Cabin
the keg
Our old stall of 5m by 5m has been transformed into a hiker's hut for walkers, cyclists or the adventurers among us. 't Vaatje has already made a lot of history. If the walls could talk...
Don't see 't Vaatje as a 'spick-and-span' neat accommodation, but as a back-to-basic place to stay for real nature lovers!
You need to bring your own sleeping equipment, there are 2 double mattresses available. Upstairs is a double bed and the seat downstairs can also be made into a double bed. On request we can prepare a travel cot for a child. Basic cooking equipment (pot, pan, plate, cutlery, coffee machine ...) is also available.
Surroundings
Here with us in the Kempen (Grobbendonk, hamlet of Eisterlee) you can enjoy the wooded area, the meadows, and beautiful rivers the Kleine Nete and De Aa for days on end. Here you can take a refreshing dip or go canoeing.
Various hiking and cycling junctions are the start of wonderful tours towards water, forest and city (Lier, Herentals, Antwerp, ...)
For a walk in Grobbendonk's area, you only have to leave the house for the Pidpabos or Het Oude Molenbos, or a tour around the Nete ... Afterwards you can enjoy a delicious meal at Hof Van Eisterlee or have a drink at Bartel and Dorien in den Herberg.
Various nature reserves in the vicinity such as Lovenhoek, Viersel gebroekt, Schupleer, .... are also recommended.
Children can romp around on two children's farms (Lentehei, Karrewiel) in the village
After a wonderful day of enjoyment, you can watch the deer walk across the field from the hiker's hut at dusk or light the wood stove / campfire to enjoy our delicious Grobbendonkse Trippel or another delicious Kempen beer. ( Beer trade willems More than 800 beers )
Hopefully you also feel like an adventure?
If so, we would like to welcome you!
the keg
Our old stall of 5m by 5m has been transformed into a hiker's hut for walkers, cyclists or the adventurers among us. 't Vaatje has already made a lot of history. If the walls could talk...
Don't see 't Vaatje as a 'spick-and-span' neat accommodation, but as a back-to-basic place to stay for real nature lovers!
You need to bring your own sleeping equipment, there are 2 double mattresses available. Upstairs is a double bed and the seat downstairs can also be made into a double bed. On request we can prepare a travel cot for a child. Basic cooking equipment (pot, pan, plate, cutlery, coffee machine ...) is also available.
Surroundings
Here with us in the Kempen (Grobbendonk, hamlet of Eisterlee) you can enjoy the wooded area, the meadows, and beautiful rivers the Kleine Nete and De Aa for days on end. Here you can take a refreshing dip or go canoeing.
Various hiking and cycling junctions are the start of wonderful tours towards water, forest and city (Lier, Herentals, Antwerp, ...)
For a walk in Grobbendonk's area, you only have to leave the house for the Pidpabos or Het Oude Molenbos, or a tour around the Nete ... Afterwards you can enjoy a delicious meal at Hof Van Eisterlee or have a drink at Bartel and Dorien in den Herberg.
Various nature reserves in the vicinity such as Lovenhoek, Viersel gebroekt, Schupleer, .... are also recommended.
Children can romp around on two children's farms (Lentehei, Karrewiel) in the village
After a wonderful day of enjoyment, you can watch the deer walk across the field from the hiker's hut at dusk or light the wood stove / campfire to enjoy our delicious Grobbendonkse Trippel or another delicious Kempen beer. ( Beer trade willems More than 800 beers )
Hopefully you also feel like an adventure?
If so, we would like to welcome you!
4.40 (25 reviews)
We are Robbe and Kristien. We have two daughters, Janne and Suzan. And a dog, Dash. We spent several years renovating our long gable farm and have lived in 't Vaatje ourselves. And now we think it's time for others to enjoy it too!
Tell us about your experience
We really enjoyed our stay here! Charming shed and nicely decorated. The warmth of the stove was very welcome and created atmosphere and cosiness! The corner to sit outside is also very cool and private. We grilled outside the first night. We were 3 (mom and 2 kids aged 11 and 13) + 1 dog. Nice that there is also an upper floor. We installed the sofa downstairs as a double bed for the entire stay, which was more practical because the pieces were a bit heavy for us to handle :-) But that was fine! We all slept soundly!
