Farms Oosterkwelweg - Wieringerwerf

Here you’ll find a collection of a reclamation barn, farmhouse and workers’ houses. These barns were essential in the early years of the polder. They were used to work the newly reclaimed land and to store machinery, tools and harvests. Each barn was given a name by the Wieringermeer administration. This one was called ‘Oom Kees’, named after a channel between two sandbanks.

Like this one, many reclamation barns were built near water. That was practical, as it made it easy to transport goods by boat, especially in the early days when there were no roads yet.

Next to the barn are two simple workers’ houses. These, too, are typical of the early phase of the polder. They were built next to reclamation and storage barns and had one purpose: practical living. A nice detail: the entrances are at the back, probably so workers could clean up before entering the house.

In front of the barn, you’ll see the main farmhouse. This was added when the barn was leased out. The workers’ houses were originally built at the same time as the barn and served as a home and office for the farm manager. When the barn was handed over, these buildings were permanently converted into workers’ housing.

Tip: If you cycle along the road to the left of the farm, you’ll see beautiful examples of the large-scale farms that came later. You’ll also come across a little shop where you can order coffee and cake and learn more about farm life in the Wieringermeer.

Photos: ©Historisch Genootschap Wieringermeer