Frank Luyten and Eva van der Heyden met over twenty years ago at work in the banking sector. Although they had a career in the financial and construction world, they felt very much attracted to the outdoor and farm life and so they decided to change course to do what felt right. Frank did an internship at a dairy farm to learn the tricks of the trade and the first four “Brandrode” cattle were purchased. They bought a farm in a nearby and made the move to Neerkant in Brabant province, together with their two kids Roos and Teun. Farmhouse “Hoeve Luyterheyde”, a combination of their surnames, was created. Quite a challenge, but with the motto ‘Komt goed’ (“it’ll be fine”) their dream becomes more and more reality and you as a guest can now also enjoy it.
The farm, on the edge of the Brabantse Peel, is completely self-sufficient. The cattle graze outside all year round.Animal welfare, sustainability and nature conservation are paramount, nature-inclusive farming is what they call it.This is clearly reflected in Frank and Eva’s farm. Not only in the form of their rare Dutch farm animals (also called’living heritage’) such as the Brandrode cattle and the Bonte Bentheimer land pigs with their beautiful pattern of blackspots and large, funny hanging ears, but also in the surrounding nature. For example, the grass meadow is very richin herbs and Frank and Eva own a piece of forest, where the pigs and cows can walk around and take shelter inmoments of bad weather
The pigs and growing herd of Brandrode cattle are not the only residents of Hoeve Luyterheyde. There are now also sheep, ponies, chickens, rabbits, dogs and cats living on the farm. Farmers Eva, Frank and the kids can therefore use some help with feeding all the animals, checking the herd and splitting wood for the campfire. And there’s more to do. On the fields near the tents and in the adjacent forest, the children can play to their heart’s content and discover the farm. The ponies love to go out on a ride, being cuddled and brushed and dog Sammie enjoys all the extra attention on his morning walk. And have you ever made jam or applesauce yourself? Farmer Eva is going to teach you. Do you prefer to relax? We haven’t even mentioned the lovely outdoor pool yet.
As you can see staying with the farmer means enjoying animals and nature. No worries! It’ll be fine at Hoeve Luyterheyde!
