Autumn in the Vechtdal: forest, fire and sauna

There is a moment in September when the forest starts to change colour and the mornings turn cooler. For us that is the sign that the finest season is beginning. Not because summer is not lovely — the swimming lake 200 metres away is our biggest attraction in July — but because autumn is quieter. And quiet is exactly what our guests come for.

Walking while the forest turns

You can walk straight from the front door here. No need to get in the car first: you step into the woods and an hour is gone before you know it, or half a day. In autumn it is different from summer. The light falls lower between the trees, the paths smell of leaves, and you barely meet anyone.

We have put together seven walking routes from Vilsteren, from a short estate walk of 2.5 km to a slow tour of 13 km. With children, the family route of 3.9 km is usually the right length: long enough to feel like a proper walk, short enough to keep everyone happy.

Coming home to the fire

Coming back from a cold walk into a house where the fire is burning — that is autumn in one sentence. The living room has a wood-burning fireplace, and the firewood is ready for you; there is nothing to arrange. There is underfloor heating, so your socks warm up too.

The kitchen island seats four, and the kitchen is fully equipped. In practice that means: one person cooks, everyone else gathers around, and nobody stands with their back to the company. More about the layout on the page about the bungalow.

The sauna is at its best in autumn

The wood-fired barrel sauna stands outside, on our own 1,000 m² wooded plot. In summer that is pleasant; in October it is something else. The contrast between the heat inside and the cold, damp air outside — that is what an outdoor sauna is for. The outdoor shower is right next to it, and afterwards you walk back to the fire in a towel. You can see how it looks at wellness & outdoors.

And if it rains?

Then you sit outside anyway. The covered outdoor room is 50 m² and fully sheltered, with garden furniture and a wood stove. Inside there is a table tennis table. And for the days when you really want to get out, we have listed indoor outings in the Vechtdal.

Practical

A long weekend here runs from Friday to Monday. Check-in is between 16:00 and 22:00 and is contactless, so you arrive whenever suits you. There is room for up to six people, in three bedrooms, with two bathrooms with rainfall showers.

Want to know what is still available this autumn? The calendar shows the full price straight away, with no surprises afterwards.