De Brabantse Hei

The Canvas Frills Lodge at De Brabantse Hei in the Netherlands is one of the tents that are located on this working farm, found a stone’s throw from the Belgium border and a little to the south of Tilburg and Eindhoven. The farm was established in 1973 and is now the home to a diverse range of animals including some rare breeds.

Any stay at De Brabantse Hei includes a tour of this unique farm. The farm’s Turnhoutse heath is home to its herd of over 200 diverse dikbil (double muscled) cattle, with a diversity of breeds such as Belgium Blue, Pietmontese, and Blonde d’Aquitaine. The cows freely graze for at least 6 months a year and all calves stay with their mothers for at least 5 months.

The tents are next to the farm and look out over cornfields to the edge of the forest. Guests can keep an eye on their children from the comfort of the hammocks and children are free to explore the animal paddock situated between the tents. Children can help with farm activities and get to know the Boszicht calves. At the farm shop, you can buy BBQ hampers made with beef produced on the farm.

The Canvas Frills Lodge has a double bed, a bunk bed, and a single bed, sleeping a maximum of 5 guests. There is an en-suite bathroom with shower and basin, flushing toilet, deck chairs, an outdoor cooker, an extended canopy for a covered veranda, and cold running water. The lodge comes with a starter pack made up of wood for heating and cooking, starter pack candles, and lamp oil. Kitchen linen is provided, there is a BBQ provided, and there is ample parking space.

In the nearby forest, guests can find cycle and walking routes, but can also swim and fish in the Zwartven (blackfen or marshlands). The farm also makes an excellent base for those who wish to make day trips with attractions such as Efteling and Bobbejaanland theme parks, and Beekse Bergen safari park all within a 30-minute driving distance.