The first week of summer vacation brought six mothers and twelve children to Landgoed De Mosbeek in Mander, Twente. Blessed with warm weather, we departed Rotterdam around 11 a.m. and arrived over two hours later at Pancake Restaurant Watermolen Bels—a top tip from estate owner Henriët—for lunch. This stunning spot boasted a spacious terrace and wooden playground, ideal for the kids to unwind after the drive.
Just a short drive away, we reached Landgoed De Mosbeek's ample parking lot, where Henriët warmly welcomed us and guided us through the house (accommodating 8-24 guests). Inside, a beautifully styled living space featured a fully equipped kitchen with a large island, expansive dining tables, and a cozy lounge. Henriët masterfully infuses warmth into vast areas with her personal touch—evident in the welcome Twentse krentewegge wrapped beautifully on the island, fresh lemonade in the fridge, and charming vases, pots, and tea lights throughout.
Outdoors matched the indoor charm: a vast covered terrace with stylish lamps, a huge garden with soccer goals and a trampoline, plus a barn stocked with table tennis, darts, shuffleboard, and more. Endless fun for the children.
The ground floor offered three bedrooms (one for four), two toilets, and one bathroom; upstairs, eight double bedrooms each with private bath/toilet. Downstairs 'maid's rooms' housed older kids, while moms stayed upstairs with the youngest. Initial room-sharing jitters settled quickly.
After homemade pizza, we drove 15 minutes to Cosmos Observatory in Lattrop for a private tour. A universe film kicked things off, followed by planetarium stargazing with engaging facts on constellations, moon, and planets. Kids fired questions; a meteorite simulation wowed all. Telescope viewing was limited by clouds, but it was a highlight worth revisiting.
Day two's heat called for swimming. Local natural pools were off-limits due to algae, so we headed to a German open-air pool nearby. Despite crowds, the cool water was refreshing.
Back home, with no water features usable (Mosbeek stream overgrown with nettles), a water slide and farmer's hose sparked hours of fun. Evening brought a BBQ with rented gear and local butcher meat from Vasse's PLUS.
Day three marked my daughter's birthday, prepped with garlands and custom mini tompouces. We celebrated at AvaTarZ Nature Park near Oldenzaal: Kidz course for ages 6+, nature route for toddlers. A TV Oost crew captured the thrills, airing that night. Henriët's family arrived via balloon-decked tractor for rides, postponed due to rain till next morning.
The final day delivered tractor joy, plus my tour of De Schure—another gem for 4-11 guests with garden, trampoline, barn, and calf-viewing. A true standout.
We capped cleanup with Ootmarsum's Siepelmarkt, ending a joyous, action-packed week.
Landgoed De Mosbeek is perfect for friend or family groups. Vast communal spaces prevent crowding, private ensuites offer retreat, kids' amenities abound, and local outings thrive. Henriët shares insider tips on excursions, eateries, even private chefs.
