About 'Align with Nature' day retreat location
Every year we take our tribe into nature during the Align with Nature day retreat at ‘Buitengewoon’ in Vogelenzang, North Holland. On this page we provide more in depth information about the location and the people behind it.
Buitengewoon is a family estate in Vogelenzang and was a long cherished dream for the Bergmeijer family, Pieter & Els and Anke & David. Two families building an energy neutral house together and around that house, plenty of room to let nature be nature.
Pieter is a sustainability expert and is the mastermind behind the transformation of the old barn into two houses that are completely energy neutral. By using a combination of renewable energy sources and state of the art insulation methods there is now zero energy consumption here.
With a background in state forest management Els now manages the organic garden. The land at Buitengewoon was completely depleted but was brought back to life with time and patience. Now some parts are part of nature again on other parts they grow fruits and vegetables according to the principles of organic gardening.
During the day Pieter and Els will share their knowledge and views during a tour around the premisses. The dream: an estate that does not only give back to the environment but also to people. Part of the proceeds of the day retreat will go towards realising their dream.
Update: on 30-12-2021 Pieter passed away. From now on all retreats are in loving memory of him and his legacy at Buitengewoon.
During the day retreat you will have outdoor group sessions in the organic garden overlooking the meadows where you can often spot horses galloping. There will be mindfulness exercises and gentle yoga with your bare feet in the lush green grass and of course: a tour in the garden with the possibility to mindfully pick or harvest. Buitengewoon is also located right next to the forest where we will have a mindful silent walk. In between activities there are plenty of spots where you can cool down in the shade, soak up the sun or enjoy nature views with your feet up.
Vogelenzangseweg 182, 2114 BD, Vogelenzang, NH