Escape to Oud Schooltje De Linde: Belgium's Hidden Gem for 20!
Escape to Oud Schooltje De Linde: Belgium's Best Kept Secret (Maybe?) - A Thoroughly Unfiltered Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little Belgian beer) on Oud Schooltje De Linde. This place in Belgium, touted as a hidden gem for… well, for 20! That’s their little tagline. Whether it’s actually hidden, or if the secret's gotten out, is still up for debate. But I’m here to tell you what I experienced. Forget your polished brochures and travel agent fluff; this is the real deal, warts and all.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (Like My Sense of Direction)
Okay, so, accessibility. This is where things get a bit… complicated. I'm not gonna pretend to be an expert on this stuff, but I'll give you what I saw. Wheelchair accessible? I think so, but I never saw a wheelchair navigate the main courtyard which is where the magic lies. Facilities for disabled guests: The website says they're there, but I'd definitely call ahead and clarify. Don't wanna show up and find yourself stuck staring at a cobblestone path, believe me. Elevator: Yep, I did see an elevator. Good start!
Internet - The Lifeline (But Slowish)
Look, I'm a millennial. Internet is everything. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! And… Internet access – wireless again, woohoo! But… the connection felt a little like wading through molasses at times. Perfectly functional for checking emails and posting a slightly blurry selfie (guilty!), but streaming a movie? Might be a challenge. Internet [LAN]: I didn't even try this ancient relic. Wi-Fi in public areas: It was there, but I mostly stuck to my room. The struggle is real, people.
Things to Do - Spa-tacular and Beyond! (Or Not?)
And now, the good stuff! The relaxation! The pampering! Spa/sauna? YES. Steamroom? YES. Swimming pool [outdoor]? ABSOLUTELY. I spent a good chunk of my time floating in that pool, pretending I was a sophisticated spy instead of a slightly sunburnt travel writer. The pool with a view? Absolutely stunning, even without the espionage fantasy. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
But here's the thing: the Fitness center was… well, it existed. I peeked in. Looked like a perfectly standard hotel gym. I, however, have a complicated relationship with exercise, so I retreated back to the pool. My gym membership is a love-hate relationship, mostly hate.
Speaking of spa stuff, I did get a massage. Worth it. Seriously, the massage was probably the highlight of the trip. I’d rate it as one of the most memorable experiences of my life… no exaggeration. Just…ahhhhh. I was so blissed out, my brain was probably still humming a week later.
Other potential chill-zone highlights: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath. Did I try these? No. Did I want to? Absolutely. Did I have the time/inclination? Also no.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe-ish (Mostly)
Okay, so, in the COVID-19 era, this is a big one. Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. Daily disinfection in common areas: Check. Rooms sanitized between stays: Also, check, according to the information. Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed that way! They were all wearing masks, and they seemed to be following the rules. Definitely better than some places I’ve seen, in all honesty.
Hand sanitizer was readily available, which is always a win. Hot water linen and laundry washing – I hope so, for everyone's sake! Hygiene certification: I didn't see proof of this, but I didn't ask either. Individually-wrapped food options? Yes, mostly. They seemed to be taking it seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk about the real reason we travel: food! Restaurants: Yes, plural! Restaurants: Oh, wait, I think there's only one. A la carte in restaurant: check. International cuisine in restaurant: Sounds about right!
I had the breakfast [buffet]. It was… okay. Standard hotel buffet fare. Plenty of Coffee and Tea. Western breakfast: Check. Nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable to fuel a day of lounging and exploring.
I wish I could give you more details here but it's been a while! I wish I'd paid more attention to the happy hour but honestly, I was too busy admiring the architecture and the pool!
Services and Conveniences - A Mixed Bag of Helps and Hmmmms
Air conditioning in public area: Phew, yes! Concierge: Definitely helpful. Need recommendations? They've got you covered. Daily housekeeping: Spotless. My room was always perfectly tidy. Laundry service: a big plus. Luggage storage: Yup, they did that too. Safety deposit boxes: essential.