How was the contact with the host?
Very nice and friendly contact with Kristien, Robbe and the kids! We just had to let them know if there was anything, and they also helped us out a number of times! Robbe came to install the grill and he had already started the fire for us. Blessed!
Kristien has provided us with small kindling wood... and when our pan in the shed didn't cooperate to bake pancakes, I was allowed to borrow a pan from her! OOF!
You are really private, but if you want to ask something, you can do so quickly! Top!
Tips for new guests?
Bringing a non-stick pan to bake in can be useful.
We didn't think about it at first, but if you want to shower with 3 in a row, keep it short, everyone still has hot water haha :-)
It takes a bit of creativity to sit at the dining table with 3, but it works.
Things we have done in the area: explored the center of Grobbendonk, the Netepark (playground, sports grounds, swimming pool, walks), De Hoge Sleeve (very nice walks with things to do and see along the way), go kayaking with departure and arrival in the Ark van Noe (you will get wet paddling!), mini golf and food and drink in the Netherust, played in the meadow next to the shed, walked down to the canal from the shed (you can see the top of the boats go by !).
April 2023 · Translated from dutch
Hi!
Thank you for the nice review! Great that guests enjoy the keg so much :)
Greetings!
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Tell us about your experience
Had a great stay at 't Vaatje. Everything you needed was there. Nice accommodation and various hiking opportunities in the area. We'll be back for sure!
How was the contact with the host?
Very good. At our request, the host immediately brought a wheelbarrow of wood for the stove.
February 2023 · Translated from dutch
So glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks!
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Tell us about your experience
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the hiker's cabin. Nicely decorated, nice and warm with the stove and possibility to make a fire outside. Very cosy :)
How was the contact with the host?
Very good. Always available for questions.
February 2023 · Translated from dutch
Hi, Glad you enjoyed it!
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Tell us about your experience
Ideal place with our 2 4 footers. Very quiet location. Barely half an hour's drive from the city of Antwerp, we once visited the Christmas market during our stay.
How was the contact with the host?
Great, if we had any questions we could send a whatsapp and we received a quick answer.
December 2022 · Translated from dutch
Glad you enjoyed it!
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Tell us about your experience
A gem.
How I enjoyed 3 nights in t'kvatje!
Just everything you need to recharge. Beautiful walks in lovenshoek, mill forest, ... to quietly read a book by the wood stove in the evening.
I cooked myself, everything was in stock (refrigerator / pots / pans / glasses / cutlery / electric hob 2 burners). Shower was wonderfully warm & slept wonderfully in the bed upstairs.
Luxury in all simplicity.
How was the contact with the host?
Super. I received the message to be allowed to enter t'kaatje upon arrival, very nice if you immediately gain that confidence. Robbe came to greet me nicely later that day & immediately provided me with an extra load of wood for the stove. There is a lot of privacy during a stay at t'vaatje, but Kristien & Robbe are still easily accessible if there are questions / problems. The ideal combo for me :)
Tips for new guests?
It was freezing when I stayed in t'kaatje. That means that you return home with great gratitude for central heating! 😅. The wood stove is wonderful (!) but it takes a while before the greatest cold has disappeared from the room. So be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing & blankets 😉.
December 2022 · Translated from dutch
How nice to read such words about our keg! Good tip indeed to be well equipped against the cold!
Glad you enjoyed it, Annelies!
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Tell us about your experience
Super cozy and cozy house to relax.
How was the contact with the host?
Super fast and friendly!
Tips for new guests?
There is a driepikkel with grill with which you can cook outside.
October 2022 · Translated from dutch
Thank you for the nice review!
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Tell us about your experience
Conviviality trump! Nice people, nice environment!
How was the contact with the host?
Top
November 2022 · Translated from dutch
Great that you enjoyed it!
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Tell us about your experience
Very nice house. Back to basics. Just what we needed for a relaxing weekend!
Very nice and relaxing environment for both relaxing and walking.
And for us an absolute added value: our dog was more than welcome!
