activities for children. The venue is notably animal-friendly, offering dedicated parking for horses and welcoming dogs indoors, with water bowls provided during warmer months.
While the farm boasts ample free parking and helpful, friendly staff, visitors should be aware that it operates as a ‘care farm’ (zorgboerderij), meaning service might be a little slower, which contributes to its informal, unhurried charm. This makes it less suitable for those seeking a quick bite, and more for those who wish to relax and take their time. Additionally, some guests with mobility challenges have noted that navigating through the regional shop to reach the terrace can be difficult. Reservations are also advised, especially given that it can get quite busy around lunchtime. Overall, it’s considered a wonderful place to visit and unwind.