’t Keetje is a fruit farm and care farm situated in Lutjebroek, offering a diverse range of activities and experiences for visitors.
The farm features an orchard where, during the summer and autumn months, guests can engage in self-picking. The available produce for self-picking includes various types of apples (such as Elstar, Delcorf, Jonagold, Santana’s, Breaburn, Welland, Alkmene, James Grieve, and Goudreinette), pears (like Conference, Doyenné, Gieser Wildeman, Forelle, and Gravin Gepa), plums, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, and a variety of other berries. The farm also sells fruit trees and shrubs, and offers fruit tree grafting services for those looking to cultivate their own produce.
Beyond the fruit fields, ’t Keetje hosts a lunchroom with a terrace, serving seasonal meals, high teas, and farmer’s lunches, all crafted with a focus on regional and artisanal products. A farm shop offers the farm’s own produce and other local specialties like mustard, nuts, and flour, with an online webshop also available.
’t Keetje functions as a care farm, providing day care and meaningful activities for individuals with social, intellectual, physical, or psychological support needs. Clients are involved in tasks such as garden maintenance, packaging produce, caring for animals, baking apple pies, making jam, and preparing stewed pears.
Further amenities and activities include an inclusive “Beleeftuin” (Experience Garden) designed for all ages and abilities, educational programs for schools to learn about agriculture and food production, facilities for children’s parties, and a meeting room. The farm also offers various arrangements, including themed tours and picnic packages for those exploring the area by bike or on foot.
’t Keetje is open Tuesday through Saturday. The farm shop operates from 9:00 to 17:30 on weekdays and 9:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays. The lunchroom is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30 and Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00, remaining closed on Mondays, Sundays, and certain holidays.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden consistently garners high praise from visitors, establishing itself as a beloved destination for families. Guests frequently commend its exceptional child-friendly amenities, including expansive playgrounds with go-karts and sandpits, opportunities to observe farm animals, and the popular activity of picking fresh fruit directly from the orchards. The on-site café is a significant highlight, with many reviewers extolling its “unbeatable” homemade apple pie, often enjoyed alongside excellent coffee or cappuccino. The menu also offers delightful lunches, including hearty “farmer’s lunches” and comprehensive high teas, as well as other delectable baked goods like carrot cake.
The accompanying farm shop is a treasure trove of fresh, local, and often organic products, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts or replenish one’s pantry. A notable and highly appreciated aspect is the establishment’s operation as a care farm, providing valuable work opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, cheerful, and passionate, contributing to the overall cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the venue, which also features a vibrant terrace and a charming new conservatory. It’s often recommended as a perfect stop during cycling or walking tours, further benefiting from ample free parking and well-maintained grounds.
While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a few minor points were mentioned, such as occasional delays in service for large groups, isolated instances of specific food items not meeting expectations (like a dry toastie or apple pie made with margarine), or the need for more maintenance on playground equipment. Nevertheless, these minor critiques do not overshadow the general consensus of a welcoming environment offering excellent food, engaging activities, and commendable social responsibility.