How was the contact with the host?
Super sweet and nice people!
Tips for new guests?
Just go
September 2022 · Translated from dutch
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the nice words!
Greetings
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Tell us about your experience
Frivolous and quiet place. Ideal for a frisky weekend. Great house with a cozy wood stove. Ideal for playing board games. Looking for something atmospheric and loving? Books!
How was the contact with the host?
We thought it was fun and funny ;)
Tips for new guests?
Book a wheelbarrow with wood: recommended. Don't lose track of time and look for a place to eat before 8.30 pm.
September 2022 · Translated from dutch
Glad you enjoyed it!
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Tell us about your experience
We enjoyed the cottage.
How was the contact with the host?
Very nice and helpful people
July 2022 · Translated from dutch
Thank you for the nice feedback, Ryan!
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Tell us about your experience
schattig en mooi huisje vlak naast een maisveld. makkelijk te bereiken met de fiets. een stukje fietsen langs het kanaal en dan plots tussen de velden.
mooie omgeving en rustig buiten zitten met de ochtendkoffie. een aanrader!
jammer dat de vorige gasten het huisje vuil hebben achter gelaten maar dat hebben we snel opgelost door zelf even te kuisen.
we komen zeker nog eens terug! bedankt
July 2022
Hi!
We look forward to seeing you again!
Greetings!
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Tell us about your experience
A fantastic place! Wonderfully quiet and pleasant stay. In the evening you can enjoy a BBQ and sit by the fire in the evening. Highly recommended!
How was the contact with the host?
Good, was open to all questions.
Tips for new guests?
A walk in the Lovenhoek!
May 2022 · Translated from dutch
Glad you enjoyed it!
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Tell us about your experience
Our stay was fantastic. A very nice old house transformed into a very nice overnight accommodation. In the evening enjoy the wood stove or outside a small campfire with a local beer. The hiker's cabin is basic, but it doesn't feel that way at all and is highly recommended for a nice weekend away.
April 2022 · Translated from dutch
Thank you for the nice words.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Greetings,
Robbe and Kristien
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Tell us about your experience
What a charming and characterful place to stay. I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility. On arrival the wood stove was burning which immediately gave a welcome feeling.
How was the contact with the host?
Very friendly people and quick responses.
Tip for the host: I didn't really know what was present in the house. I had brought a sleeping bag with me, but a liner would have been sufficient because there was a duvet. I hadn't brought a towel for after showering, but this turned out not to be present.
March 2022 · Translated from dutch
Hi Amalia,
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for your tip, we'll get to work on it!
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Tell us about your experience
What a beautiful outdoor spot, inside nostalgic charm and everything you need to tune out and slow down (with blocks of wood on the stove), outside the fire bowl with three brine takes you directly into outdoor life. A little bit of the best of both worlds
How was the contact with the host?
Very friendly hosts, help if necessary but you certainly also have your own privacy
Tips for new guests?
just come down, spot deer on the field in front of the keg, go into the Kempen woods and enjoy!
March 2022 · Translated from dutch
Hey Lien and co,
Thank you for the nice words!
We are glad that you enjoyed it and that you share our love for the Kempen nature!
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Tell us about your experience
Nice place in nature. Cozy fire both outside and inside.
How was the contact with the host?
Nice touch. Accessible when you need them, otherwise sufficient privacy.
Tips for new guests?
Look up some walks in advance before you go, so you can leave immediately. We had to search for a while.
Bring pillows if necessary, there are none.
February 2023 · Translated from dutch
Hi!
Those are good tips!
Thank you for the review.
Greetings
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Tell us about your experience
We stayed in 't Vaatje for 2 days. It is super cozy and cozy. Everything is provided, the wood for the wood stove is ready next to the door. You immediately feel at home.
How was the contact with the host?
We were kindly welcomed, the host is very flexible.
Tips for new guests?
Provide a thick sweater in the winter, because it takes a while before the house is nice and warm.
January 2023 · Translated from dutch
Hi! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Tell us about your experience
Cozy, cozy and simple. It's like in the pictures. Cooking is done on two electric burners. Upstairs is a double bed and plenty of space. The shower and toilet are located in the courtyard.
