Grote Hoeve

The Grote Hoeve ("Big Court") was built in 1880 according to a design by Victor Besme in monastic architecture. The buildings are arranged along a large rectangular courtyard.
You can still see from the former stables that dairy cows, sheep, pigs and cows lived here. Potatoes, corn and oats were also grown here - all the work was done by the "tramps" who lived (or had to) live here.

At Brasserie Colonie 7 you can fortify yourself in the listed living quarters of the Grote Hoeve - be sure to try the farm ice cream. Yummy!

Merksplas Colony with beautiful (restored) monumental buildings that used to serve as shelters for vagrants.

The Grote Hoeve was built in 1880 according to a design by Victor Besme in monastic architecture. The buildings are arranged along a large rectangular courtyard.
The former stables still show that dairy cows, sheep, pigs and cows lived here. Potatoes, corn and oats were also grown here - all the work was done by the "wanderers" who lived (or had to live) here.