The Schouwsche Farmer

A historic residence in transformation: The story of De Schouwsche Boer

Anyone searching for information about De Schouwsche Boer in Burgh-Haamstede will stumble upon a story about an accommodation with a rich past and a completely new future. It's essential for potential visitors to know that the original group accommodation under that name is no longer operational. The location is undergoing a significant transformation. This article describes what De Schouwsche Boer was and what can be expected at this location in the near future.

What was De Schouwsche Boer?

For decades, De Schouwsche Boer was a well-known and beloved group hotel, a form of alojamiento specifically geared towards larger groups such as schools, clubs, sports teams, and families. Its design was functional and community-oriented, distinguishing it from traditional hoteles. The atmosphere was that of a simple albergue or a large-scale posada , where the focus was on togetherness and the natural environment, not on luxury.

The accommodations offered were simply furnished, practical, and designed for overnight stays after a day of activities. One of the most distinctive, and for some travelers, decisive aspects was the use of shared bathrooms. This is an important detail for those expecting a certain level of comfort. Those looking for a private Departamento or luxury Apartamentos vacacionales were not in the right place. The strength of this hospedaje lay precisely in the communal experience.

The plus points of the old concept

Despite its simplicity, De Schouwsche Boer had clear advantages that made it attractive to the target group:

• Space and location: The accommodation had very spacious grounds. Guests had access to a large garden with a terrace for barbecues and even a private volleyball court. The location, just 750 meters from the beach, was a huge plus, making the dunes and the sea easily accessible on foot.
• Accessibility: A notable strength was the focus on accessibility. De Schouwsche Boer was wheelchair accessible, had a disabled toilet, and free disabled parking. A special annex building, called "De Boerin," had adapted restrooms, making the venue inclusive for a wider audience.
• Group facilities: Everything was designed for groups. The communal areas, the large garden, and the ability to be self-sufficient, for example with a barbecue, made it an ideal base for work weeks and group trips.

The downside of simplicity

For individual travelers or small families seeking more comfort and privacy, there were clear drawbacks. The concept was not comparable to that of a modern resort or an intimate hostería . The main points to consider were:

• Shared bathrooms: Sharing showers and toilets is a deal breaker for many modern travelers. The lack of a private bathroom in the room was the biggest concession guests had to make.
• Basic rooms: The accommodations were simple and purely functional. Luxurious, modern furnishings or extra amenities like a minibar or air conditioning were lacking.
• Potential noise: As a group accommodation, it could be lively and sometimes noisy, depending on the number of groups present. Those seeking the tranquility of private villas or a quiet hotel might have a different experience here.

The future: From De Schouwsche Boer to Strandhotel Haamstede

The most crucial information is that Group Accommodation De Schouwse Boer was sold on February 1, 2019. The new owner, a project developer, has unveiled plans for a completely new hotel concept at this historic location. The old building will make way for a modern hotel operated by the well-known Fletcher Hotels chain.

The new hotel will be called "Strandhotel HAAMSTEDE." Plans include a significant upgrade of the facilities and the type of accommodation :

• Modern rooms: The design provides for 70 comfortable hotel rooms, which are likely to have all modern amenities, including private bathrooms.
• Extensive facilities: Unlike its predecessor, the new hotel will feature a restaurant, a terrace, meeting facilities, and even a wellness basement. This positions it as a fully-fledged four-star hotel, aimed at a wide audience of tourists and business guests.

This development marks the end of an era for the location as a simple group hostel and the beginning of a new chapter as a modern hotel that will compete with other hotels in the region. The transformation is complete: from basic lodging to accommodation with luxurious features. Travelers who might previously have come for the accessible Cabañas atmosphere of De Schouwsche Boer will find a completely different experience here in the future.

The name De Schouwsche Boer evokes memories of school camps and fun group holidays in Burgh-Haamstede. However, that reality is a thing of the past. The location at Torenweg 10 is in transition to a new Fletcher hotel, Strandhotel HAAMSTEDE. Anyone looking for this accommodation today will need to adjust their expectations. The simple, communal hospedaje of yesteryear is gone. In its place will be a modern hotel focused on comfort, luxury, and a broader target audience. This is an important shift that potential visitors to Burgh-Haamstede should be aware of before planning their stay.