Sand Sprinkling Farm and Museum - Schoonebeek

The Sand Sprinkling Farm in Schoonebeek is a cosy farm museum. In this centuries-old Saxon farmhouse, the history of the village and its traditions are kept alive. In addition to changing exhibitions about local life and oil extraction, the farmhouse mainly tells the story of former residents who, with simple means, kept their homes clean, beautiful and welcoming. The museum is managed by Stichting De Spiker and is mainly open to visitors during the summer months.

The most important tradition here is sand sprinkling: an old custom in which fine white sand was sprinkled on the stone kitchen floor to both absorb dirt and form beautiful patterns. The farmer’s wife would walk through the kitchen sprinkling as she went, creating garlands, curls and floral motifs that gave the home a festive feel. It was a sign of cleanliness and hospitality, especially on special occasions.

At the Sand Sprinkling Farm you can see what this sand carpet looked like and how it was made. Sometimes you even get to try sprinkling a pattern yourself. A surprisingly calming process, but at the same time also tricky. One mistake means starting all over again. This way, the museum offers a charming glimpse into daily life in the past, with a tradition that is practised hardly anywhere else.