Outside you can light a fire in the sitting area. There is a view over the field towards the forest. You can enjoy a nice walk in the area. Anyone who likes a beer must have been to the Willems beer shop in Grobbendonk.
How was the contact with the host?
Minimal and good
Tips for new guests?
If it is a bit colder and / or if there is wind, it can be quite drafts inside. In autumn and winter it can be less pleasant. The wood stove is the only source of heat and then the wood is quickly used up. The heat dissipates quickly due to the draught. Do not expect a very clean environment, because a cobweb is part of the antiquity of 't Vaatje. The fridge (refrigerator) could really be cleaner. Please bring your own bed linen suitable for a double mattress and towels.
November 2022 · Translated from dutch
Hi Willemijn!
Thank you for taking the time to write a review!
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Tell us about your experience
This cozy retreat is located between the corn fields, only 20 km from Antwerp. Hello holiday feeling! Ideal for going by bike and the perfect base for hiking,
cycling and kayaking in the Kempen. Not an unnecessary luxury, but exactly what you need!
How was the contact with the host?
Warm welcome and at the same time sufficient privacy!
Tips for new guests?
't Vaatje is ideal for a couple or 2 friends.
August 2022 · Translated from dutch
Thank you for these beautiful words!
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Tell us about your experience
I had a very nice stay at 't Vaatje. Definitely recommended!
Very nice location, ideal base for walking or cycling.
The cottage is beautifully and conveniently furnished. Very spacious for 1 person, possibly a bit tight in winter with 4 people. There is all sorts of cooking utensils, etc. available and if something is missing you can easily ask the hosts.
How was the contact with the host?
Smooth and friendly hosts!
Tips for new guests?
There are plenty of shops nearby, so you don't really need to buy in advance.
April 2022 · Translated from dutch
Thank you for these nice words!
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Tell us about your experience
Beautiful cycling environment
The house can be heated well with the wood stove (in the winter season)
How was the contact with the host?
Friendly and easily accessible
Tips for new guests?
The cottage could be a bit cleaner from us
Minor adjustment or renewal (for example, cutlery and or stirrer material for cooking would be in place)
March 2023 · Translated from dutch
Tell us about your experience
A beautiful house in a quiet place. The cottage was not so clean on arrival.
July 2022 · Translated from dutch
Thank you for the review, Joost!
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Tell us about your experience
très joli logement et endroit superbe. proche du canal et de la Nette. Dommage que le nettoyage ne soit pas à la hauteur de l'endroit....
How was the contact with the host?
bien et discrets
June 2022
Tell us about your experience
Atmospheric cottage, with a beautiful view of sparse nature. Lovely wood burning stove and outdoor fire pit. The cottage was very basic with little equipment. That is part of a hiker's cabin, but the price was not worth it. It says € 35,- but with two people it will be € 70- ex costs.
Except for the beautiful field and the forest, the area is not very attractive. Transport transhipment industry on canal.
How was the contact with the host?
Friendly hosts, who were willing to give a bottle of oil and some salt.
Tips for new guests?
Bring everything yourself. Except plates cutlery cups glasses and pans.
May 2022 · Translated from dutch
River or stream
Urban area
Forest
Meadow or plain
Hiking
Cycling
Swimming
Sightseeing
Visiting nearby towns
Wildlife watching
Boating
Canoeing or kayaking
Solar panels
Heat pump
Organic cleaning products
Guests who cancel at least 14 days before check-in will receive a refund of the amount paid by them (excluding Campspace fees). If they cancel between 7 and 14 days before check-in, they will receive a 50% refund. Otherwise they will not be refunded.
't Vaatje does not have an enclosed garden, so be sure to keep your dog with you or on the lesson.
From 10 pm we like to have it quiet.
Leave the keg clean (top clean, dishes done, mopped, ashes from the stove, ...). Thank you! If you prefer not to do this, we will do this for you for an extra penny.
Pets allowed: no
Check-in between:
2:00 pm–8:00 pm
Check-out between:
9:00 am–11:00 am
Up to 95% CO2 reduction if you book a campspace adventure. Learn more