From Blackboard to Alpine Meadow: Our Emigration to Austria!
With pride, excitement and a healthy dose of chaos we can finally share the news: we are going to emigrate to Austria! As of June 28, 2025 we – Bernadette, Dick, Tian and Niven – will exchange our lives in the Netherlands for a new adventure in the beautiful Treffen am Ossiacher See, in the state of Carinthia.
From education to entrepreneurs
After years of passion and dedication in education, we choose a completely different lifestyle. No more meetings, tests or student discussions. This is exchanged for fresh mountain air, tourism and horses. We have bought Pferdegut Schloss Treffen. A historic estate with lots of character and with lots of potential and challenge!
What are we going to do?
• Rental of 5 attractive apartments to tourists, nature lovers, horse lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
• Run a boarding stable where horse lovers can safely leave their animals.
Why Austria?
The love for the mountains had been there for a long time. Every holiday in Austria felt like coming home. The space, the nature, the rhythm of life. When the idea arose to really emigrate, it was soon clear: if we do it, we do it here in Carinthia. The location can be called perfect. Close to the city of Villach and in a lively area, near many (tourist) facilities. Yet it was not love at first sight....
We have already seen that the Pferdegut has charm. However, we also see that there is still a lot of maintenance needed to bring it to the state we have in mind. A nice challenge that we will start with right away in the coming year!
A leap into the deep
Of course it is exciting. We leave a lot behind: family, friends, colleagues, routines. But we get something special in return: a place where we can build something together, where work and private life will be more in balance, and where we can follow our passions with a completely different way of life in a completely different environment.
Our children, Tian and Niven, will also be joining us on this adventure. It will be an exciting, educational and unique experience for them too, and we look forward to taking on this challenge together as a family.
Follow our adventure
Through this blog we will keep you informed about our journey, the renovations, the first guests, and life in Austria. For those who are curious, making plans, or just want to enjoy our (some call it a brave 😉) step towards another existence and country: Welcome!
Hopefully see you in Treffen am Ossiachersee!
Love,
The Bruijne family
Bernadette, Dick, Tian & Niven
This is our own website with the best price. Click here for our accommodations or ask us your question. Or read on with Our Big Move to Carinthia or go to the overview of all articles.