Just a 10-minute walk from our holiday home, the Pieterpad winds through the ancient landscape of the Drentsche Aa National Park. We stayed at Park De Zeegser Duinen with a clear mission: together with our 4-year-old son Louie, who uses a wheelchair, we set out to explore the Pieterpad - a 500-kilometre trail through the Netherlands, stretching from Groningen to Maastricht. Through our foundation, Moving Beyond Limits, we’re working to make it the first long-distance trail in the Netherlands that’s fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Close to our base, we explored stage 4 – from Zuidlaren to Rolde – known as one of the Pieterpad’s most beautiful stretches. Straight fields give way to a rewilded mosaic of farmland and nature. The river Aa winds gently through the landscape, and in Taarlo, we spotted a huge colony of storks – more than we’ve ever seen in one place! Due to the many unpaved paths, an all-terrain wheelchair is essential, but the trail never becomes narrow or overly technical. We’re currently working on a detour and testing the sandy trails of the Balloërveld.

The adapted holiday home at Park De Zeegser Duinen was the perfect base for walking this stage. Our tip: split the route into two parts, so you can truly take your time. Good news – starting next year, the entire Pieterpad will be wheelchair accessible, opening the door for people of all ages to go on hiking adventures together.

Earlier this spring, we enjoyed a lovely midweek break at Park De Zeegser Duinen in Drenthe. Our stay in the wheelchair-friendly holiday home – house no. 9 – was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at ease. It was luxurious yet thoughtfully designed for guests with physical limitations. Everything was just right – from the spacious layout to the smart, accessible features. Our son was visibly relaxed and happy – he was a happy man! 😊

During the day, we set out for beautiful walks in the Drentsche Aa National Park. The landscape was stunning: expansive heathlands, fragrant pine forests, and winding trails that made us want to get “happily lost.” The best part? We could access nature directly from the park. After active days outdoors, we loved winding down in the hot tub. As the sun set and birds chirped softly, we sank into warm water and total relaxation. In short: Park De Zeegser Duinen was everything we could’ve hoped for – especially when travelling with someone who has physical support needs. Thanks to the accessible and stylish accommodation, we didn’t have to compromise on comfort or atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back!

Our expectations weren’t just met; they were exceeded. We had never stayed in a holiday home that offered this much comfort, space, and peace.

What truly stood out was how seamlessly accessibility had been integrated – without sacrificing warmth or style. Everything in and around the home was on one level and entirely step-free, from the entrance to the outdoor terrace. Wide doors and an open layout made it easy to move around with a wheelchair. Even the interior details were clearly well thought through. For instance, we appreciated the TV being positioned across from the dining table – a small but very practical choice.

All essential care features were in place: a height-adjustable bed, a comfortable shower stretcher, and more. One extra highlight: Louie’s grandmother joined us and slept on the comfortable sofa bed in his room, so she could assist him at night if needed. It was a wonderful setup that allowed us to enjoy the week together as a three generation family.

From the moment we arrived, we felt a sense of calm. The home is nestled among evergreens and soft, rolling dunes. It felt as though nature flowed right into the space. In the mornings, soft golden light filtered through the trees, accompanied by the gentle songs of birds. No traffic, no rush – just silence, nature, and the rhythm of the day. We felt ourselves slowing down immediately. It was a unique and grounding experience – one we’ll remember fondly and long for again once back home. Without question, the location is what makes this place truly special.

All practical information had been sent well ahead of time. No surprises upon arrival – just clarity and convenience, which is especially important when travelling with care needs. Everything was prepared, allowing us to relax right away. One tip: don’t forget your swimsuit! The hot tub is a real highlight – a perfect way to end your day under the stars and surrounded by nature.

One suggestion for the future: it would be fantastic if a mobile hoist could be made available to rent. For our son, this will become necessary in the future – and having this option would truly complete the home, making it accessible to everyone without compromises.