Last weekend, our family had the joy of staying at Het Betere BoerenBed on Hoeve Waterschap in Friesland. Farmer Gert greeted us warmly on arrival, giving a quick tour of the yard. It was clear right away: this is a welcoming haven where kids roam free and parents unwind instantly. Our daughters, aged 6 and 8, felt at home immediately, and we slipped into full relaxation mode.
Check here the farms of Beter Boerenbed
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The farm boasts a cozy stable housing sheep, lambs, goats, chickens, rabbits, and two ponies, alongside a cowshed and vast meadow. Our children flocked to the lambs for milking and the rabbits for endless cuddles. Cows are milked daily at 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM—you're welcome to lend a hand.
Ten BoerenBed tents dot the farmyard. Ours, Grass Pipit, offered stunning views of the cows' grazing meadow and the canal toward Tjeukemeer.
We've seen photos of Het Betere BoerenBed before, but the reality surpassed every expectation. The tent featured a stylish interior with comfy beds, a charming box bed for the kids, a bunk bed, and a centerpiece wood stove—perfect for cozy evenings with hot chocolate amid the rain.
A private toilet, dining table with six chairs, and fully equipped kitchen added convenience. Without electricity, candlelight and oil lamps created a magical ambiance. Outside, a picnic table and lounge chairs invited lazy afternoons.
We were surprised to find nearly all tents occupied, even this time of year. It fostered instant friendships—our girls bonded with twins and played together all weekend.
More information about Hoeve Waterschap can be found here
The days blurred into outdoor bliss: meadow play, playground adventures, go-kart races, and stable visits. The lambs' stable was a hit, especially when the girls spotted a sheep in labor—we witnessed two births that first evening. Pure magic!
Mornings started chilly, requiring a good fire in the wood stove to warm up. After breakfast with fresh farm bread and eggs, we joined farmer Stef (Gert's father) for a tractor-pulled tour through De Rottige Meenthe nature reserve. Rain poured, but the scenery was breathtaking.
Afternoons brought pony rides on Montana, with Janneke nearby for calm. Evenings meant slow cooking on the wood stove, followed by snuggling in. One midnight, bleating sheep escaped their stable—farm life at its finest.
You can read other affordable Pentecost weekend ideas at fellow blogger Tikva.
The next day, we booked the hot tub—wish we'd reserved ahead, but one spot remained. It took four hours: two to fill, two to heat. The girls checked in every 30 minutes, bikinis ready a day early.
Post-soak, we helped milk the cows, then strolled the dike to Echtenerbrug for dinner at Dikke Tut.
That evening, with kids tucked in, we claimed the hot tub. Bubbling under a starry sky amid farmland—what bliss! A brief rain gave way to endless stars.
This weekend enchanted us all. Hoeve Waterschap, with Gert and Crista's genuine hospitality, is a gem. We'll return!
