Rusty bike

You might think this bicycle doesn't have a caring owner, though as it was parked in 'museum village' Orvelte it is likely that the bicycle isn't meant anymore for daily use.

Schoonebeek Heath Sheep

We passed this flock of sheep in a field near the village of Orvelte. Their long and woolly tails are typical for the 'Schoonebeeker heideschaap' or 'Schoonebeek Heath Sheep', a Dutch domestic breed. They are strong though gentle, often mottled and with black spots on the head.

Howdy!

I'm linking to Saturday's Critters.

Iron Age farm

Following up on yesterday's post about the village of Orvelte: This is a reconstruction of a farm as they could be found in the north east of the Netherlands during the Iron Age. It's a 'longhouse' in which both people and livestock lived. The lay-out of the building seems more or less similar to the farm I showed you yesterday: divided in 3 parts.

This particular farmhouse was built in 1978 using the model of a pre-historic farm that was discovered in archeological findings. Volunteers renovated the structure in 2003. All materials that were used to build it come from the region. There's an entrance on both sides, and inside it was empty and dark.

Orvelte farmhouse

A farm in the small village of Orvelte.

And the same farmhouse from the other side. Orvelte presents itself as a 'museum village', as there are several historical sights like a saw mill and a blacksmith. A number of farmhouses and other buildings are open to the public -which wasn't the case though with the farmhouse on the photo.

Orvelte farms

The small village of Orvelte in the north east of the Netherlands is known for its monumental old farms. The town site is national heritage and you won't find modern new homes or buildings. Orvelte presents itself as a museum village, and throughout the year a number of events are organised -like the Winter Fair I told you about in my last blog posts.

Less than 100 people live in Orvelte. It's a wonderful place to wander around.

Kitchen ware

The side of a market stall at the Orvelte Winter Fair. To be used in all seasons ;)

Orvelte winter fair

Two images from the winter fair from last weekend in the village of Orvelte. We were there before the crowds came and had a good chance to look around.

Lots of handmade things to choose from.