Old Dutch village

Welcome to Orvelte in the province of Drenthe. It is a living monumental village where various old trades and crafts are still practiced in season. It is a chance to walk back in time as you wonder the beautiful cobbled and bricked lanes between the preserved farms, houses, cafes and old businesses.

This little lady greeted us with her charming smile at one of the old farms. She has an adorable set of overgrown teeth, don't you think? Click on the photo to enlarge and see her in full detail.

One of the many charming brick houses with a beautiful window.

The farm's old hay barn.

This old toll house was built in 1870 and is in wonderful condition.

It still retains its original list of tolls commanded by all who passed by.

Old Dutch postbox which looks very much like the loved British versions.

This village is open to the public from Good Friday and you are able to go in many buildings and view the craftsmen. It is open to walk around the village all year round of course. We were there the week before opening and it is very pretty to simply walk among these buildings. It is not simpy a museum. People actually live and work here. That makes it even more special knowing this is not set up as a tourist attraction but has been preserved throughout the generations.