Five months after our emigration to Austria....

It has now been almost half a year since we took the step to leave the Netherlands behind and emigrate to Austria. We knew it would be exciting, a new country, a different language, a completely different rhythm of life. What we have experienced in these months exceeds our expectations. For that reason we are writing this blog.

After months of renovation, planning, and a lot of work, everything we had in mind is increasingly becoming a reality. The walls have been plastered and freshly painted, the stables are in order, and the grounds are increasingly taking on the look we envisioned when we saw the potential of this place: Ferien- und Pferdegut Schloss Treffen in Carinthia.

Satisfied guests and glowing reviews

What touches us most is the appreciation from our guests. From the first days/weeks after we took over, we received so many positive responses, despite still being in the midst of renovation and having many construction workers around. People praise our hospitality with personal contact, calm and space, and the already well-maintained rooms.

In recent weeks we gave the rooms a major comfortable upgrade by removing all sofa beds and replacing them with permanent beds. Additionally, we painted everything, thoroughly cleaned, and replaced the mattresses, duvets, and duvet covers.

We receive great reviews, with high ratings that we are incredibly proud of. We regularly hear from guests that they feel at home immediately, that they appreciate the attention to detail, and that the atmosphere of the house radiates something special.

The best compliment? That people not only say they enjoyed it, but also book again for their next stay right away.

Financial uncertainty: exciting, but full of confidence

Operating in a new country brings not only adventure but also financial tension. Missing a steady income can still be an adjustment. Where we used to know what came in each month, now depends a lot on seasons, occupancy, and bookings. That can be quite tense, especially during quiet periods.

Yet we notice that we can trust what we are building. The bookings for the summer of 2026 already look remarkably good, and that gives us exactly the push we sometimes need. It shows us that we are on the right track. We carry that feeling with us, especially at moments when entrepreneurship is a bit tough. We stick to that positive line and the confidence that all the hard work will pay off step by step.

Living with the horses

An important part of our life (and of our concept) is, of course, the horses.

When we took over the property, there was a lot of work to do. The stables were tidy, but there was a huge amount of waste in the hay loft and the floor had many large holes (broke by the tractor). In short: the whole place needed a serious makeover and refresh. But step by step, with a lot of energy and patience, we tackle everything. Thus, the entire lighting of the stable building has been restored and we have created a beautiful ski area with a drying installation.

Back to the horses, we notice that our guests often experience contact with the horses as something very special. Some come here specifically to ride, others simply enjoy being near the animals, brushing them, or just watching. Even people who have nothing to do with horses spend a good time here.

Everyday life: getting used to and appreciating

Even for our family, life here is completely different from the Netherlands. What has surprised us the most is how well the children are doing. This is truly a #proud-of-the-kids for us! 😉

Where they were not always enthusiastic about school in the Netherlands, they get up here every morning with pleasure, even though the school day starts at 07:20!

As former teachers, we had to get used to the Austrian education system. In the Netherlands, parents are used to being involved everywhere: you can watch the student tracking system, see grades, and follow homework.

Here it is different. The children are fully responsible for their school matters. We get no insight into grades, homework, or assignments; it is up to them to arrange everything. And they do it! They come home with lists: “Mama, I need a budget for cooking” or “Dad, I need to bring something for tech & design.”

At first we really had to get used to that, but now we see how well this works for them. They become more independent, plan better, and learn to take responsibility. It is wonderful and valuable to see and opens our eyes to the education system.

Time for each other

What brings us the most happiness is the calm and the time we now have as a family. The school day ends early, usually around 12:55, so we often spend the afternoons together.

A small but special moment is breakfast. The children said recently: “Dad, you used to never be at breakfast, but now we have breakfast together every morning.”

Such moments make us realize why we took this step. Here we have not only built a new life, but also truly found time for each other, go into nature more often, undertake cool activities, and exercise together.

Home among the mountains

Between the mountains, the horses, and the welcoming people of Carinthia (neighbors, horse owners) we feel completely at home.

The fresh air, the rhythm of the seasons, and the silence of the surroundings do us good. We are grateful for everything we have built and look proudly at the result of all the hard work in recent months.

The Netherlands, especially the wind 😉, we have not missed a moment. And because family and friends have already visited many times, we have also had a bit of the Netherlands in Austria.

We have landed well, full of confidence in the future, and we look forward to welcoming many more guests at our Ferien- und Pferdegut Schloss Treffen, our dream place in Austria that has now become a reality.

Come experience it yourself

Are you looking for a place where calm, nature, hospitality, and real outdoor life come together? Where you wake up in the morning with a view of the mountains and maybe want to meet one of our horses?

Do you want the coziness of the city within reach at the same time? Our Feriengut is a stone's throw away from Villach, a lively town with all the facilities you could wish for.

In short, whether you come for pure relaxation, an active week in nature, or just to catch your breath, you feel at home with us immediately.

We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of Austrian happiness!

A warm and wintery greeting from Treffen,

The de Bruijne family

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