Landgoed Zuylestein is a historic food-producing estate situated on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in Leersum. This expansive estate, part of the Stichting Twickel, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and fresh, locally sourced produce.
Visitors are welcome to explore the extensive forests and walking paths, which are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Guided tours can be arranged for groups, focusing on the estate’s rich history, innovative agricultural techniques in the kitchen garden, or general estate management. A special themed walk through the historic 17th-century kitchen garden is also available every Friday, offering a sensory experience of the diverse plants. Modern technology is embraced with smartphone audio tours for individual exploration.
The estate’s produce is primarily available at its kitchen garden shop, located in the charming Orangery. This shop operates on Fridays and Sundays from 11:00 to 16:00, and on Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00. Here, guests can enjoy hot and cold drinks, various cakes, sandwiches, and soups on the terrace while taking in views of the pond.
For those interested in gathering their own fresh items, the estate features an expanded picking garden where visitors can self-pick bouquets of flowers and herbs.
The kitchen garden shop also offers a wide selection of products harvested directly from the estate’s gardens, orchards, and fields, as well as other local goods. These include:
- Fresh vegetables: such as pumpkins, carrots, endive, lettuce, beans, cabbage, courgettes, New Zealand spinach, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, potatoes, rhubarb, and radish.
- Fresh herbs: including thyme, basil, coriander, ginger, and mint.
- Fruits: a variety of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century apple and pear types, medlars, red fruits, and berries like blackcurrants.
- Grains: ancient varieties such as gluten-low “Witte Emmer,” rye, and Lavette grain, which are sold as flour or baked into fresh bread.
- Other estate products: eggs from the resident chickens, homemade jams, honey, and local cheeses.
- Meat: from the estate’s happy forest pigs (Bonte Bentheimer and Berkshire breeds), which roam freely in the forests and contribute to biodiversity. Their high-quality meat is available for purchase in vacuum-packed portions, as ham, and sausages.
Landgoed Zuylestein is actively involved in restoration projects for its historical gardens and forests, and relies on a team of volunteers for various tasks, from harvesting to assisting in the shop. The picturesque setting is also offered for wedding photography, and accommodations like the Gatehouse and Hunting Lodge are available for overnight stays. The estate can be found at Rijksstraatweg 11, Leersum, with clear signage directing visitors to the Orangery and kitchen garden.
What visitors say
This farm and garden is consistently praised for its stunning beauty and tranquil ambiance, making it a beloved destination for relaxation and enjoyment. The meticulously maintained vegetable and flower gardens, particularly vibrant when in bloom, are set within what is clarified by the owner as a picturesque 17th-century castle vegetable garden, offering an enchanting setting for visitors.
Many guests appreciate the opportunity to purchase delicious, fresh, and often organically grown produce, including unique “forgotten vegetables.” The farm also provides options for weekly subscription boxes for fresh greens. Beyond the fresh produce, visitors can enjoy delectable treats such as apple pie, freshly baked organic cakes, and flavorful soup, often complemented by good coffee. A distinctive highlight for many is the presence of the charming and entertaining forest pigs.
The location is highly regarded as an ideal spot for walking and exploring interesting initiatives, even though it requires a short walk from the main road (accessible solutions are available for those with mobility issues). The atmosphere is generally welcoming, and the staff, largely volunteers, are described as friendly and helpful. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few visitors have noted that service at the pick-up point could be more efficient. Additionally, one isolated review mentioned specific concerns regarding hygiene and food preparation at the small cafe. Despite these minor points, the farm and garden is widely celebrated as a fantastic destination for immersing oneself in nature, enjoying fresh local food, and finding a peaceful escape.