Escape to This Stunning Farmhouse in the Dutch Countryside!
Escape to This Stunning Farmhouse in the Dutch Countryside: A Frankly Honest Review (with a Few Tears of Joy, Maybe)
Okay, folks, buckle up. We're going on a trip, not just a physical one, but a review trip. This "stunning farmhouse in the Dutch countryside"? Yeah, I just got back, and lemme tell you, my camera roll is screaming for attention, my stomach is still protesting the sheer amount of Gouda, and my brain is… well, scrambled, but in a good way. So, let's break this down, shall we? Don't expect perfect, because, let's be honest, I ain't perfect, and neither is this place (though it gets damn close).
(Metadata Alert: This is a review of a farmhouse hotel in the Netherlands, with a focus on accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and overall experience. Keyword stuffing: Farmhouse, Dutch Countryside, Netherlands, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Cleanliness, WiFi, Pool, Family-Friendly, Relaxation, Dutch Cuisine).
First Impressions & the "OMG, Is This Real?" Moment:
The drive in? Breathtaking. Seriously. Rolling green hills, windmills (the real ones, not the touristy ones), and cows that look like they’re posing for a postcard. The farmhouse itself? Picture-perfect. Think rustic charm meets Instagram-worthy interiors. My jaw actually dropped. I mean, I knew it was supposed to be nice, but "stunning" doesn't even scratch the surface. It’s like stepping into a romantic fairytale, only one where you can actually eat the scenery.
Accessibility - Because Life Isn't Always a Smooth Path (and That's Okay):
Okay, listen up, because this is important. I have to address Accessibility first. They claim to be accommodating, and they really try. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely there, yes, Wheelchair accessible features are present, including ramps and elevators (yes, an elevator in a farmhouse, go figure!). And, crucially, they have an accessible room, which is a HUGE win. BUT… and there's always a but, isn't there? Navigating the older parts of the property without help can be a bit of a challenge if you're not fully mobile. Some pathways are a bit uneven, which requires some level of fitness. It's not perfect, but the effort is there, and the staff are incredibly helpful. Big kudos to the staff. They are eager to help out.
The Tech Side: WiFi, Internet, and Escaping the Digital Abyss (Sort Of):
Internet Access? Present and accounted for. They even have Internet [LAN] and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the digital gods! The Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty reliable too. And there's even Internet services available. Listen, in this day and age, a reliable internet connection is practically a human right. But even with all the tech, let the place envelop you..
Cleanliness and Safety: Are We Safe? Really Safe?
YES! Cleanliness is clearly a priority. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge!), and I felt comfortable. You can practically smell the cleanliness. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the rooms are even Rooms sanitized between stays. Huge bonus points for the Hot water linen and laundry washing. They're taking the pandemic seriously, with Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available if you want it, which is a nice touch. Hand sanitizer is everywhere. It was reassuring to see. Also, they even offer Cashless payment service.
Speaking of Safety & Security: I really liked the CCTV in common areas & outside property, the Fire extinguisher, the Front desk [24-hour], and the Smoke alarms. Made me feel safe when I was in my room.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional accidental Gouda overdose):
Okay, this is where things get really interesting. The Restaurants on-site? Multiple. And they're genuinely good. There’s an A la carte in restaurant, and a Buffet in restaurant, plus a Vegetarian restaurant offering lots of options.The Breakfast [buffet] was a thing of beauty. Imagine endless plates of freshly baked bread, creamy cheeses, and enough bacon to feed a small army. They also put on a Western breakfast. I may, or may not, have eaten my weight in Gouda. The shame… it's delicious shame. You can get a Bottle of water and even a Desserts in restaurant.
Drinking, Dining & Snacking - And a Little Rant:
I have to single out the Poolside bar. It was perfect for a sunset cocktail. The cocktails themselves were strong enough to take the edge off a long day, and the view… oh, the view. They have a Snack bar that's open during the day for small bites. The Happy hour? Let's just say, my liver had a lot of fun. The only minor grumble? The Coffee/tea in restaurant, while plentiful, wasn’t quite up to my exacting caffeine standards. But hey, nobody's perfect, right?
