De Zomerschuur is a farm located on the rural Zomerweg in Burgum, Friesland, offering an authentic farm experience rooted in the concept of “real food” – healthy products sourced directly from the farmer.
The farm features a well-stocked farm shop selling an array of homemade products such as jams, chutneys, desserts, cheese, vegetables, fruit, vinegar, fresh free-range eggs, herbs, and salads. It also offers unique gifts and responsibly produced calf meat from their own Damkalf farm. A modern cooking studio hosts workshops where guests can prepare various dishes, often using ingredients from the farm’s own gardens and orchard, and inspired by Annie van Dam’s cookbook.
The Zomerschuur cultivates a vegetable garden, a special herb garden, and a flower picking garden. Visitors have the opportunity to pick their own bouquets of flowers, choosing from varieties like nasturtium, cornflower, marigold, violet, or sunflower, for a fee. Additionally, a small orchard allows guests to pick their own fresh apples and pears.
The farm also operates a 24/7 vending machine, providing convenient access to a selection of their own calf meat products (both frozen and chilled), as well as farm-fresh eggs, cheese, strawberries, black currants, and apples. De Zomerschuur serves as a designated “Rustpunt” (rest stop), offering a peaceful place for walkers and cyclists to relax, make coffee, use facilities, and charge e-bikes, with the added option of picking flowers.
De Zomerschuur is open on Fridays from 12:00 to 16:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00, or by appointment.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden consistently receives high praise from visitors for its diverse offerings and pleasant atmosphere. Customers frequently commend the wide array of delicious products available, particularly highlighting the high-quality veal, including popular roulades and seasonal meat boxes, alongside homemade stews and various local specialties. Many appreciate the good and fair pricing for these items.
Beyond the food, the location is celebrated for its charming retail space, described as a neat and beautiful business. It offers a delightful selection of gifts and unique items, making it a popular spot for finding personal souvenirs or thoughtful presents. The farm provides a welcoming environment, suitable for a leisurely coffee break in the garden, browsing the shop, or engaging in activities like picking flowers. Families with children enjoy the offerings, including ice cream and occasional crafting activities during special events like regional product markets.
The convenience of a large, 24-hour vending machine is also a noted feature. Management, specifically Annie Dam and her daughter Sanne, are recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. The farm is often recommended as an ideal stopover during bike tours or a venue for workshops.
While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention prices being on the higher side. There were also specific instances where customer service was perceived as less than ideal, such as staff not communicating closure to arriving visitors, or an unfriendly encounter regarding dogs on the premises. Despite these minor points, the farm is widely regarded as a fantastic destination offering quality products and a delightful experience.