End of year festive gathering at the Boesdaalhoeve

This end of year’s event will be held at the Boesdaalhoeve in Sint-Genesius-Rode/Rhode-St-Genèse.
The “Boesdaalhoeve” is a renovated farmstead of which the greatest part dates from the 18th century. The farm buildings constitute a typical example of Brabant rural architecture – square-shaped, with an enclosed central courtyard, an imposing barn and a bake house separated from the rest of the buildings for security reasons.
The oldest mention of the Boesdaalhoeve dates from 1213. The oldest known tenant was Jan van Boesdale, hence the farm’s name.

This is our venue for a vivid presentation, with pictures and music, of the British countryside in general and of the National Trust’s Holiday Cottage services in particular.
The National Trust is known for its upkeep and preservation of historic buildings and for maintaining gardens and landscapes.
But did you know that the NT also offers self-catering cottages for rent in stunning locations throughout England, Wales and Northern lreland? From gatehouses to castle watch towers, pretty cottages to cosy bothies, coastal retreats to estate lodges, you can find holiday opportunities full of character, surrounded by beautiful views.

Johan Vanbrabant will give you an introduction to these cottages, speaking from personal experience. He will explain how you can select and book an appropriate holiday venue, whether it be for a romantic weekend for two, a family vacation or a more active walking adventure in the country. His talk will be illustrated with pictorial examples.

To please the ear as well as the eye, music will be provided by the soprano Laura Ford and pianist Heather Charlton, who will perform songs depicting the landscapes of Britain.
There is a great tradition of pastoral music in the British lsles, and some of these songs have inspired many composers, including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten. Even Haydn, Weber and Beethoven made arrangements of songs from the British lsles. The event will conclude with drinks and refreshments in the Foyer.

By car, coming from Brussels: follow Zoniënwoudlaan / Av. de la Fóret de Soignes, pass under railway bridge and turn rlght into Stationsstraat / Rue de la Station. Then take third street on right, the Toekomstlaan. Takê thlrd right after about 150 m. and C.C. de Boesdaalhoeve entrance is on right. By train: Iine Brussels-Nivelles-Charleroi to St-Genesius-Rhode / Rhode-St-Genèse. Go down the stairs and under the railway into the Stationsplein. Pass the station and follow downhill, the Boomkwekerijstraat. Walk round the right-handed bend, then take the first street left (Teeltlaan). At the top of a rather steep climb go right and then take the stairs on the left to arrive in front of the C.C. de Boesdaalhoeve. 20 mins walk.