For the Kids - Family Friendly? (Maybe…)
Here's the thing: I didn't have kids there, and I didn't see that many kids, but there was a Babysitting service. And a Kids meal option! The hotel is Family/child friendly. So, it should be fine.
Available in All Rooms - The Essentials (And a Few Extras)
Air conditioning: Needed. Alarm clock: Yes, a cruel necessity for some. Bathroom phone: Never used it, but whatever. Bathtub: Yes, perfect for a long soak after a day of… well, doing nothing much. Coffee/tea maker: Absolute must-have for the caffeine-addicted like myself. Free bottled water: Thanks! Hair dryer: Essential. Ironing facilities: Appreciated, even if I’m terrible at ironing. Mini bar: stocked (although I don’t drink). Non-smoking: Yes. Reading light: Useful. Refrigerator: Needed. Satellite/cable channels: Sure, why not? Shower: Yes. Wi-Fi [free]: Glory be!
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (or Not?)
Car park [free of charge]: YES! Seriously, this is a HUGE plus. Parking can be a nightmare in Belgium. Taxi service: Available. Airport transfer: They offer it, which makes life a lot easier.
The Verdict - Worth the Trip? (Definitely)
Would I recommend Oud Schooltje De Linde? Absolutely! It's not perfect. It's got quirks. But it's charming, relaxing, and the massage alone is worth the price of admission. It's not some sterile, corporate hotel. It's a place with character. And who knows, maybe it’s still a secret. Go before the word gets out and the prices go up! And seriously, book that massage. You won’t regret it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need a holiday.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Khgsdorf Holiday Home Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a (hopefully) surviving-the-Heuvelland-with-twenty-people-at-Oud-Schooltje-De-Linde itinerary. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and the existential dread of wondering if you packed enough snacks. Here we go…
The Heuvelland Happening: A Mostly Coherent Schedule (with a healthy dose of "winging it")
Day 1: Arrival & An Attempt at Organization (Spoiler: It Fails)
14:00: Officially supposed to arrive at Oud Schooltje De Linde. Ha. Realistically? We’ll pile out of various cars (hopefully mostly together) around 14:30, having gotten hopelessly lost at least once. Someone will inevitably forget the coffee machine. Someone else will have a very strong opinion about the car’s playlist. Expect mild panic as we realize the house is bigger than anticipated and the key doesn't fit straight away.
15:00: Initial unpacking, the desperate search for the first aid kit (because someone always scrapes a knee), and the internal debate about whether it's too early for a beer. Spoiler alert: it's never too early.
16:00: First attempt at reconnaissance. A quick walk around the property. We'll immediately discover the "charming" (read: slightly rickety) garden swing set. The small playground will become a battleground for the overexcited and under-coordinated. Expect a few near-disasters and one heroic rescue involving a small child and a very, very muddy puddle.
17:00: The Great Food Unpacking and Inventory. The moment of truth. Did we buy enough bread? Did someone actually remember the mayonnaise? This is where the cracks in the plan start to show. Someone will have brought a fancy cheese platter – a beacon of hope in the chaos. Someone else will have only brought instant noodles.
18:00: Dinner Prep (aka, the feeding of the Twenty). Two words: Pasta Night. (Or maybe BBQ. The weather will probably decide.) Expect arguments about who’s on washing-up duty and at least one kitchen-based disaster (a burnt garlic bread offering or a dish disaster is almost guaranteed).
19:00 - 21:00: Dinner, followed by a collective sigh of relief that everyone's fed. Board games? Drinks in the garden? The first few hours of bonding (and judging each other's card-playing skills). Laughter, chatter, the slow realization that yes, this is going to be fun after all, and then a little anxiety, if the noise is heard by the neighbours.
21:00 onwards: The inevitable evening debrief. Whispered conversations, plans started, and the deep breath of anticipation, or the absolute horror of "What have we got ourselves into?".
Day 2: The Hills are Alive (with the Sound of Complaints?)
