Permaculture food forest (tours every Thursday)
The permaculture philosophy is all about caring for both the earth and human beings and seeks to restore the balance in our ecosystem. No pesticides are used on our estate. Instead, we track down the cause of a pest or disease and alter the environment to address the issue, by adding new plants, for example. Our animals are free to roam outdoors both in summer and winter, and you’re bound to encounter one or two of them while strolling around our estate.
Our Bentheim Black Pied pigs also contribute to our approach: while they munch on the vegetable leftovers on the land, they plough the earth so it’s all ready for us to grow new plants. The manure they produce also comes in handy. Every aspect of our approach helps us to restore balance in nature, and gives you the chance to enjoy pure and honest food – all grown just a stone’s throw away!
The 4-person Theodorus holiday home is situated on the outskirts of Maastricht, on the Heerdeberg estate. Once you arrive on the estate, you’ll find yourself surrounded by tall fruit trees, wooded slopes and a vegetable and herb garden designed in line with the permaculture principles. In other words: it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Landgoed de Heerdeberg’s special place in history
Landgoed de Heerdeberg sits in the middle of the South Limburg chalk landscape, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The buildings on the estate were constructed in 1911, using marlstone sourced from the caves nearby. Back then, the estate was owned by a catholic congregation, which decided to build a boarding school for boys who were difficult to raise. A farm, butcher’s shop, bakery and fruit orchard were soon added to the boarding school to provide food for the boys and friars. The buildings fell empty between 1990 and 2012. Soon after, the derelict complex was purchased by José and Richard, who embarked on a huge restoration project. José, who fell head over heels for this enchanting location, had a vision of creating a meeting place for her family and other people.
Landgoed de Heerdeberg today
José’s has certainly managed to realize her vision. The derelict farm complex has been transformed into a unique, inspiring place for José, Richard, and their family to live and welcome guests. The couple’s daughter, Lotte, and her husband have set up an architecture practice together, and the pair have transformed the former marlstone barns into two stylish holiday homes named after Richard’s grandparents, Theodorus and Josephine. Continuing the family connection, José and Richard’s son Coenraad combines the roles of farmer, butcher, and cook on the estate.
Theodorus — Indoors
The Theodorus holiday home exudes homeliness and luxury. As soon as you step into the house, you’ll find yourself in the open-plan living area with its cosy lounge corner and pellet stove. This is also where you’ll find the compact but well-equipped kitchen tiled with Old Dutch Whites. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, four-zone induction hob, combination microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, and a Nespresso machine. You and your friends or family can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals on the wooden dining table. The living space leads to two cosy double bedrooms. A well-proportioned dressing room with enough space for a cot, if necessary, is situated next to the bedrooms. The house also has a separate toilet and a small bathroom with a Portuguese tile floor. The bathroom is fitted with a walk-in rain shower and a washbasin.
Theodorus — Outdoors
The patio situated to the front of the holiday home is perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet of this natural environment. The home is located right in the middle of a fruit orchard. As a bonus, you’re free to pick as many cherries, apples, and pears as you can eat! If you prefer to have your every culinary wish catered for, simply head to the restaurant with outdoor seating area. (reservation required for lunch and dinner)
Larger group?
If you’re looking to visit as a group of five or six, instead of four, we recommend booking this holiday home together with its cosy sister property Josephine.
Bringing a dog?
Feel free to bring your four-legged friend. However, due to the presence of other animals on the premises, we ask that you keep your dog on a leash.
