Strawcastle: Now you can sleep in straw at a campsite in a barn in the Netherlands


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Guests visiting a new campsite in the Netherlands don't even have to pitch a tent as they can sleep in a cosy bed and use a fully-working bathroom inside a barn.

The idea for the campsite was orginally conceived four years ago when its owner introduced the concept of 'sleeping in straw' - and was taken aback by the level of interest.

The Hayema Heerd campsite in Zuidhorn consists of several buildings: the Hayloft, Straw Castle and two Straw Igloos.

Clutching at straws: Inside the romantic StawCastle at the barn hotel in Zuidhorn, you can snuggle up in, er, style

Clutching at straws: Inside the romantic StawCastle at the barn hotel in Zuidhorn, you can snuggle up in, er, style

Itching for something a little different: A cosy little bed amongst the strawbales

Itching for something a little different: A cosy little bed amongst the strawbales

'About four years ago we started the concept of 'sleeping in straw' with one huge family-bed made of straw under a mosquito net,' said the campsite's owner Wil Hoogeboom.

'From day one, everyone was delighted by the smell of straw and the wonderful atmosphere of the old farmhouse, with its large beams and trusses. This was the start of many beautiful romantic nights.

 

'We've had guests of all ages, from people in their twenties to those in their eighties. People really just step out of their everyday reality once inside.

'They are curious, a little puzzled, surprised, and sometimes a little nervous when they enter. But once you step over the threshold you fall into the fairy-tale atmosphere, the smell and the silence surrounds you.'

Aw, cute! Little beds for the children are kitted out in bright floral patterns in the eaves of the barn

Aw, cute! Little beds for the children are kitted out in bright floral patterns in the eaves of the barn

Complete with mozzy nets
A baleful stare

Don't bale out now: Mosquito nets ensure guests aren't bothered by pesky buzzing things in the night, but you might want to bring an extra sleeping bag if you're worried about that scratchy feel of straw all around...

Hay fever: Gingham bedlinens are all part of the experience, and guests can join in with sewing sessions too

Hay fever: Gingham bedlinens are all part of the experience, and guests can join in with sewing sessions too

The final straw:  A dusky light filters through the window of the straw barn. Spot the handy chamber pot for emergencies

The final straw: A dusky light filters through the window of the straw barn. Spot the handy chamber pot for emergencies

The Hayloft can sleep up to 16 people and costs £358 for ten people per night, whilst the Igloo sleeps two people and costs £75 per person per night.

To sleep in the StrawCastle for one night, costs £47 per person.

'The Hayloft is mostly used by groups and families getting together for a night of singing and dancing,' says Wil. 'We build, construct and sew everything ourselves, with help from professional builders.'

'Without exception everyone is super enthusiastic, with amazed and surprised faces. We like the reactions in wintertime the most; sleeping in straw in wintertime is pleasantly warm.'


 



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