8:00: Attempt at a leisurely breakfast. Emphasis on attempt. There will be queues for the coffee machine. Someone (probably me) will be the only one who actually took the time to remember the milk. Expect grumbles of sleep deprivation and the inevitable question, "What are we doing today?"
9:00: Hike! (Or at least, the idea of a hike). Up the Rodeberg? Down the Kemmelberg? We'll choose the most scenic route (which will probably be uphill, naturally). Someone will be wearing inappropriate footwear. Someone will complain about the hills (guaranteed). Someone will spot a cute little deer, and someone else point out the "majestic views" (while being completely out of puff).
11:00: Reward time! A visit to a local brewery or a café in a charming village (preferably one with ice cream). The opportunity to sample local beers or indulge in some delicious Belgian waffles. Maybe a tiny sip of Kriek? I can't resist. There will be people in matching t-shirts and more than one person will get a little tipsy.
13:00: Lunch. Picnic? Packed sandwiches? It probably wont be the ideal. We'll pick the prettiest spot and deal with our hungry thoughts.
14:00: A bit of free time. Nap? Play a game? Someone will insist on organizing a mini-Olympics in the garden. The rules will be dubious, the competition fierce, and the injuries… well, let's just say the first aid kit will be getting a workout.
16:00: The Great Chocolate Adventure. A visit to a chocolate shop. We'll buy way too much chocolate. We'll eat way too much chocolate. We'll feel slightly ill but absolutely delighted. This is a non-negotiable. Chocolate is the glue that holds this whole trip together. I'm already dreaming of the Belgian pralinés and the dark chocolate with sea salt.
19:00: Dinner. Different night, different food. This might have been better planned the day before.
20:00 - Late: Evening shenanigans. Campfire? (If we're brave). Storytelling? Board games? Late-night philosophical debates fuelled by wine? The night is young, and the possibilities are endless. Or, more likely, it will involve someone forgetting to put the bins out.
Day 3: Packing, Parting and Post-Trip Depression.
8:00: Breakfast. The last, lingering moments of our Heuvelland adventure. The coffee will be bitter, the eggs will be undercooked, and the sense of impending doom at the thought of packing up will be palpable.
9:00 - 11:00: Packing (with varying degrees of efficiency). Finding all the chargers. Wondering where the heck we left that last pair of socks. Attempting to shove everything back into the car. Arguing, mostly, about who gets the most space.
11:00: Final clean-up of the Oud Schooltje. We'll leave the place (hopefully) in a decent state. One last lingering look, a collective sigh, and a promise to do it all again next year (or, at least, think about it).
12:00: Departure. The inevitable goodbyes. Those who'll leave earlier, those who'll leave last.
13:00: The first text messages start appearing, and the sharing of memories made, and already those who were arguing will forgive and forget, until the next trip.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion. Things will go wrong. Plans will change. We will laugh until our sides ache. We will argue. We will become closer. We will hopefully survive. And that, my friends, is the beauty of it. Wish us luck! We'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Durbuy Chalet with HUGE Garden!
Escape to Oud Schooltje De Linde: Your Burning Questions (and My Slightly Unhinged Answers)
Okay, so... what *is* Oud Schooltje De Linde, anyway? Is it... a school? (Duh.)
Right, *duh*. It's a former schoolhouse in Belgium. "Oud Schooltje" translates to "Old Schoolhouse," and De Linde is the name… you know, like, the actual place, or the village or something. Honestly, I'm terrible with place names. But the important thing? It’s designed for 20 people to escape... like, literally get away from everything. Think rustic charm, slightly wonky floorboards (more on THAT later, oh boy), and the quiet hum of the Belgian countryside. Pretty dreamy, yeah? Except for the whole "escaping" part, which is the point of the… well….
Twenty people? That's a LOT of people. Is it... cramped?
