Peter and Mieke Oerlemans

Den Hof Farm near Bergen op Zoom: a place full of space, tranquillity and stories
A stone’s throw from Bergen op Zoom, tucked away amongst the woods of the Vrederust Estate, lies Den Hof Farm Shop. What once began as a traditional dairy farm has, over the past 25 years, grown into a vibrant place where care, agriculture, nature and hospitality come together. Mieke Oerlemans (54) and her husband Peter run the business with heart and soul. “People really come here to unwind.”

A new direction
In 2001, alongside their dairy farm, Mieke and Peter tentatively launched a small farm shop, tucked away at the back of their house. A few years later, they took their first step into the care sector: they began running a day centre on their farm. “We were approached by someone from Novadic Kentron. They asked if we could accommodate a participant.” For twenty years now, Boerderij Den Hof has been offering a safe haven for adults in need of support. People who want to break out of social isolation, people recovering from a history of addiction, or people looking to re-establish a routine. The group is now diverse, and people with intellectual disabilities also find a place on the farm. “They come here on the basis of trust,” says Mieke. “We don’t need to know what’s happened in someone’s life; it just has to feel right. After a three-day trial period, we can often tell straight away whether someone is in the right place here.”

A place to relax
The day care centre runs the farm, as well as the shop and yard. "In the shop we sell fresh produce: milk, cheese and other delicacies. And homemade ice cream," Mieke proudly explains. "In the beginning, I got up at five o'clock to make the ice cream before the shop opened. Now, fortunately, we have help. But I dare say our ice cream is a hit."

The farm's terrace has also become popular with cyclists and hikers. "We were increasingly asked if people could have a drink after a walk. First we made our private terrace available, but eventually the municipality allowed us to build a real terrace for guests." During the corona period, Peter's old workshop, adjacent to the shop, was also converted into a seating area for guests. Since then, guests can also sit inside.

According to Mieke, people are increasingly seeking nature again. "People live more and more consciously, want to get away from the stimuli of the city more often. At our place, they come to rest from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The sound of birds prevails and you are really among the woods here. And people want to know more than ever where their food comes from. Well, you can see that for yourself here."

Experiences on the farm
But Den Hof Farm is more than just cows, care and a shop. It is a place full of experiences. For example, Mieke and Peter have been organising children’s parties for twelve years in the adjacent woodland, which they manage in collaboration with Brabants Landschap. “We’ve laid out a barefoot trail there, and there are games, huts and activities. It’s so lovely to see children really playing outdoors.”

There are also regular special events. “Our open day – now in its fourteenth year – attracts nearly four thousand visitors every year. The first time, we had thirty volunteers on hand and I remember thinking: if only one person turns up. But even then, fifteen hundred people came!”
Den Hof is also a popular venue for private functions. Mieke and Peter’s own wedding was celebrated here, as was an intimate funeral for a dear friend. “We get all sorts of requests. From weddings to craft afternoons for adults and birthday parties. And sometimes someone just wants to spend an afternoon decorating a cake.”

Growth and future
The farm is a real family business. Mieke and Peter have three daughters and a foster daughter, one of whom has serious plans to continue with the dairy farm. "That would be great," she smiles. Meanwhile, they are working on converting to organic milk. "We are participating in a pilot with three other farmers. First convert the land, then the milk. It's a journey of years, but it feels good to be involved in this."

Curious about Farm Den Hof? Then pay a visit to this lovely place owned by Mieke and Peter. Sit down on their cosy terrace, taste the home-made ice cream or take a look at the cows.

TIP!Campina Open Farm Day - Whit Monday 9 June 2025 from 10am to 4pm

View the website of Farm Den Hof.

May 2025