2026 is approaching

You wouldn’t think so when you look outside, but 2026 is just around the corner. There is no snow and it isn’t cold, yet Christmas is already nearly here and we are preparing for a family visit to the Netherlands. Gathering French delicacies, wrapping presents; we even take wood from the forest with us for Johannetta's daughter’s wood-burning stove. Always handy, right?!

We have had a wonderful year, with many loyal guests as well as new faces, who together once again made our chambres d’hôtes a success. As early as February we welcomed our first guests, and little by little it became busier, with fully booked weeks in June, July and August.

It was a lovely summer: not too hot and not too wet. The river was almost dry for several weeks, but by now it has filled up again a bit, although rainfall has also been rather limited in autumn. We used the swimming pool until October and even in November temperatures still reached 20 degrees. In December there were several sunny days with temperatures close to 15 degrees. Sometimes it really feels like spring! Perfect for going out, taking a walk, visiting places nearby or simply chatting from time to time with the neighbour’s cows.

It was also ideal weather for Herman to spend time outdoors doing odd jobs and gardening, his great passion. Fortunately, we have also made a start indoors upstairs: the first room has finally been renovated. Wallpaper and carpet from the previous, previous, previous — or perhaps even the very first — occupants have been replaced with a fresh coat of paint and laminate

flooring. We have now started on the guest room and hope that one day we will have a fresh and renewed upper floor. And then maybe we’ll be “more or less done” for a few years? In any case, we have no major plans for the coming year. After the renovation of the swimming pool with pergola, the purchase of a sauna and hot tub, the outdoor kitchen, the renewal of the roof of the grange — and of course not to forget the creation of the pétanque court and many other projects — it is a comforting thought. That said… you never know what may come up, and maintenance is, of course, always ongoing in a place like this.

We are looking forward to the coming months. Johannetta still regularly does educational consultancy work in the Netherlands and travels back and forth almost every month. In addition, we will be travelling in Asia for a month, from mid-February to mid-March. What makes us especially happy is that we have never received so many bookings this early. For the coming year, from January through August, many rooms are already reserved by both familiar and new guests. Of course, there is still availability, but it is reassuring to see that guests continue to enjoy visiting us, despite a small price increase compared to last season and the change of the table d’hôtes from four to three courses.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone again in 2026. For now, we wish you wonderful holidays and a sparkling 2026!