Gasterie Lieve Hemel

The Netherlands a wine nation? In Sevenum in the province of Limburg, it almost seems that way. A visit to the Gasterie Lieve Hemel, which translates as Sweet Heaven Monastery, feels a bit like a trip to France. Savoir vivre is writ large in this place. Epicures get their money’s worth at the bed & breakfast with restaurant and wine bistro. Starting in the morning, when guests are treated to fresh delicacies at the breakfast table, this continues with wine tasting, where 34 different varieties are available to try, and culminates in the multi-course menu in the evening. The French flair is no coincidence. Heidy and her husband Marcel, who founded Gasterie Lieve Hemel in 2007 and have been supported by Henk and Jolanda since 2015, are big fans of France and also have close family ties to the country. Because a move was out of the question for them, they simply imported the lifestyle to the Netherlands. This is evident not only on the menu, but also in the seven rooms of various sizes and in the two vacation apartments. They are decorated in a romantic country house style, partly with colored lime plaster walls. Visible wooden beams and sloping ceilings contribute to a pleasant spacious feeling. The landlords brought many of the antiques, pictures and vases with them from France. They contrast playfully with modern geometric fixtures. In summer, guests gather by the pool in the large garden. While the children have fun in the playground, adults can play boules—vive la France!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• From the food to the rooms, the hosts stick to their concept. Guests really do feel “like God” in France—and here in the middle of the Netherlands too.
• Regional influences are also important: The famous Limburg sauces have a permanent place on the menu and are combined with delicacies from French cuisine.
• Guests can find hand-picked objects from French antique shops in the rooms.
• Blankets and bed linen from House in Style, Blanc D'Ivoire and Himla create a wonderful environment for stylish relaxation.
• With only seven rooms and two apartments, the feel is pleasantly personal.
• Every Friday evening, the hosts invite you to a wine evening.
• You can spend hours in the garden—at the pool, playing table tennis or on the trampoline. There is even a boules court here!
• In the mood for wellness? The jacuzzi and sauna can be booked for private use; massages are also available.
• The ultimate relaxation experience is promised in the Vieilles Vignes room with its free-standing bathtub in the living area.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Breakfast is included in the guest rooms, in the apartments it can be booked as an optional extra.
• A baby bed including bed linen can be rented for an extra charge. An extra bed for children between three and twelve years old is available.
• The wine and bistro bar is open five times a week; this is outside in summer. Guests can also use it out of opening hours for reading or just hanging out.
• On the upper floor, there is a TV, minibar, espresso machine and kettle with free coffee and tea for all room guests.
• There is a bicycle rental service and a car rental service on site.
• Electric cars can be charged for a fee.
• Wine and gifts are available in the hotel store.
• Pretty villages surround the bed & breakfast in the border triangle, which can be discovered by bike or on hiking routes.
• If you get in the car and drive a bit further, there are many more great destinations for the whole family—several amusement parks, the pleasant cities of Maastricht and Eindhoven for shopping and cafe-hopping, castles, farms and plenty of nature.
• On weekends and during the vacation season, the minimum stay is two nights.