For those who need work or have to pretend to be productive (even on vacation): They feature Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities and even those essential staples: Meeting stationery. There’s also Xerox/fax in business center.
Relaxation: Because You Deserve It (You Really, Really Do):
Okay, time to de-stress. The Spa is… AMAZING. Seriously. Spa/sauna with a Steamroom, and a Pool with a view (see previous mention of the sunset cocktails). They even have a full list of treatments – Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, the works. I opted for the classic massage after a long day of Gouda consumption, and I've never felt so relaxed. There's also a Swimming pool (outdoor), and a Fitness center, with a Foot bath, and even a Sauna.
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Napping):
Okay, so yes, the temptation is to just hibernate in a cloud of soft sheets, but you should get out and explore. The area offers tons of things to do.
Room Details: Because Comfort Matters (And So Does Where You Put Your Feet):
My room? Gorgeous. Non-smoking (thank goodness!), spacious, and with all the little touches that make a hotel room feel like a home. Air conditioning that actually works (a godsend in the summer), a Coffee/tea maker, a ridiculously comfortable Bed with a Blackout curtains (because sleep is sacred, people!), and a Private bathroom. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. The desk was essential. They provided Bathrobes and Slippers. The Internet access – wireless made it easy for me to work.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference (and a little rant about the ironing service):
They offer a ton of services to make your life easier. Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, with Dry cleaning, Concierge services, and even a Doorman. The Luggage storage was super helpful. They even have a Convenience store. The Invoice provided was appreciated.
My one slight gripe (and it's a minor one): The Ironing service. Okay, I get it, I'm on vacation, but I still needed a shirt ironed for dinner one night, and it took longer than expected. The Ironing facilities in the room were a nice touch. I'm just saying, a little more efficiency wouldn't go amiss.
Family/Child Friendly, For the Kids and Others:
The Family/child friendly aspect is well-handled. They offer a Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Getting Around:
They have a Car park [free of charge], the Car park [on-site], and even a Car power charging station. If you want to get around, they've got you covered with Airport transfer, a Taxi service, and Valet parking.
The Verdict (Drumroll Please…):
This farmhouse hotel? It's a gem. It's not perfect, but it's got heart, character, and a genuine desire to make your stay memorable. The combination of stunning scenery, delicious food, relaxing spa, and attentive service… it’s a winner. I’m already planning my return. Seriously, book this place. Just, maybe, leave some Gouda for me next time, okay? And tell the staff they’re doing an amazing job. This place deserves all the stars. Absolutely.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Mesch Villa Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your average, pristine itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle a chaotic love affair with a farmhouse in Elsendorp, Netherlands, into something resembling a plan. Let's see how it goes… because honestly, with me, anything could happen.
Operation: Get My Dutch On (and Maybe Not Get Eaten by a Cow)
The Grand "Farmhouse in Elsendorp" Adventure (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gouda)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Departure: The airport chaos. I swear, every time I fly, I develop a new phobia. This time? The guy who kept trying to sell me… uh… something made of yak hair. Seriously, who needs a yak-hair anything in the Netherlands? Already feeling a bit off-kilter.
- 11:30 AM (ish) - Flight: Finally boarded. Snapped a window seat. Praying for no turbulence. Found this delightful Dutch magazine with pictures of giant windmills, which, let's be honest, are already making me feel a little overwhelmed.
- 3:00 PM (ish) - Schiphol Airport & Train to Eindhoven: Smooth(ish) landing! Schiphol is a labyrinth. Managed to find the train, which, thank God, was actually ON TIME. Which, I'm told, is a big deal in the Netherlands.
- 4:00 PM (ish) - Eindhoven to Elsendorp - The Taxi of Destiny: Okay, Eindhoven is a modern city. Now for the real adventure. Taxi ride booked. The driver was a chatty fella, spoke fluent English, and kept telling me about the "quiet beauty" of Elsendorp. I'm picturing rolling green hills and quaint little pubs. Secretly hoping for a chocolate shop.
