A holiday home near the sea is of course great. However, for our horse-loving daughters, our trip to the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands is very special. For in addition to a comfortable accommodation, we also have access to a care pony. Already upon arrival, the girls spot pony Bonny. After the friendly owner welcomes us and assures us that if we work properly, we can take care of the pony, they immediately start working with hay and brushes.
The “Zeeuwse schuur”
Featuring a private garden “In de Zeeuwse Schuur” in Biggekerke offers accommodation with a patio, free Wi-Fi and a terrace. Although smartly small it still has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a shower. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen at an additional cost. At the apartment you can use a barbecue, and the area is ideal for cycling. Some of the best beaches are nearby.
Most days start with a walk with pony Bonny. While we read some more and drink coffee, our daughters walk on a leash through the village and the adjacent fields. Holiday home ‘In de Zeeuwse Schuur’ is located in the town of Biggekerk on Walcheren, one of the islands of Zeeland. There is little or no large-scale entertainment on Walcheren. But we do have some suggestions. Walcheren is a predominantly rural region. The two largest towns on the island are the provincial capital Middelburg and the port city of Vlissingen. In Middelburg we discover Park Toorenvliedt. We enjoy a lovely walk and find out the many playing facilities installed at or around most of the bunkers, especially for younger children. The park belongs to a country house, which was built in the 18th century. It still stands as perky and proud among the greenery as it did then. In the second world war the manor was the German command post for Walcheren and the Bevelanden. Many bunkers have been built in the park itself and they are still largely intact. A small museum has been set up in one of the bunkers. It used to be a communication bunker and the layout is exactly as it was in the 1940-1945 period. The bunker museum has no fixed opening hours. A visit can be requested via the site of the Bunker Preservation Foundation.
Another surprising walk is to and around Fort Rammekens, the oldest sea fortress in Western Europe. It dates from 1547 and once played an important role in the rich maritime history of Zeeland. Soldiers, water beggars, mercenaries, sailors, revolutionaries, they have all left their mark. At our visit the fort was closed due to corona, but just entering the heavy, meters high, thick, wooden doors of the entrance gate must be an experience. Wandering around in the dark semi-bastions, the casemates, the former gunpowder rooms and in the imposing main bastion you will get a picture of the past.
Some places on Walcheren had city rights and are therefore still called city despite their small size, such as Arnemuiden to the northeast of Vlissingen. On the northeast side of the island, on the Veerse Meer, is Veere, an important port city in earlier centuries. The old fishing town of Westkapelle is located on the westernmost tip of Walcheren. Domburg has even older roots on the northwest coast.
Veere
Another day we head to Alpaca World in Koewacht to have a walk with alpacas. There are several places in Zeeland to walk with them. Alpacas originally live on the high plateaus of the Andes in South America, where they are kept as a pet to provide theire abundant fine wool. We soon learn that alpacas are normally known for their gentle nature, long necks and ears that typically point slightly outward. We are having a hilarious walk, since not all alpacas are alike. As usual Menno gets the challenge to walk the stubborn one (the leader). And some of them tend to follow a lot or not (have its one speed). One can imagine we experience all kind of unexpected surprises.
Besides this adventure, everything here revolves around small scale and tranquillity. We walk and cycle while the beaches are of course an inexhaustible source of entertainment. Walcheren has several seaside resorts, of which Domburg is perhaps the best known. Other seaside resorts are Zoutelande, Dishoek, Westkapelle, Oostkapelle and Vrouwenpolder.
We love the beaches here even when it’s still to cold to swim in it. And at several locations you can ride a pony or horse on the beach. Truly some beautiful surroundings. Enjoy it!
WOW
# Tastefully decorated, fully equipped and cosy holiday home. To the latest standard (underfloor heating, new appliances - oven, hob, etc.). The owners were very friendly and helpful.
# Good location with a fast connection to Koudekerke, Middelburg, Vlissingen, Zoutelande, Veere, Westkapelle and Domburg.
# The kids really enjoy taking care of the pony and the daily walks with her through the village.
