This family-run farm and garden, known as De Haarse Gaard, is located in Haarzuilens and boasts a rich history as a fruit cultivation business, which has expanded into a comprehensive countryside shop. It offers a wide array of fresh produce and regional products, with a strong emphasis on local and sustainable sourcing, backed by GlobalGAP certification for quality and food safety.
At its farm shop, visitors can discover a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables, including endive, zucchini, bell peppers, leeks, green beans, chicory, various types of cabbage (cauliflower, pointed, white, and red), lettuce, carrots, root vegetables, and onions, many of which are sourced from Dutch soil. The fruit assortment features apples, pears, plums, and blackberries grown in their own orchards. Specific apple varieties include Alkmene, Cox, Elstar, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Pinova, and Wellant, while pear varieties consist of Conference, Doyenne du Comice, and Gieser Wildeman. Other fruits like strawberries, pineapple, bananas, grapes, cherries, kiwis, mandarins, mangoes, and oranges are also available.
Beyond fresh produce, the shop provides a range of local dairy products such as milk, buttermilk, yogurt, quark, butter, and vla. Other offerings include artisanal roasted coffee, homemade farm ice cream, organic beef, Gaasterlander pork, Groenekanse chicken, salt-free spice mixes, and various regional delicacies like honey from their orchard, fruit juices (made from their own apples and pears), jams, chutneys, fruit sauces, apple sauce, and baked goods like apple pie. Specialty items such as local beers, wines, and a selection of gift and Christmas packages are also part of their inventory.
The farm hosts an annual “Appelplukdag” (Apple Picking Day), typically held in September, during which visitors are invited to self-pick apples directly from the orchard. This popular event often features additional activities like rides on a picking train, a bouncy castle, and the opportunity to press fresh apple juice.
De Haarse Gaard is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and remains closed on Sundays and Mondays. It can be found at Thematerweg 8, 3455 SN Haarzuilens.
What visitors say
This farm shop consistently receives high praise from visitors, who frequently commend the exceptional freshness and quality of its produce. Many customers specifically highlight the delicious apples, including the Wellant variety, as well as succulent pears and cherries, often noting that the items are grown on-site or sourced directly from local producers, offering a superior taste compared to supermarket alternatives.
Beyond its core offering of fresh fruit and vegetables, the store boasts a diverse and expanding assortment. Shoppers can find an array of regional specialties, fine delicatessen, farmhouse cheeses, dairy products, and a good selection of meats, including options from local organic farms and game. Homemade jams, various juices, and even fruit chocolates and ice cream are also popular choices.
The atmosphere is consistently described as pleasant, cozy, and inviting, with many appreciating the clean and well-organized layout. The staff are repeatedly praised for being remarkably friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, clearly taking pride in their work and ensuring excellent, prompt service. The location near a castle is also noted as a convenient stop, with ample parking available.
For families, the farm regularly organizes engaging events such as annual apple picking days with activities for children and educational blossom tours, enhancing the overall experience. While a few reviewers mention that prices might be slightly higher than elsewhere, most agree that the quality of the products justifies the cost. Isolated feedback regarding an unfriendly staff interaction over entry rules or occasional concerns about freshness appear to be exceptions to the overwhelmingly positive sentiment. Overall, it is highly recommended as a charming country store for high-quality, fresh, and local goods.