Sandra Willems, sales manager of Landgoed de Olmenhorst

Sandra, what is your link with Haarlemmermeer?  

I live and work in Haarlemmermeer. I have been working at Landgoed de Olmenhorst for 14 years now, since 2008. After I moved to Nieuw-Vennep, I really wanted to find work close to home, because of my children.  
 

I looked around at what could be found in the area in terms of catering. Soon I came across Landgoed de Olmenhorst, which really appealed to me. I sent an open application and got lucky. They were just up at that point in terms of staffing for sales. So it turned out perfectly!

During what period do people come to Landgoed de Olmenhorst and what is there to experience? 

The estate is open to the public all year round. The apple and pear trees can be harvested during the self-picking period, in September and October. There is a lot to do at De Olmenhorst, for children and for the whole family. 
 

Everyone can enjoy the estate through our adoption trees. You can adopt a tree from us for a year. In the fall you can then harvest your own tree! You can also visit the tree all year round. That way you can enjoy the flowering of the tree and the growth of the fruit. 
 

We see ourselves as the large backyard of Haarlemmermeer. The estate is open from sunrise to sunset and is therefore freely accessible to everyone. Many day trippers visit us, who come to enjoy the peace and nature. 

 
Can you tell us something about the other entrepreneurs who are located on the estate? 

De Olmenhorst used to be a mixed agricultural company. As a result, there are several farms on the estate. In these buildings you will find studios, shops and architectural firm FARO.  
 

You can participate in a walk-in workshop in the studios. Here you will learn, for example, how to make a work of art from soapstone. We also have several workshops for the children and a special candle making workshop. 

What is planned for the near future at De Olmenhorst? 

We regularly organize registration dinners for which people can sign up. During a dinner you can meet our top chefs and enjoy delicious food at a unique location, such as in the Fruitloods or in the Boshuis. 
 

The estate is also a popular location for business and private meetings. There will soon be a flea market and a special market at Pentecost. From April through October, the estate is a popular venue for weddings. We currently have 45 weddings scheduled for this year. People like to get married with their feet in the grass in the pear orchard. The entire wedding can be celebrated on location with us, from the wedding ceremony, dinner to the party. 
 

What makes your company unique in Haarlemmermeer? 

The history and monumental buildings, the relatively large orchard and the accessibility for the public make this place unique. You will not find this combination in the middle of the bustle of the Randstad.  
 

It is also unique that we grow organically here. Not all orchards in the Netherlands do that. Our products, such as the juices, are also available nationwide, which we are very proud of. By buying our products or adopting an apple tree, people help us to preserve this special place. 
 

What are you proud of as a resident and employee in Haarlemmermeer? 

Personally, I really like that this is a safe environment. Haarlemmermeer is centrally located and a pleasant place to live and raise children. 
 

From a business point of view, I am very proud of the estate. It's not for nothing that I've been here for 14 years! I am proud that even in difficult times, such as during the corona pandemic, we have not given up. Our core team consists of about 10 people and many on-call workers. We can rely on each other and can't be beaten away with a stick. 
 

I therefore invite everyone to take a look at our beautiful estate. On our website you can see which special activities there are. Or register immediately for a pleasant evening during one of our registration dinners!