Feather Down

De Veenderpolder

Escape to a simpler life with Annelies and Lars

Discover De Veenderpolder in Rijpwetering, South Holland. At this modern dairy farm, up to 110 dairy cows live in the free-range barn. This is special because the cows lie on wood chips and the milk they give meets requirements for animal health, biodiversity, and climate. The tent houses are located around the playground, in the polder with a view of the water-rich environment.

No time to be bored in South Holland

Go to Leiden and visit a museum. For example, Naturalis, the Boerhaave museum, the National Museum of Antiquities or Corpus. In spring, the Keukenhof is worth a visit. Time for action? Within 30 minutes you are at Duinrell or Drievliet. The farm is surrounded by water. Take a dip in the Wijde AA river or the Braassemermeer. Go to the beach at Katwijk aan Zee. Not done yet? Rent a canoe at the farm.

What to do at De Veenderpolder

Help the farmer milk the cows. If you listen carefully, you can get your farm license here! Admire the Friesian milking sheep or the milk goats. Pick up a fresh egg from the chickens or pet the rabbits. See how the farmer's wife makes cheese and yoghurt from sheep's milk, and she sometimes gives workshops that you can join. Play in the play barn or do crafts in the crafts corner. Jump on the trampoline, go swinging or build a sandcastle in the big sandbox. Real adventurers go ditch jumping in the polder! Go to the farm shop and buy delicious home-made products. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy in front of your tent house. At the end of the day, dive into your comfy bed.

What can you expect?

Honesty shop
Pizza oven
Order bread
Dogs not allowed

What animals with you find on this farm?

You too?

What our guests like

In the Groene Hart area
Walks
Cycling
Wetland area

Our canvas hideaways

Canvas hideaway with farm-house shower

6 persons

Canvas hideaway with private outdoor shower

6 persons

Canvas hideaway with en-suite shower

6 persons

A unique experience

Back to basics

Live in nature

Have adventures together

Including wood for the wood-burning stove
Including welcome package with bed-linen, towels, candles, matches, washing-up liquid and other basic items

Going without electricity is our greatest luxury

Pizza Night

The farmer will usually fire up the pizza oven during your stay. Everyone gathers round to tell their stories of the day’s adventures and invent pizza toppings you’ll never find on the high street

Ask the Farmer

The farm tour is a must if it’s on offer. But you don’t wait till then. The farmer will be delighted to tell you more about how what goes on at the farm at any time.

The Farm Shop

It’s great for the basics and usually even better for local produce and low food miles. And every Feather Down farm shop operates on an honesty basis.

Meet your hosts

Annelies and Lars

We live on the Veenderpolder with our dog and three cats! Here you can see how things work in a free-range stable. You can also learn all about our milk goats and sheep.