Surroundings
In the middle of the five-star Heuvelland
The triangle Mechelen, Epen and Vijlen is, as far as we are concerned, the most beautiful part of South Limburg. And Hoeve Hurpesch is right in the middle of it.
Limburg allein
Sunken lanes and rolling hills
Sunken lanes, rolling hills, babbling brooks, half-timbered farms, delicious food, lovely beers and wines. Cosy terraces, generous Limburg vlaai and the art of enjoying life. Truly enjoying, peace, away from the madness and a break from it all in the Netherlands.
From our holiday home, surrounded by Natuurmonumenten land (Geul Valley and Klitserbeek), you can start one of the many cycling and walking tours that pass right by the house. Who knows, you may spot a hazel dormouse in the dense hedges, a small rare mouse that lives here.
Our walking routes
Between Mechelen, Epen and Vijlen
Everything within 5 kilometres
When we first drove into Mechelen we were sold immediately: the cute half-timbered village with a nice centre, real pubs, a small neighbourhood supermarket and Limburg hospitality. In Mechelen you will find, among other things, Hoeskamercafé ’t Pintje, where there was already a living-room café in 1830, and the Commandeursmolen, which is still in use. We often bake bread from their flour.
Hurpesch, where our half-timbered farm stands, is a hamlet just outside the village, so within walking distance of all amenities. Walk east and you are in Vijlen, the highest village in the Netherlands. Walk south and you hop into Epen. Looking a bit further afield? Then you are right in the middle of Maastricht or Aachen.
Walking straight from the door
A pint at ’t Pintje
Forest café ’t Hijgend Hert
Our favourites
Tips from Bart and Cecile
A selection of our favourite places nearby.
Ice-cream farm in Epen
On a warm day, walk along the Geul to the ice-cream farm in Epen, about 2 km. Not too far for children, and at the end a big ice cream with fresh fruit. Back along the Geul or via Epen, through the meadows and sunken lanes.
Wine estates
Within walking distance is Wijndomein St. Martinus, in a wonderful location, and on top of the Schweiberg Domein Steenberg. Domein Holset makes the bubbles of South Limburg. Always book a tour.
Wijndomein St. MartinusRegional products
In Mechelen you will find Magazijn51 and the farm shop Géron. Also visit Eyserhalte in Eys: you will be spoilt for choice.
Forest café ’t Hijgend Hert
A mini petting farm, restaurant and mountain lodge in the forest. Lovely walking and afterwards a beer by the open fire, open every day. From the farm you can walk there (10 km return).
WebsiteCafé ’t Pintje
Here you drink the famous ‘Pintje’, a beer that Gulpener makes especially for this pub. It is in the top 100 of most cosy cafés in the Netherlands, and only a 10-minute walk through the meadows.
WebsiteThe maze at the Three-Country Point
Find the way out of the maze at the Three-Country Point. Very difficult, even for adults.
Food and drink
Restaurants nearby
A selection of our favourites, many within walking distance.
Vino Cucina
Lovely Italian in Mechelen with fresh pizzas and delicious pasta. If the children want to share a dish, they simply add an extra plate.
WebsiteLa Griglia
Mediterranean dishes from the grill in an atmospheric setting with an open kitchen, with some cheaper dishes for the children too.
WebsiteGerardushoeve
Superb service, a wonderful view and products from the region as much as possible, with all kinds of regional wines.
WebsiteDe 4 jaargetijden
Delicious food, nice prices. You can also simply order local tap water with a flavour.
WebsiteDe Geulhof
An ice cream by day and playing kids in the small playground, also open for lunch and dinner, with freshly caught trout from their own pond. Just a few minutes' walk.
WebsiteHerberg de Smidse
Cosy restaurant with a grandmother's atmosphere, lots of homemade products and a lovely terrace. Through our back garden you can walk there, along the Geul.
WebsiteDe Varkenshoederij Mechelen
Organic free-range pigs, tours and Kuusj safaris. Also for ordering honest meat for the barbecue.
WebsiteLoods 81
Lunch in an old potato shed, a bit further away but a real dining experience. No dinner.
WebsiteOff exploring
More tips for your stay?
Download our brochure with tips for South Limburg, or view the walking routes from the door.