12 x Drenthe (and Overijssel)
During the making of Little Escapes we (we: you obviously don't make a book alone) became a little more like our own country than we already were. Because man, what is the Netherlands the bomb. But really. Now look at that Drenthe, the beautiful Drenthe every season. You don't have to do much else about that, although it is nice if there is a picture of a sleeping and eating location. Well, there are:
Hands on each other Cocoon Houses, in our opinion the best tip for those who want to explore the Netherlands with their offspring. There are not one, not two but three Cocoon Houses that truly live up to their name: one in Drenthe, one in Zeeland and one in Limburg. Save them all, we say. But okay, now Drenthe! Holiday home Bosbries is a bright bungalow. And is located in the ancient Sleenerzand nature reserve with silent forests, fens, heathlands and a drifting sand area. So you hop straight into the woods. In the sunny garden of 850 m2 with tree house you hear nothing but birds whistling and playing kids (if you have one with you). Huisje Bosbries is not only beautiful, but also has everything you need. You really don't have to leave the house. Not only thanks to the well-equipped kitchen, but also because of the very nice beds, a wonderful sofa, cozy dining area and luxurious bathroom. Long story short: Bosbries is for everyone who loves peace and nature, in combination with a high level of comfort.
Tralaluna is a brilliant hub set up to – probably, as we put it – make the whole of the Netherlands fall in love with old-timer camper vans and caravans. If you weren't already, you will be during a weekend stay somewhere in the north of the country with a place to sleep on four wheels. Each one unique, all very vintage. The latter makes the casita on wheels very cozy. Via Tralaluna.nl you can choose a caravan or camper van from the rental range and then leave, bumping towards your sleeping place. Recommended; stay in and around Drenthe, they are really 'oldies', those vintage cars; they don't go that fast anymore and deserve to be relaxed. Slow Travel is the motto.
Cabin? Yes, beautiful cabins equipped with everything you need. The exact location of your vacation cabin? You will only hear this when you have booked. So exciting. One thing is certain, the location is somewhere in the Drentsche Aa. Cabiner was created by three adventurous friends who love nature. After a long trek through no man's land - okay, Senja Island in Norway - where the three slept in the open nature, even a simple hut was a luxury. The adventurers, in turn, created cabins at home in the most beautiful places in nature. There are now eight cabins spread across unspoilt Drenthe. All equally beautiful. The front of the cabin is made of glass, which makes it light inside and the view beautiful. The rest of the interior is made entirely of wood. If you would like to object that you would like to keep that untouched nature untouched, the people behind Cabiner also have an answer: for every overnight stay, a tree is planted in the immediate vicinity, in collaboration with Staatsbosbeheer, and they involve local entrepreneurs in the process . Finally, there are two different overnight stays: Cabiner trekking and Cabiner unplugged. With the first you take a multi-day trip from Cabiner to Cabiner and if you choose the unplugged option, you stay where you check in.
A house made of wood', that's exactly what you google when you want to retreat into nothingness at all.
A cozy wooden house Drenthe, near the popular place because of the dolmens town of Norg. The house is built in Swedish style, painted dark gray on the outside and with a predominantly white interior. Scandinavian, with many natural materials and a central stove for the bad days - definitely recommended, Drenthe is also highly recommended in the autumn, but ok.
Upon entering it is immediately noticeable: here it is Rust with a capital letter. A very timeless and homely style and then those high windows that let in the beautiful light. But Mooi River has also thought about the flex workers in the area: on the edge, tables are cleverly arranged as workplaces with a view of the Vecht. If you stay the night, a huge breakfast buffet awaits you the next day with a variety of toppings, different types of bread (of course also the gluten-free varieties), different types of yogurt (even coconut), eggs, sweet rolls and various drinks. Like. You can also nod to the chefs who work in a large open kitchen. And not only the accommodation and breakfast get a big thumbs up, that also goes to the Mooirivier staff. A big thumbs up. The staff here is genuinely sweet, warm, cordial, hospitable, professional and oh so friendly.
