Nature house in Balen
Antwerp, Belgium
- 4 persons
- 0 bedrooms
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Pets not allowed
Nestled in the heart of a beautiful nature reserve lies our little permaculture paradise, which we love to open up and share with others! It’s a place for peace, wonder, and connection with nature. Our cozy canvas tent stands among a grove of thick pine trees. The strength and charm of our place—and what we offer—lie in its purity and simplicity. At the center is our organic vegetable and flower garden, and just a few meters from the tent, our chickens scratch around. All kinds of birds sing, and frogs croak you to sleep. Much of the area is shared space. We also live here in a small chalet, but there’s plenty of room for your privacy. There are several spots to sit and relax, and the tent overlooks the former swimming pond (unfortunately, swimming is no longer recommended). There’s a shared composting toilet and a fire pit where you can build a fire. Please note! We’re no longer accessible by car—the last 700 meters must be walked. I’ll message you personally about this!
Nature and surroundings
We are located in the heart of the green Kempen region, in the midst of the Grote Netewoud—a series of unique nature reserves along the Grote Nete and its tributaries. This includes the Het Griesbroek nature reserve, where we are situated, with the Grote Nete right in our “backyard.” So you don’t have to go far to find many ways to relax in and around nature: hiking, biking, adventurous nature experiences, and visiting cultural heritage sites. Unique shifting sand dunes, rare marsh forests, flower-filled grasslands, and heathland, combined with old water mills and museums... We’re also right on the border with the province of Limburg, so we’re perfectly situated if you want to visit Bosland with its countless hiking trails or go exploring by bike in Limburg’s cycling paradise. Ask for our cycling and hiking map of the region ;)
Facilities
- Wood stove
- Drinking water
- Garden
- Garden (shared)
- Garden furniture
- Small lake
- Kitchen (shared)
- Gas stove
- Shower
- Toilet
Location
Reviews
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Jung HwaJuly 9, 2026
It's really nice to go back to basics, but I personally would still like to have a sink for washing dishes. Merel & Steven are very hospitable and helpful.
Het is heel fijn back to basic, maar ikzelf zou een zink om af te wassen toch wel fijn vinden. Merel & Steven zijn heel gastvrij en behulpzaam.
The versatile (vegetable) garden is located in the middle of the forest on a car-free property. There’s a silence here that I haven’t heard in a long time.
De veelzijdige (moes)tuin ligt middenin het bos op een autovrij terrein. Er heerst een stikte die ik lange tijd niet heb gehoord.
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LenieMay 7, 2026
In the middle of nowhere back to simplicity. Nature reserve with a prachrtical permaculture. Because of the vegetation and quiet (you only go here if you have to be there), many animals and especially birds. Owls, woodpecker and cuckoo heard. Even the beaver passes by. With love Steven and Merel take care of their paradise and the animals. Highly recommended if you want to leave all the luxury behind.
In 'the middle of nowhere' terug naar de eenvoud. Natuurgebiedje met een prachrtige permacultuur. Door de begroeiing en de rust (je gaat hier alleen komen als je er moet zijn), komen er veel dieren en vooral vogels. Uilen, specht en koekoek gehoord. Zelfs de bever komt er langs. Met liefde verzorgen Steven en Merel hun paradijs en de dieren. Een aanrader voor als je alle luxe achter je wilt laten.
Waking up was a feast. One big bird concert.
Het wakker worden was een feest. Eén groot vogelconcert.
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LeanneJuly 29, 2025
For us it was a beautiful experience to show our children that you can also choose a life where you grow your own vegetables and you live with the day and the seasons instead of according to your agenda. In the area you can enjoy hiking and cycling. Go especially to 'the bread story', a delicious bakery around the corner. And there is a very nice library, where we borrow books. Thank you for your hospitality!
Voor ons was het een mooie ervaring om onze kinderen te laten zien dat je ook kunt kiezen voor een leven waar je je eigen groente verbouwt en je leeft met de dag en de seizoenen ipv volgens je agenda. In de omgeving kun je heerlijk wandelen en fietsen. Ga vooral naar 'het broodverhaal', een heerlijke bakker om de hoek. En er zit een hele leuke bieb, waar we boeken komen lenen. Bedankt voor jullie gastvrijheid!
Peace, space and nature! The ideal place if you want to immerse yourself in the simple life, back to basics surrounded by beautiful things.
Rust, ruimte en natuur! De ideale plek als je je wilt onder dompelen in het simpele leven, terug naar de basis omringt door mooie dingen.
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Good to know
- Check-in: 3:00 PM- 9:00 PM
- Check-out: 7:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Free cancellation within 24 hours of your booking confirmation.
If you cancel within the specified period, you are entitled to a full refund of the booking amount. After that, you will receive a partial refund of the trip cost and a 100% refund of the deposit:
• up to 42 days before arrival: 70% refunded
• 42–28 days before arrival: 40% refunded
• 28 days through the day of arrival: 10% refunded
• on the day of arrival or later: no refund
- Minimum age of main booker: 18 years.
- Smoking is not allowed in this nature house.
- No fireworks are allowed at this Nature House.
- No parties or events are allowed.
- This nature house is not suitable for groups of young people, students and sports teams.
- Waste separation is mandatory in this nature house.
Additional house rules are listed in the terms and conditions, when you place your booking.
71486
Sustainability
- Off grid or supplied with 100% renewable Energy
- Food waste is minimized
- Sustainable inventory