- 5:00 PM - Farmhouse Arrival: HOLY. COW. Okay, first impressions? The front door is… big. Like, "could fit three of me sideways" big. Turns out, my expectations of rolling hills were only partially met. IT'S HUGE. I'm not sure I'm worthy of this house. Immediately ran around, touching everything, taking pictures, and feeling like I've wandered into a slightly dusty (but utterly charming) fairytale.
- 5:30 PM - Farmhouse Tour & Immediate Panic, Part 2: So, the owner (a lovely woman named Els, who radiates warmth and smells faintly of freshly baked bread) gives me the grand tour. I'm already lost. The kitchen? Bigger than my apartment. The living room? Has a fireplace that looks capable of burning down a small village. And there's a garden. An enormous, possibly haunted, garden. Feeling overwhelmed, but in a good way. Like, I could live in a fairytale forever.
- 6:30 PM - Grocery Run and the Cheese Conundrum: Els points me towards the local supermarket. Navigate the supermarket. Everything is labelled in Dutch, so it's like playing a very stressful game of charades at warp speed! I get a cheese. And some bread. And probably way too much Gouda. I mean, when in Rome (or, you know, Elsendorp)…
- 7:30 PM - First Meal, First Mistake: Back at the farmhouse, struggling to operate the oven. Nearly set off the smoke alarm. The cheese is delicious, though. Eating my Gouda with a side order of mild panic. This house… it's going to break me. Maybe I'll have to get some more Dutch.
- 9:00 PM - Stumbling into Bed: Exhausted. Drained. But happy. The farmhouse is amazing. And I swear, I think I heard a cow moo from the garden. I do not know the implications of this.
Day 2: Bikes, Windmills, and the Dangers of Over-Enthusiasm
- 8:00 AM - Wakey Wakey, Eggs and….More Cheese!: Breakfast on the sunny patio. Sun shining. Birds chirping. Gouda glorious. Actually feeling human. This is the life!
- 9:00 AM - Bike Ride to the Windmill: Els left me a trusty bike. Deciding it's time to get properly Dutch. The ride? Well, let's just say I haven't ridden a bike in, oh, approximately a decade. I wobble. I nearly take out a family of ducks. I learn that Dutch bike paths are a serious business. Finally get to a windmill! It's even more majestic in person than I imagined.
- 11:00 AM - Windmill Exploration & The Great Camera Fail: Took a million photos. Tried to look sophisticated in front of the windmill. My camera died, of course. A true tragedy.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & the Great Potato Omelette Catastrophe: Back at the farmhouse. Decided to be adventurous and make a potato omelette. It was… not a success. Let's just say, it involved a lot of burnt potatoes and a significant amount of egg-related carnage.
- 1:30 PM - Attempted Relaxation in the Garden: Trying to read in the garden. Mosquitos are vicious. The alleged peace and quiet is interrupted by the relentless buzzing of something. Eventually retreat indoors, defeated.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring Elsendorp: Wandering through Elsendorp. It's ridiculously charming and that's a bit overwhelming. Met a couple of locals who spoke very little English but seemed amused by my clumsy attempts at Dutch. There's a bakery. Naturally, I bought a windmill-shaped cookie.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner at the "Local Pub" (A Hilarious Misunderstanding): Els suggested a pub. I found a pub. It was more like a community center with taps. Ordered something that sounded like "beer" and prayed. The locals stared at me. I think I ate a fried thing that might have been a meatball. Or possibly a small, round earth.
- 7:00 PM - Fireplace Fiascos: Tried to use the fireplace. Smoke billowed out. Panic ensued. Abandoned the idea and settled for Netflix.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Day two complete. Slightly less panic. Feeling a bit Dutch. Feeling very full of cheese.
Day 3: The Day I Fell in Love with a Farmhouse
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: Decided to make coffee. The coffee machine is huge and intimidating. Eventually, success! Coffee!
