Two themes provide particularly clear points of reference for a stay in Ottoland: the history of a long, linear village and the Schaapskooi Ottoland, with its visitor centre as a starting point for walking and cycling tours. Building history, animal husbandry and landscape management each offer a different focus. The time of year also matters when planning: the sheep cannot be seen in the barn in the same way all year round, and access to the Skybox may vary seasonally.
Ottoland’s Village History and Historic Farms
Ottoland originated in the first half of the 13th century as a long, linear settlement extending along both sides of the then canalised peat stream, Ottolandse Graafstroom. To the west, it becomes the Graafstroom of Molenaarsgraaf. The settlement pattern offers a distinctive perspective on the village’s history: it tells of the village’s development on both sides of the waterway, while individual farms illustrate later building and use histories.
The monumental farmstead Het Hoge Huis probably dates back to the early 18th century. The house has a broad front façade and is mostly built with an upper room. Its front door is set very high and framed by a surround dating from the 18th century. Both the broad façade and the distinctive design of the entrance draw attention to the architecture of this building.
Another historic landmark is Het Regthuis, a farm around 400 years old at address A92 in Ottoland. For many years, the Schout and Schepenen of Ottoland held their meetings in its converted upper room; the municipal administration also met there until 1954. At Het Regthuis, the focus is therefore not only on its age but especially on its history of use, while Het Hoge Huis is described in terms of its façade design and high-set entrance.
An archaeological Rijksmonument is located on Hoefweg, associated with a Huisterp. A Huisterp is an artificially raised mound on which a house stood. Such mounds were created in low-lying areas to keep people’s feet dry. Sheds, stables and other outbuildings were often part of these house mounds. The term thus offers an additional perspective on historic settlement patterns and how houses were built in low-lying landscapes.
Schaapskooi Ottoland: Animals, Seasons and Tours
The Schaapskooi Ottoland was designed as a sustainable building in the style of existing farmhouses. Sheep, goats and donkeys are kept there; the animals available may vary. From a special “Skybox”, visitors can look down into the sheep barn. Access to the Skybox may vary by season. From November to May, all the sheep are in the barn. During the rest of the year, the space is used for workshops, among other things.
The Schaapskooi’s visitor centre is a starting point for walking and cycling tours. Cycling and walking maps, as well as information about the region, are available there; the centre also includes a shop selling regional products. The visitor centre has ample parking, a charging station for electric bicycles and a bicycle repair station. Check the visitor centre’s opening details and the availability of maps and facilities in advance.
Landscape Management in the Surrounding Area
In the surrounding area, the Schaapskooi Ottoland flock is used to graze dikes, Tiendwegen and nature areas. This targeted grazing promotes biodiversity: plants and herbs can spread and grow through the sheep’s fleece and droppings. The Schaapskooi’s role therefore extends beyond animal husbandry to include the care of the surrounding landscape.
Discover more destinations: Nieuw-Lekkerland, Oud-Alblas
For the main travel overview: Molenwaard.
