Nederlands

Guest at Blommerenbos

We are happy to be your hosts at Blommerenbos and wish you a very fulfilling time!

It is our goal to offer you a place in the silence and beauty of nature where meaning, healing and growth can take place.

We can only manage and maintain this place with the cooperation of our guests. Would you please help us and observe the following considerations to keep everything running smoothly?

On Arrival

Welcome

When you first arrive, we will give you a tour so that you can find your way around and get to know the customs. Please take at least 45 min. extra time for this or – even better – come by sometime.

You will welcome your group yourself, show them around and take care of parking. Reserve time so you can accommodate the early arrivals as well.

Checkout

The agreed contribution serves to maintain, sustain and where possible improve the place. Make sure this amount is paid to Mieke before the start of your event. Any variable costs can be settled with Mieke before departure. (Contributions see below)

Parking

Parking usually requires some attention.

There is plenty of space to park in front of the branch hedge (almost at the end of the access road). Please turn the cars around at the end and park at an angle on arrival.

The entire access to the property must remain free for emergency services at all times!

The space in front of the property can be used briefly for loading and unloading, but otherwise we would like to keep it free of vehicels so that access to the nature in front of the property remains free. 

At the very end of the access road are two parking spaces in front of the posts: please keep these free for our therapy clients.

Early-comers and late-stayers

Sometimes guests come from far away and drive before or after the traffic jams. People who are autonomous (e.g. with a camper) can spend the night on our terrain. If the space is free, it is also possible to stay overnight outside your working hours; the participant pays a contribution.

Staying in the venue

Duration

You can use the venue during the parts of the day that you have reserved. Keep in mind the time you need before the start and after the end of your event. Keep in mind that the schedule doesn’t always allow for advancing or running out of time, and always make good arrangements to avoid overlap with other activities!

You pay a contribution for every part of the day that you use the space. (Which part does not matter). This contribution enables us to manage and maintain Blommerenbos.

Number of Participants

We are set up to host a group of up to 16 people, (including the attendant-s).

During the night, we would like you to strictly adhere to this: so no more than 16 sleepers in the room. 

Furnishing

You can arrange the space completely as you would like to use it, but please, when you’re done, make sure everything is back the way you found it; ready for the next users.

Keep in mind that this sometimes takes a surprising amount of time.

Theater setup

For music performances, presentations, etc., you can make a theater setup. There are 50 folding chairs available in the gazebo.

For day events with larger groups, we are happy to make specific arrangements with you.

Shoes

Please keep the wooden floors dry and clean: Shoes can be placed on the shoe rack on the left when entering the building.

Especially in wet weather, please do not enter through the sliding door: everything will soon be wet and dirty inside. Use the front door!

Always place a mat or mop by the sliding door.

Sleeping

For groups holding evening- or night ceremonies, there are mattresses with mattress cover and possibly pillows. You bring their own:

  • Sheet to cover mattress
  • Cover/sleeping bag
  • Pillow (pillowcase)

Should accidents happen: please throw our covers/sheets/blankets in front of the washing machine.

Be careful with the curtains: they break when you sit against them, pulling them down.

Kitchen and Cooking

The kitchen is equipped for up to 16 people and includes:

  • grill/oven
  • 4 burner electric stove
  • Coffee makers (filter)
  • Large thermos jugs for tea
  • Refrigerator and freezer

.

Waste

Waste will be separated: please dispose of in the proper containers/compost pile afterwards.

Dogs and pets

We are not set up for dogs/pets. These usually require more attention than the owner thinks anyway, and walking barefoot in combination with turds we don’t think is ok.

Keys

A key sticks on the main door and the kitchen door. Leave these on the door at all times. During the event, stick the key to the main door on the outside so you can get in if needed.

Never lock the doors at night: Everyone should be able to get out if needed.

Noise

Our back neighbors are used to the occasional loud crying/shouting that can occur with process work; they know we do trauma work here. Drumming and music is also part of it.

