Bed and Stable
BackBed en Stal in Vaassen doesn't just profile itself as a place to stay overnight; it's a specialized destination focused almost entirely on one specific target group: horse lovers who want to vacation with their animals. The name itself is a clear statement of intent, and its execution, as countless experiences show, is meticulously executed. This isn't a standard alojamiento ( a traditional alojamiento), but a carefully thought-out concept where the synergy between rider and horse is paramount.
Guest accommodations consist of two cottages and an apartment, each designed with comfort and privacy in mind. These aren't simple accommodations like those you might expect in regular hotels . They are complete homes, best described as comfortable cabañas or spacious vacation apartments . Each unit features a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests praise the quality of the beds, the wonderful showers, and the overall cleanliness and warmth of the cottages. Central heating and good insulation make a stay pleasant even in colder months. A unique feature of cottage 1 is the conservatory with a direct view of the horse pasture, allowing guests to watch their animals at any time of day. Cottage 2 has the added bonus of a trendy gypsy wagon that serves as a second bedroom. The third unit is a spacious loft with its own driveway.
A Paradise for Horses
Where Bed en Stal truly stands out from your average hostel or posada is in its horse facilities. The owners, avid horse lovers themselves, have built a separate stable building with five spacious stalls. The stables are described as excellent, and there's access to paddocks and pastures, which is essential for the animals' well-being. Guests emphasize the availability of high-quality hay and the horses' apparent enjoyment. The care and attention given to the animals is a recurring compliment in the reviews. This level of equine hospitality is what makes this location so popular. Being able to watch your horse in the pasture or paddock from your own terrace creates a sense of peace and connection that is invaluable to horse owners.
Service and Hospitality
Another consistently positive aspect is the service, especially breakfast. Guests rave about the extensive, delicious, and varied breakfast delivered to the cottage each morning. The portions are so generous that they often even provide enough for lunch, which is considered a huge luxury. The hostess, Karin, is described as incredibly friendly, helpful, and hospitable. This personal touch significantly enhances the overall experience and elevates the stay above that of an anonymous hostería . The owners have drawn on their own travel experiences in small-scale B&Bs to create an atmosphere that is both personal and professional.
Location: Directly in Nature
The location on Isendoornweg is ideal for Bed en Stal's purpose. It sits on a dirt road amidst meadows, with a direct view of the Veluwe forests. The peace and quiet and the spaciousness are the first things guests notice. The most important advantage is the direct connection to the extensive network of bridle paths and carriage trails. The famous Veluwe Trail runs nearby, making it a perfect base for long outdoor rides without having to travel with a trailer. Within a ten-minute walk, riders can find themselves in the heart of the Veluwe's vast natural landscape. This direct access to nature is the core of this location's appeal.
What are the points of attention?
It's surprisingly difficult to find concrete drawbacks based on user experiences. The reviews are almost unanimously positive. However, there are a few things potential guests should consider.
- Niche Target Audience: This isn't a resort or a full-service holiday park. The focus is unmistakably on holidays with horses. While guests without horses are also welcome and can enjoy the tranquility and the hiking and cycling opportunities, the entire design is optimized for equestrians. Those looking for a vibrant environment or entertainment won't find what they're looking for here.
- Remote Location: The quiet location also means that amenities such as supermarkets and a wide range of restaurants are not within walking distance. A car is essential for grocery shopping or exploring the surrounding area. However, for the target group, this is more often an advantage than a disadvantage.
- Limited Capacity: With only two cottages and one apartment, availability is limited. This contributes to the exclusive and peaceful atmosphere, but also means booking well in advance, especially during peak periods. It's not a large complex with multiple villas or an albergue with many beds.
Bed en Stal excels in its niche. It offers a near-perfect combination of comfortable accommodation for guests and excellent facilities for their horses. The rave reviews for the food, hospitality, and especially the location right on the Veluwe's bridle paths make it a top choice for serious horse lovers. Anyone looking for a place to completely unwind and enjoy nature with their horse will find a departamento or cottage to meet all their needs. It's also an option for travelers without horses seeking pure tranquility, but the true magic of Bed en Stal is revealed when a horse trailer pulls into the driveway.