Landgoed de Peerdegaerdt is a historic, seven-hectare estate nestled in Strijen, within the scenic Hoeksche Waard region. This multifaceted center operates as both an animal sanctuary for rescued farm animals—including pigs, ducks, sheep, and horses—and a care farm providing personalized support and day activities for children and adults.
The estate emphasizes fostering harmony between humans, animals, and nature through a variety of engaging workshops and activities. These include unique pig-cuddling sessions, interactive experiences for children to connect with rescued animals, and an extensive tour of the grounds. The estate features a beautiful rose and walking garden, as well as a century-old high-stem orchard. Educational workshops on ecological vegetable gardening and permaculture are also offered, guiding participants in sustainable cultivation practices.
Annually, the estate hosts well-known picking events, allowing visitors to gather their own fresh produce. For those participating in the vegetable gardening workshops, there is also the opportunity to harvest a personalized selection of seasonal items from the large, ecological garden. Produce available for picking includes a variety of vegetables (such as zucchini), fruits (including apples and pears from the orchard), fresh herbs (like lemon verbena), and flowers for bouquets.
Additionally, Landgoed de Peerdegaerdt facilitates horse coaching for organizational development and maintains a webshop offering unique, vegan products crafted from locally sourced, unsprayed fruits and herbs. Visits to the estate are by appointment only, Monday through Friday.
What visitors say
Landgoed De Peerdegaerdt is consistently celebrated as a remarkably beautiful and serene estate, frequently described as a “paradise on earth” where visitors can truly unwind and connect with nature. The inviting atmosphere and well-maintained environment are recurring highlights across various reviews.
The farm offers a diverse array of engaging activities and workshops designed to cater to a wide audience. Popular experiences include unique “pig cuddling” sessions, highly recommended for their blend of fun and education, as well as practical workshops focusing on permaculture and biological vegetable gardening. These sessions provide valuable insights into sustainable living and are often praised for being enthusiastically led by knowledgeable guides. Additionally, visitors can enjoy horse coaching, participate in special events for children during holidays, or indulge in a delightful High Tea featuring fresh, often organically grown, ingredients. The opportunity to interact with various animals, many of whom are rescued and live freely on the estate, is a significant draw. In season, guests can also enjoy picking fresh apples and pears from the orchard.
A core aspect of De Peerdegaerdt’s mission is its strong social and inclusive ethos. The estate functions as a care farm, providing day activities for individuals with disabilities. Reviewers consistently commend the dedicated staff and passionate volunteers for their compassionate and effective approach, particularly with children with special needs. This commitment to animal welfare, human well-being, and ecological sustainability creates an environment that is genuinely friendly to animals, people, and nature.
While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a few isolated points of criticism have been raised. One visitor questioned the pricing of certain food items, perceiving them as overly commercial. Another expressed frustration over a lack of follow-up regarding a job application. There was also a reported incident where a pre-booked horse coaching session was cancelled due to adverse weather, and the participant did not receive the cancellation notification, leading to disappointment upon arrival. However, these specific concerns do not detract significantly from the overall positive feedback regarding the estate’s beauty, offerings, and commendable social mission.