Yet we also try to take into account their living arrangements. This means:

  • Keep the doors closed after 10 p.m.
  • Keep music outside at a somewhat normal level
  • Sunday rest is appreciated by the neighbors: try to respect this

Internet

There is internet everywhere [Blommerenbos] with password: [assess32]

Sound system

There is a good sound system with CD player and AUX cable (mini jack plug) that fits into your phone or laptop.

Beamer

There is a beamer and projection screen. Ask for an explanation when you want to use them!

Toilet – bathroom

We do not lock the bathroom/toilet so that if someone has become unwell, they can be approached. Door open = FREE, door closed = OCCUPIED

  • Keep the shower short so that everyone has hot water
  • Make sure there is enough ventilation so that the moisture can leave
  • For those who need to go to the toilet when the bathroom is occupied: There is an eco compost toilet outside (near the sweat lodge)
  • There is a cold rainwater shower (next to the sauna).

Sewage

We are not connected to the public sewer system but have a septic tank.

  • Never throw sanitary napkins, wipes or anything else in the toilet!
  • Do not use chlorine/javel.

Washing machine

There is a washer and dryer in the boiler room.

Throw all laundry in front of the washer and turn it on when the machine is full.

Behind the carport are the clotheslines. Ecological drying is preferred!

Cleaning

We prefer that you deliver the venue clean and tidy. If this is not possible, please let us know beforehand and we will arrange a cleaning service. In the unlikely event that the room is not left tidy enough, we will have it cleaned on your behalf. You may find us strict in this, but the next group would also like to find a nice clean place.

Also, don’t forget to put everything back in place outside and clean the eco-toilet!

Outdoors

Fire pit

There is a fire pit and wood. The wood is cut, sawn, cleaved and dried on our own property.

Fires can be made -if in the fire pit- and for the use of the wood you pay a cost recovery fee.

Please keep the fire civilized so we don’t get complaints from the neighborhood.

Sweat lodge

For those who want to perform their own sweat lodge ceremony; you can. There is usually a lot of wood being used. You pay a contribution per ceremony.

Make sure the blankets stay dry and are stored dry again in the shed besides the lodge.

Ceremonies should only be performed by experienced ceremony leaders with experienced fireman/woman

Swimming Pond

Use the swimming pond to your heart’s content, remembering that it is a biological system and not a swimming pool:

  • We use the pond without swimwear, see what you feel comfortable with
  • Prevent sunscreen or other skin products from getting into it
  • Don’t do anything that might break the liner

Sauna

The wood-fired Finnish sauna can be used, you contribute to the costs of wood and maintenance. (please leave clean)

Water taps

Except for the tap on the front wall, all taps and showers in the garden tap RAIN WATER. This is not drinking water.

Eco composting toilet

After use, throw some woodchips on the feces. Bacteria will do the rest. Use the waste garbage can for anything that doesn’t belong in the toilet and don’t forget to empty it when you leave.

Dues for non-commercial use

  • Use of venue: 75€ per day session (8:00 morning- 13:00 afternoon- 18:00 evening- 23:00 night)
  • Cleaning: 50€
  • Extra overnight stay: 30€ p/p
  • Sweat Lodge: 150€ (per ceremony)
  • Wood Fire Pit: 15€ 1st hour, 10€ each subsequent hour
  • Sauna: 75€ per use (3 hours);

Departure

Inspection tour

Before you leave, take a tour outside and through the rooms; shoes, shampoo to house keys are frequently forgotten…

  • Check to make sure that no perishable items (refrigerators!) have been left behind
  • Make sure all garbage has been cleaned up
  • Make sure ALL windows and doors are closed and locked:
    • Window/door trainers room
    • Main door front
    • Door dining room
    • Sliding doors main room

When something has broken

Always let us know so that subsequent visitors are not surprised!

Feedback and suggestions

We always welcome feedback! If you missed something or think something could be different or better: please let us know!