The park has various bungalows, chalets, safari tents, houses and villas. But without any doubt we went for the Tree House XXL. On arrival, the beds are made and there is a towel package available for each guest (you can accommodate 4 adults and a maximum of 2 children) and everything has been thought of: there are games and a bottle of wine is cold - well, then you have us. well. Shotgun the sleeping loft. There you have a beautiful view over the fields and the existing pellet stove ensures that it is comfortable all year round.
The spacious balcony terrace has a 5-person jacuzzi; you can sit there and sit warm (with a glass) under the canopy of the trees. Send the kids to the park. There they can go to an indoor and heated swimming pool or to the outdoor pool. From breakfast to dinner you can go to the Westerbergen restaurant and it is great.
Domecilia ? Yes, that is a total of five dome houses at Camping Buitenland guest what? Drenthe! The Domes are placed together on a lawn, next to the forest. Nature is calling, ha. The domes were built by three good friends. And of course every dome has its own look. They all have one thing in common, natural and recycled materials. Do you want to know if there is a kitchen in such a dome? Nope, there is a communal kitchen and picnic tables everywhere. The dome also has beautiful mood lighting and a large star-shaped skylight for a picture-perfect view of the stars.
Assen is equivalent to the TT – you must experience it at least once. But beyond that? Eh. Not much going on. Right? Well, there is certainly something to experience. Stroll to the market where the new classic restaurant Bij Jaap is now located, or further afield visit Het Muziekcafé, Brasserie 21 or De Bakker and De Schenker, a bakery and brasserie in one. All you can etct (but nice) at YuMe or that beach feeling but without the beach at Fellini. Although… Forget them all and drive the 20 minutes to De Loohoeve in Schoonloo, see below. You can also spend the night there, but you can also do so in Assen (quite nice, actually). The best option is B&B 't Huys van De Gouverneur, right on the Vaart canal, next to the Asserbos, a 5-minute walk from the city center. B&B Het Huys van de Gouverneur is located in a monumental building where the first governor of Assen, Petrus Hofstede, once lived. That you know.
Eethuis Voscheheugte has been known for over 40 years for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful terrace right next to the Mantingerzand nature reserve, whether you just drink a cup of tea or enjoy a whole meal. Breakfast is possible upon reservation, lunch and high tea are always allowed. You can sleep at the associated campsite, which also has a few wooden huts - they are fantastic.
About a 20-minute drive from Assen and you are at the best restaurant in the area. Like this. De Loohoeve is a bit in the proverbial middle of nowhereYes, but that shouldn't spoil the fun. In fact, that just makes the fun even greater. The restaurant is run by a young duo, he in the kitchen, she in the service and everything runs smoothly. It is beautiful outside, like everything in Drenthe. You enter in one kind of brown pub, the restaurant
Okay, this one almost didn't make the list because to be honest: we were not helped that kindly. But we forgive it so much because Cuisinerie Mensinge We were tipped off several times by friends, so it was probably an unfortunate coincidence this one time. Fixed. It was neither the food nor the location, the more than 600 year old Mensinge Estate. Dinner is served in the old horse stables – beautiful. You can also follow cooking workshops or participate in the tastings that are organized occasionally.
On the corner of two country roads there is Inn De Witte Goose where you eat your entire life (yikes) on huge portions of meat or fish. Apparently they don't know vegetarian, vegan, gluten and so on. Can certainly be prepared, but the menu is meat or fish. And what kind of meat or fish: a terrine of wild boar, duo of deer and sea bream fillet with scallops. The bib gourmand menu is delicious (sometimes perhaps iets too sweet but tastes differ) and the portions are gigantic. Not annoying: the wine menu only has very full glasses, so you won't be thirsty. Ask for a seat near the large fireplace that heats the entire room, let the kitchen prepare everything and then sleep wonderfully at Mooirivier.
