We’re gathering the addresses of the best B&Bs, hotels and other overnight locations we can find. All of which, we feel, are great places to go for a weekend or a bit longer. The Olthuys Bed & Breakfast in Vorden (Gelderland) is wonderfully spacious: both outside and in.
What makes B&B Olthuys a great place to stay?
When you stay at Olthuys, you experience a real sense of space. Not only outside, in the old farmyard, but also inside the house. The old barn has been converted into a lovely common area, where you can enjoy breakfast and relax on the sofa in a beautiful open space with large kitchen. The two guestrooms also feel very spacious, thanks to the fact that the ceilings extend all the way to the ridge, and the beams are on full view.
What’s for breakfast?
Croissants, fresh rolls, a selection of breads, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Homemade jam using fruits from their own garden, such as blackberries, raspberries, rhubarb, redcurrants, strawberries, cherries, plums and elderberries. In the autumn, they also serve caramelized plums from the oven, which are delicious with a dollop of whipped cream.
Our tip
Cycle the Achtkastelen (Eight Castles) route, the oldest cycling route in the Netherlands; visit the nearby Hansa cities of Zutphen and Deventer; or rent a VeloSolex (motorised bike), Citroën 2CV, scooter, tuk tuk or canoe. What’s more, the Museum for Modern Realistic Art, MORE, will open in May this year.
Good food
A visit to the intimate brasserie Keuken van Hackfort is a must. Located in the coach house of Castle Hackfort, just outside Vorden, this restaurant belongs to one of the Netherlands’ best organic chefs, Eric van Veluwen. His delicious wholesome dishes include vegetables that come directly from the restaurant’s own historic garden, which is very special in its own right as it belongs to the Verenigingtot Behoud van Natuurmonumenten in Nederland (Society for preservation of nature monuments in the Netherlands).
Good to know
Olthuys’ owner, Gijs is a fantastic cook, who will organize a table d’hôte menu upon request. His delicious dishes use ingredients from his vegetable and herb garden.
A room for two at Olthuys Bed & Breakfast costs €140 per night, including breakfast.