- 8:00 AM - The Great Walk: Walking the grounds. The garden is less scary by daylight. Suddenly, the chaos turned to magic. The birds, the soft breeze, the quiet… I was smiling. This farmhouse is, in fact, perfect.
- 9:00 AM - A Long Walk: Wandering around with camera. Taking pictures of everything. The flowers, trees, even the cow in the distance. Feeling more at home.
- 10:00 AM - A Walk Around the Town: People watching. Everyone is on their bikes. Everyone is smiling. Elsendorp's charm really gets to you.
- 1:00 PM - Baking Attempt: Els left instructions for Dutch pancakes. More stress in the kitchen. These pancakes are NOT going to catch fire.
- 1:30 PM - Pancake Disaster: Let’s just say that these pancakes needed to be buried at the bottom of the garbage can.
- 3:00 PM - Reconnection with Nature: Decided to sit by the pond in the garden. The sky opened up to a beautiful blue. The sun was shining.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner: Pasta. Simple, reliable pasta.
- 7:00 PM - Fireplace Success!: With the help of YouTube (and a lot of luck), I managed to light the fireplace. Cozy bliss.
- 9:00 PM - Goodbye. Preparing for goodbye tomorrow. It felt like a lifetime since I showed up at the farmhouse.
- 10:00 PM - Farewell: Feeling sad. What's worse, it's a feeling that, I know, I'll miss.
Day 4: Departure and Heartbreak
- 8:00 AM - Final Breakfast: A final, sad, cheese-filled breakfast. Looking out the window, feeling the farmhouse's embrace. I'm going to cry.
- 9:00 AM - Final Farmhouse Tour: Saying goodbye to each room, each corner. Taking a last look at that fireplace, at those enormous front doors. Feeling like I'm leaving a piece of myself.
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Photos & the Great Panic: Taking a million more photos. Realizing I've probably left something important. Searching frantically. Finding nothing.
- 11:00 AM - Taxi to Eindhoven: The taxi arrives. Saying goodbye to Els. Hug. Tears.
- 12:00 PM - Train to Schiphol: On the train, looking back at the hills.
- 2:00 PM - At the Airport: Waiting.
Okay, so... this 'Stunning Farmhouse' – is it REALLY stunning? Or just… nice? I'm skeptical.
Alright, alright, let's cut the crap. "Stunning" is a word that gets thrown around, right? And honestly? The first time I saw *pictures*? I thought, "Oh, yeah, pretty good." But then...Then I *got there*. Picture this: driving down these winding Dutch lanes, fields of tulips swaying like a drunken chorus line… and *bam!* There it is. The farmhouse. That weathered brick, the ivy climbing the walls like it's auditioning for a movie role, the ridiculously picturesque windows. Yeah. Stunning. It's the kind of place that makes you audibly exhale, you know? Like all the city-grime just washes away. But… and this is important, it's *real*. The charm isn’t some manufactured Instagram filter. There's a slight wonkiness to the roof, and the floors creak like grumpy old men. It's honestly brilliant.
Is this Dutch countryside thing as twee as it sounds? Will there be clogs everywhere? And, like, windmills?
Okay, preemptive *sorry*, if you're allergic to charming, you might want to skip this one. Yes, the Dutch countryside *is* ridiculously picturesque. Yes, there are windmills. And, yes, I’ll admit it… I did, at *some* point, involuntarily hum a little Dutch folk song while cycling. The clogs? They're not *everywhere*. But they're there. Probably hanging by the back door of the farmhouse. Honestly, it's less twee than you’d think. More… honest. It's about the simple things. Fresh air, big skies, the sound of cows mooing gently in the distance. And maybe a few strategically placed tulips. Don't fight it. Embrace the charm. I did... eventually.
The listing mentions 'amazing breakfasts!' What constitutes 'amazing' in this context? Because my definition of 'amazing' usually involves a bottomless mimosa.
