The Horse Meadow
BackWhen looking for unique accommodation in the Achterhoek region, you'll quickly find yourself drawn to small-scale, personal initiatives. Mini-campsite 't Paardeweitje, located at Waliënsestraat 135 in Winterswijk, presents itself as an authentic farm campsite. This isn't a large-scale resort with numerous facilities, but rather an intimate place that combines the tranquility of rural life with proximity to urban amenities. The base of this accommodation is a farm that has been inhabited by the Samberg family since 1300. Currently a dairy farm with a stable, it maintains a rural atmosphere. Potential guests should be aware that 't Paardeweitje explicitly profiles itself as an "Adults Only" campsite. This means that families with children cannot book a stay here, which greatly enhances the peace and quiet for older campers or couples seeking serenity. This is a significant difference from many other accommodation options, such as a traditional albergue or a larger campsite geared towards families.
The Plus Points: Peace, Space and Personal Attention
The most consistently positive experiences revolve around the hospitality of the owners, Astrid and Wim. They are described as very dedicated and friendly, which emphasizes the small-scale nature of the campsite. This personal approach is reminiscent of the service one would expect at a small-scale hostería or posada, where the manager maintains genuine contact with guests. The pitches themselves are perceived as spacious, contributing to the privacy the campsite promises. Some of the fields are surrounded by dense forested areas, providing natural shelter from the wind and sun, while other pitches offer expansive views of the meadows where cows graze. This contrast between shelter and openness is appreciated by guests. The sounds of the farm animals, such as the mooing of cows or the clucking of chickens, are not perceived as a nuisance but as part of the authentic experience, unlike the traffic noise often encountered at hotels along main roads.
The location is another major plus. 't Paardeweitje is only about five hundred meters from the center of Winterswijk. This means that daily shopping, a visit to the market (on Wednesdays and Saturdays), or enjoying a drink on a terrace in the village are easily done on foot. Further afield, but also a stone's throw away (approximately 500 meters), is the recreational lake 'Het Hilgelo', a large 35-hectare area ideal for swimming, pedal boating, and windsurfing. The location is excellent for cyclists and hikers, with access to the extensive junction network of the Achterhoek region, past picturesque farms and nature reserves such as the Korenburgerveen. The proximity of the large outdoor store Obelink is also mentioned as a plus for camping enthusiasts who might be missing a little something extra.
A modern concession to the desire for connectivity, even in a rustic setting, is the availability of free Wi-Fi . This is a luxury not always expected at a traditional farm campsite and sets it apart from some very basic accommodation options. Furthermore, there is the option to rent a fully furnished Gypsy Wagon or Shed Cabin. This offers an alternative to a tent or caravan, a kind of permanent, rustic hut , suitable for two people, complete with private bathroom facilities and basic amenities such as a Senseo coffee machine and kettle. This is a unique form of accommodation that is a step up in luxury from a standard camping pitch, but still far removed from the luxury of a fully equipped holiday apartment or a high-end villa.
The Disadvantages and Points of Attention for the Guest
Despite the high rating (4.1 stars), there are clear points of concern that potential guests should consider when choosing their hospedaje .
Firstly, the restrooms. While they are generally considered clean and basic necessities like toilet paper and soap are provided, the decor is described as "dated." This is a stark contrast to the modern, often luxurious bathrooms found in newer hotels or well-equipped apartments. A particular drawback is the shower system: showers require tokens, and hot water requires a separate, even cheaper, per-use fee. Guests must therefore actively "save tokens" to ensure a comfortable stay, which is an additional administrative burden compared to an all-inclusive resort or a Posada, where hot water is included in the room rate.
Secondly, there's a lack of entertainment-focused facilities. Because it's an adults-only campsite, there's no play equipment for children. While this is an advantage for adults seeking peace and quiet, it means guests traveling with (grand)children will have to find accommodations elsewhere, as this type of accommodation isn't designed for them. The nearby recreational lake does offer entertainment, but it requires a 500-meter walk.
The most significant point of concern, cited in a review, concerns the proximity of a goat farm in the area. Various studies, including the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) VGO project and other research institutes, have shown that people living within 2,000 meters of a goat farm have an increased risk of pneumonia due to bacteria circulating in the barn air, originating from manure and bedding. While this is a common health concern in livestock farming areas and not directly linked to the campsite itself, the fact remains that the site is located in an agricultural area. Guests with highly sensitive respiratory systems, or those concerned about such environmental influences when choosing a hospedaje , should consider this factor in their decision. It is a reality of rural life that differs from a sterile, urban hotel or an isolated villa .
In addition, there are specific rules for campers that differ from the standards of some other types of accommodation. There is a strict policy against the use of closed, woven mats or weed control fabric on the grass; only rugs with holes are permitted. This is to ensure the health of the lawn, emphasizing that guests are on a working farm and must adapt to agricultural practices, unlike the more service-oriented approach of many commercial resorts .
A Comparison with Other Forms of Shelter
To fully understand the nature of 't Paardeweitje, it's helpful to compare it to other types of accommodation . Those seeking the privacy and amenities of an Apartamento vacacional or a Cabaña with complete self-containment might consider the Pipowagen an approximation, but lack the full kitchen and space of a traditional Departamento . The camping pitches offer an experience further removed from the traditional hotel room concept; it's a very basic stay where you bring your own " room " (tent/caravan). However, the atmosphere is much more connected to nature and local life than a standard city-center guesthouse . It's a place for the outdoor enthusiast who prefers direct interaction with the farming community to the anonymous efficiency of a large chain.
The extra services, such as carriage and wagon rides, enhance the character of a working farm, a unique added value not found at most hosterías or urban hostales . The pricing, with separate charges for electricity, showers, hot water, and environmental taxes, requires guests to have a good understanding of their usage and budget, which requires more planning than a fixed all-inclusive rate often offered by apartments in tourist areas. While the base price for SVR members is competitive, the extras can quickly increase the cost for those who require a high level of comfort.
for the Potential Guest
't Paardeweitje occupies a specific niche within the accommodation market. It's ideal for senior campers (given its "adults only" policy) seeking peace, space, and a rural setting, and who prefer a personal, almost family-like atmosphere, similar to a well-run Posada , over the anonymity of larger accommodations. Its proximity to Winterswijk and 't Hilgelo offers the perfect balance between natural tranquility and recreational opportunities. However, guests must be willing to accept the simplicity of the dated, coin-operated restrooms and consider the potential (albeit research-proven) environmental factors of agricultural life. For those seeking an authentic Dutch farm experience, far from the hustle and bustle of a resort, and with the warm support of Astrid and Wim, this stay can be a very satisfying outcome. It's a place where the simplicity of a tent or caravan is enriched by the surroundings and the human element, and it's certainly not an option for those seeking a luxury room or a full-fledged villa experience.