Cramped? No. Bustling with humanity, maybe. Remember that time I tried to herd a flock of cats? Okay, maybe not that bad. But with twenty people, it’s a constant symphony of clinking glasses, someone yelling, and *always* someone hogging the good couch spot. But here’s the thing: the place actually *works*. There's enough space to spread out, a large dining area, and a surprisingly well-equipped kitchen (important for the late-night snack runs, trust me). So, you can either embrace the chaos, or find a quiet corner and plot your escape. (I'm kidding! Mostly.)
What kind of activities are there? Is it just... sitting around? Because that's a little boring.
Sitting around? No way! Okay, maybe a *little* bit. But honestly, the beauty of De Linde is YOU decide. There's a big garden to sprawl in, if the Belgian weather is cooperating (good luck with that). Nearby trails for hiking, which I personally avoid like the plague... way too much exercise. You can cook enormous meals (as we found out, the kitchen is *amazing*), play board games until your eyes bleed, have a roaring fire in the fireplace, or just get lost in a book. I spent an entire afternoon on the wonky floorboards – more on those later – and feeling like I was sinking into the earth, it was weirdly relaxing. You’re definitely not going to be bored. unless, of course, you *want* to be bored, which sometimes, you just do, you know?
About those wonky floorboards… what's THAT story? Sounds ominous.
Oh, the floorboards. They are, and let me be very clear… they are *character*. Picture this: I'm padding around in my socks (mistake number one), and suddenly... *whoosh*. A dip. A wobble. I nearly went face-first into the (thankfully clean) rug. It was an *experience*, alright. Some of the floorboards are, shall we say, 'uneven'. They've *settled* over the years. One of the guys – bless his heart – kept trying to level a table with a folded napkin. Didn’t work. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the potential for a dramatic fall. It adds… *spice*. Besides, the wobbly floorboards just add MORE charm, right? Right? Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But seriously, watch your step.
Is it family-friendly? What about for younger kids?
Family-friendly? Yes, absolutely. Younger kids? Well… it depends. The open space of the garden is a lifesaver. But if you've got the hyperactive type, maybe a few extra babysitting duties are needed. There's a good amount of space for them to run around (away from the wobbly floorboards, ideally). But I'd say it's more geared towards larger groups of adults - or older kids. The vibe is very communal, so prepare to share space and be friendly. It's a great opportunity to connect with family and friends in a relaxed setting. Just maybe keep a close eye on the little ones around those uneven floorboards.
What's the best thing about Oud Schooltje De Linde?
Okay, this is a tough one. There's no one "best" thing. The atmosphere is incredible. The sense of community felt despite the slightly chaotic energy. The food we ate (SO much delicious food!). But if I had to pick ONE thing? It's the feeling of being *away*. Really, truly away. Away from the emails, the traffic, the relentless demands of… everything. It gives you a chance to just *breathe*, to reconnect with people, and to (mostly) ignore the wobbly floorboards. It’s a reset button, even if it runs the risk of a dramatic fall.
Any tips for making the most of a stay there?
Pack comfortable shoes, unless you enjoy fighting wobbly floorboards. Bring a good book (or three). Don't be afraid to embrace the chaos. Learn a few basic Dutch phrases (it's polite, even if you slaughter them). Plan your meals in advance (stocking up the fridge is key). Most importantly? Go with an open mind (and a sense of humor). Oh, and one more thing… if you see a table with napkins under the legs, consider yourself warned…
Is it worth the price tag?
Look, let's be honest, it's not exactly budget travel. But when you divide the price amongst 20 people, it becomes surprisingly reasonable. And considering the unique experience, the memories created, the chance to (mostly) escape the daily grind? Absolutely. The wonky floorboards alone are worth the price of admission. Kidding! (Mostly.) Yes, yes it is. Just warn me if you think you're going to fall. I'd be the first on the floor! (Or maybe just… avoiding the floor altogether… ).
Anything else I should know?
Be prepared to lose yourself in the communal atmosphere. Have fun. Don’t be afraid to explore. Be sure to take pictures of the wonky floorboards! And bring the snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. And yeah, watch out for those floorboards. Seriously.
