About Domein Groot Besselink

Where nature, relaxation and contemplation come together

Starting a campsite? That wasn't really the intention. 'We were looking for a group accommodation', says the owner Mhura. 'We searched for over 5 years. When we arrived here at the Domain, we were immediately sold. The quiet energy which hangs here, combined with nature and tranquility, is great!'

Only what appears; the municipality of Lochem has included this in the zoning plan Domein Groot Besselink only room for a campsite. 'Okay, then we'll just do that', the down-to-earth couple decides Mhura en Henny.

The campsite now exists already 8 years and is Domein Groot Besselink a much-visited pearl in the Achterhoek.

More than a campsite

Connect with the movement of the 'circle of life'

Domein Groot Besselink is not just any camping site. The terrain is built in a circle, which symbolizes the 'circle of life'. Everything in nature is a continuous cycle of movement within which we as humans can and may develop ourselves. The circle invites you to become aware of that perpetual movement.

In addition, the 4 elements come together at the campsite. Water, fire, earth and air form a harmonious whole. This whole gives you the opportunity to find your inner harmony. This is how you experience your right to exist as a human being.

The elements at the campsite

  • Water: the fountain in the middle of the campsite
  • Fire: the fire pit/amphitheatre
  • Earth: the triangular sandbox
  • Air: the air path around the campsite

Why we like to share this place with you

There is no need for that Mhura not to think about it for long: 'The peace and nature invite you to contemplate. It is wonderful to share that with like-minded people. I am happy to help you with the find answers to life's questions. When you know why you are here, you take the first step toward a hopeful future.'

The history of Besselink

People have lived here since the early Middle Ages. In the 16th century, 'het Goed Besselinck' was created. During the Second World War, this place offered shelter to people in hiding, which led to a tradition of hospitality and eventually to a beloved campsite. We keep this connection alive with love today.

Read more about the history

Meet the team of Domein Groot Besselink

Mhura

Owner Mhura originally comes from Rotterdam. You can still tell by her down-to-earth 'no-nonsense mentality'. With her warm heart and both feet on the ground, she provides the reflection programs at the campsite. You come Mhura at the meditation groups and the walks she guides. 

Henny

Owner Henny is the driving force behind the beautiful green appearance of the campsite. Every day he can be found on the site to take care of the trees, shrubs, flowers, hedges and grass. The man with the lawn mower? That is HennyHe also carries out maintenance on the yard, receives camping guests and often answers the telephone.


Joshua

Our technician Joshua is still busy with his education, but in his spare time he doesn't shy away from coming up with smart, digital solutions for the Domain. Whether the wifi is failing, the air conditioning isn't working properly or there's something else going on technically: Joshua knows what to do! He also ensures that bookings run smoothly.

Esther

Esther is also sometimes called our 'Queen Apple Pie'. After tasting her delicious home made apple pie, you will understand why. The recipe of this tasty apple pie is of course a secret! Esther can be found outside on the terrace where she provides you with delicious lunches in addition to cake and drinks.

Maria

Maria takes care of the financial administration of the Domain and receives guests for the cottages. In addition, she keeps the accommodation clean and tidy and helps Mhura with the awareness training. Her accuracy and attention to detail make her indispensable to the team.

Team Garden

Team Garden consists of Harrie, Ferdi, Jan, the other Jan and HennyTogether they ensure that the Domein Groot Besselink always looks green and well-groomed. Whether it is pruning the trees, maintaining the flowers or mowing the grass, they work with passion and dedication to keep the grounds in top condition.

Team Clean

Our cleaning team ensures that Domein Groot Besselink is always clean and tidy for our guests. With great care and attention to detail, they ensure that the sanitary facilities, common areas and accommodations always look tiptop.

The history of Besselink

As early as the early Middle Ages (around 450 to 1000 AD) traces show that people lived, worked and cultivated the land here. Around the 16th century, 'het Goed Besselinck' was created here, a place that has witnessed much history over the centuries.

From Estate to Two Farms

In the 17th century, Besselinck was split up by the heirs of the original estate, creating two separate estates: Erve Groot Besselinck and Erve Klein Besselinck. Interestingly, Groot Besselinck was originally located on the opposite side of the current Domain, while this location was known as Klein Besselinck at the time. The terms 'groot' and 'klein' have caused a lot of confusion and disagreement in the past. Eventually, around 1900, the names were reversed and Dutchified to the current 'Besselink'.

Hospitality in Wartime

During the Second World War, the attic of the old barn offered shelter to people in hiding. This gesture of protection and hospitality laid the foundation for a long tradition in which guests, especially from the west of the country, found peace and safety here. These visitors stayed in the front house of the old farm at the time, which eventually led to the creation of a popular camping site.

A New Beginning on Familiar Ground

After the death of her husband, the previous owner, Mrs. te Winkel, decided to close the campsite and put the terrain up for sale. Six quiet years later, we bought this special piece of land and gradually turned it into the Domain as you can see and experience it today.

With this piece of history we want to honor the original wish of the people who lived here: the desire to share life, to work together and to live together in solidarity. This piece of earth carries a deep imprint of solidarity, an original unity – 'the Goed Besselinck' – that we want to keep alive here with much love.

Based on: RAAP Archaeological Consultancy, Traces from prehistory at the site Almen-Groot Besselink (p. 26). Almen in full: The history of Almen*