Right. Let's talk breakfast. And, yes, the mimosa situation… I hear you. However! This isn't just some continental breakfast of stale croissants and weak coffee. This is… *proper* breakfast. Homemade bread, the kind that still warm and crusty, with butter that melts in your mouth. Fresh eggs, probably from the chickens clucking around outside. And, if you’re lucky, some local jam that tastes like sunshine. One morning, they had *pancakes*. Fluffy cloud-like pancakes. With berries. And a side of bacon. Seriously, I ate so many pancakes that I had to unbutton my jeans. (Okay, maybe not *unbutton*, but I definitely felt a little… stretched.) This wasn’t just ‘amazing’; it was breakfast nirvana. Maybe, just maybe, you won't miss the bottomless mimosas so much. (I said "maybe".)
What if I'm just...bad at relaxing? I thrive in chaos. Will I be bored?
Okay, listen, I *understand*. I’m a city person. I'm used to a million things happening at once. Silence? It's terrifying. But here’s the thing. The farmhouse… it forces you to slow down. There's no rushing. You *have* to relax, because, well, there's nothing else to do. Except maybe… read a book. Or stare at the clouds. Or drink copious amounts of coffee. I started out feeling twitchy and restless. I was checking my phone constantly. (Bad habit, ugh.) But slowly – *so* slowly – it got better. The silence – you learn to love it. The slower pace – you begin to crave it. By the end of my trip, I was genuinely *sad* to leave. And I'm a person who usually runs *towards* the chaos. So, yeah, you *might* be utterly bored for the first 24 hours. But give it time. You might just surprise yourself and find you actually… like it.
Is this Farmhouse pet-friendly? Because my chihuahua, Captain Fluffernutter, *demands* to be included in all my adventures.
Oh. Right. Captain Fluffernutter. Okay. This is *super* important. Check the actual listing. I *think* they might be pet-friendly, but honestly, I didn't bring a chihuahua. Now, if they *are* pet-friendly, be aware of the sheep. I'm not joking. There are sheep. And they look… judgmental. I have no idea if they're friendly to dogs, but I got the distinct impression they were judging everyone's life choices, including mine. So... yeah. Check the pet policy. And maybe train Captain Fluffernutter to ignore the sheep. Just a thought. Otherwise? The grounds are lovely for a little canine stroll.
What about the Wi-Fi? Crucial for my work, probably.
Okay, let’s tackle the bane of modern existence: Wi-Fi. Yes, there is Wi-Fi. It works. Mostly. Look, you’re in the countryside, not some five-star hotel. Don’t expect blazing-fast speeds. I mean, it's good enough for emails and the odd video call (though I recommend keeping those to a minimum; embrace the escape!). But if you're a digital nomad who *needs* lightning-fast internet to, like, run a server farm or something? Maybe this isn't the place for you. However, I found the slightly patchy Wi-Fi a strange kind of blessing. It forced me to disconnect. To *look* at the world rather than *at a screen*. It was… liberating. And, honestly, the slower internet felt like the farmhouse gently nudging you towards relaxation. That's my perspective at least. You might feel differently.
Tell me about the people! Are the hosts friendly? Are they, you know, *normal*?
The hosts? Oh my god, they were *lovely*. Truly. Like, genuinely good people. They're Dutch, of course. And Dutch people are known for being… direct. No flowery nonsense or fake smiles. Just genuine friendliness. They were there if you needed them, but they also completely respected your privacy. One day, I was struggling to figure out the coffee machine (I'm a coffee-making disaster). He just appeared, without a word, and fixed it. No fuss, no fanfare. Just… coffee. They left a little note with recommendations for local spots, and the best cheese shops (important!). They’re *real*. They clearly love their farmhouse. They've worked hard to make it feel special. And honestly, it shines through. It’s not just a place to stay; it's a feeling. And that feeling is, surprisingly, welcome.
Okay, you've sold me on the breakfast and the charm. But let's talk about… *things to do*! What's the deal?
Alright, let's talk action (or lack thereof, depending onWeb Hotel Search Site
