Landgoed de Brouwketel is an expansive 10-hectare estate and living community nestled in the picturesque Nederrijn floodplains near Huissen, in the Betuwe region. Its diverse landscape combines natural areas, featuring an old river course and hayfields, with an agricultural section managed using Natural Farming principles to promote soil health and biodiversity.
The estate offers opportunities for visitors to pick their own produce from its pear and apple orchard. Historically, from 2019 to 2024, a subscription-based self-picking vegetable garden provided members with access to over 60 varieties of ecologically grown vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers, including items like lettuce, carrots, and various tubers. As of 2025, the vegetable garden is undergoing a transition, with a focus on supporting the community’s own needs and external vegetable sales being very limited. Additionally, products such as elderflower syrup, apple syrup, and local honey are produced on site. The farm also sells ethically raised roaster chickens, various chicken organs (gizzards, hearts, liver, necks, feet), and lamb meat packages.
Beyond agricultural activities, Landgoed de Brouwketel serves as a dynamic cultural and community hub. It hosts annual festivals like “Ode aan de Gelderse Poort,” showcasing music, storytelling, visual arts, and a variety of workshops. Regular open stage events invite participation in music, poetry, acrobatics, and dance. Specialized workshops include tempeh making (utilizing beans), fermentation techniques, and traditional basket weaving using natural materials. The estate also offers cacao ceremonies, concerts, and guided silent walks through its tranquil surroundings. For gardeners, it functions as a sales point for organic garden soil, potting soil, and fertilizer. The grounds are openly accessible for walkers, equestrians, and those with dogs, inviting exploration of its unique natural beauty. Volunteer “Landgoedweekends” are held monthly, allowing visitors to contribute to the estate’s upkeep, from pruning fruit trees to garden maintenance.
What visitors say
This location consistently receives high praise as a beautiful and fantastic spot, especially for those looking to harvest their own produce. Visitors particularly enjoy the delightful experience of gathering organic vegetables, with one new subscriber describing a “wonderful feeling” from digging up their own potatoes, noting only a slight initial learning curve regarding how best to store and consume the fresh harvest. Beyond the charming picking garden, the farm also offers delicious organic products and farm-fresh eggs. The site is further characterized as a welcoming residential community that hosts enjoyable and cozy festivals, contributing to its overall friendly and appealing atmosphere.