Landgoed Lauswolt, the Netherlands

We are on a father daughter outing. Two days on a trip to the provinces of Drenthe and Friesland. Of course, far too short to do justice to these beautiful areas; you can easily pull it out a few weeks ahead. So: short but sweet, but that doesn't make it any less fun.

To get in the mood, we pay a sporty visit to the DX Adventure Park in Gasselte, the largest open water park in the Netherlands. We brave the various obstacles of the water park with a squeal of laughter. After we have caught our breath, we go out on the vast lake with two inflatable paddles. For anyone older than 12, there are also 6 jumps up to 11 meters high where you can learn the basics of ski jumping. Highly recommended for adrenaline junkies.

It's a good thing it's still an hour's drive to our main destination, as it does take us some time to catch our breath. However, as soon as we enter the driveway of Landgoed Lauswolt in Beetsterzwaag, Friesland, we are out of breath again. From admiration this time. The estate is beautifully situated between the meadows and on the edge of one of the most famous golf courses in the Netherlands.

Landgoed Lauswolt is named after the original owners, the Lauswolt family from Beetsterzwaag. In 1867, the then owners ordered the construction of a mansion on the estate. This is still the heart of our hotel. The various modern extensions make it a special whole, while it continues to radiate a harmonious whole. Here we are going to have fun, we conclude together while we park the car.

Our Junior Suite has a spacious sitting area, Nespresso machine, large bath and an even larger walk-in shower and the sliding glass doors give a magnificent view of the estate. All rooms are furnished in the same luxurious way. Some suites even have a large terrace with comfortable chairs and a parasol. Perfect for an evening drink in warm weather while the kids are in bed. The coach house is also available as group accommodation for larger families. The coach house can accommodate 2 to 14 people in 7 luxurious rooms and suites with private bathroom. The cosy and well-equipped kitchen and comfortable living room are ideal for a longer stay. Next to the Koetshuis is the already mentioned Golf & Country Club Lauswolt on the edge of the forest.

Friesland is a characteristic and unique province, best known for its lakes. But Friesland is much more. For example, Landgoed Lauswolt is in the middle of the woods of a stream valley landscape. The eleven Frisian cities each have their own character. Some are tiny, but they more than make up for their size with their charm. Most people know Friesland from the lakes and sailing. But Friesland is also a mecca for cyclists. With the many cycling paths, you will discover how wooded Friesland is in the immediate vicinity of Landgoed Lauswolt. And that is a beautiful area for a bike ride! And do you like cycling? Real mile-eaters do a round along part of the Eleven Cities or around the Sneekermeer in just 3 hours. And did you know that it is possible to visit Friesland, Drenthe, Flevoland and Overijssel with a bike ride of approximately 100 kilometres? Do you want to go out less? Then there are also mountain bikes for rent to take a trip through the woods of Beetsterzwaag.

Despite all these possibilities, especially with my daughter, the inviting, combined indoor and outdoor pool wins out. The whole has a good size and since we have it to ourselves, we can go about our business, after which we can relax in the comfortable loungers. Around the outdoor area of our swimming pool is a beautiful lawn with again excellent sun loungers. Since the sun comes out a lot, we can even sunbathe for a few hours. Next to the swimming pool there is also a spa area with, among other things, a sauna and steam room. Landgoed Lauswolt has an excellent gym as well. With a wide variety of fitness equipment, you can do the workout you are used to, or work on your personal sporting goals together with a Personal Trainer.

Not only sporty minds, but also real foodies can indulge themselves at Landgoed Lauswolt. For example, restaurant Heeren van Harinxma is widely praised and has been awarded a Michelin star in Friesland for many years, making it the only restaurant with a Michelin star in Friesland. In the kitchen, only the fairest products are used. That is why the restaurant has its own vegetable garden on the estate.

For families who find eating in a starred restaurant with children a bit too ambitious, we have two alternatives. To start with, bistro Nijeholt. Dishes from the bistro menu are served here from the same kitchen as the Heeren van Harinxma: accessible, fast, good, and tasty. Also special is 'Beachclub Lauswolt'. A huge safari tent has been erected on the lawn in front of the Mansion, where you can literally enjoy delicious Mediterranean dishes from the Ofyr BBQ with your feet on the sand. If you wish, supplemented with a good glass of champagne.

In fact, you can easily spend a few days there without having to go anywhere. However, there are certainly some fun family-friendly attractions in the area. For example, there is the small-scale adventure park 'Kameleon Terherne' based on the well-known Dutch children's books 'De Kameleon'. Children can romp on the adventure island and ride on the actual Kameleon boat that has a leading role in the book series

Another recommendation is the Skûtsjemuseum. A Skûtsje is a wooden or steel Frisian boat built for the transport of freight in Friesland. Depending on the season, they transported manure, potatoes, and other bulk goods. Guided tours are given, and visitors can go sailing with a Skûtsje. The time of the early twentieth century is visible in the smithy, the sword making and the sail making, when various crafts and techniques were required to build a Skûtsje. The necessary interaction and DIY activities make this a suitable family outing.

WOW

# Don't expect a 1000 square meter foyer at Landgoed Lauswolt. Or an infinity pool on the top floor, nor a bathrooms with golden taps. Not so much because this historic country house does not have the facilities for that. But mainly because of our Frisian sobriety.

# Do expect excellent food here. And the staff is the soul of this hotel. They understand that true luxury does not come in a hotel room, foyer, or restaurant. You cannot see true luxury. You can only feel and experience true luxury.

# The pool and ‘beach club’ will certainly satisfy the kids during hot days.