Schijf, Roosendaal and Visdonk

Between Roosendaal and Rucphen there is a forest area that extends to the border of Belgium: the Rucphense Bossen. An original cover sand ridge, which formed a heathland and drifting sand area, was planted with conifers in the early twentieth century. This is how the forests were created, covering approximately 1,200 hectares, covered with wonderfully scented European larch, the well-known Scots pine and full Douglas fir. Agricultural enclaves are hidden like spots between the trees, but the original drifting sand and heath relics can still be found here. The Oud Buisse Heide is an estate where a visual artist and a writer/politician once found their inspiration. They lived here together until the owners donated it to Natuurmonumenten in 1945. They retained the three special buildings on the estate: the Herenkamer, the Angorahoeve and the Atelier. These are surrounded by old forests, spacious fields and meadows, fens and heathland. Beautiful farms complete the picturesque picture of the Oud Buisse Heide. Close to these cultural-historical values is the lesser-known De Biekorf estate, which is truly a feast for the eyes. Although not much is known about this beautiful country house, it is clear that the stately building must have been built by a wealthy owner. The house, which has a luxurious appearance, is surrounded by beautiful tree-lined avenues and park forests consisting of deciduous and coniferous trees. Other beautiful estates you cycle past are Wallsteijn and De Moeren. Wallsteijn was constructed around 1800 by the then sheriff of Zundert: Frederik van de Wall. The country house has a number of spacious outbuildings such as an orangery, a garden house, a coach house, a central longitudinal farm and a longitudinal barn. The Zondreef, a beautiful avenue that leads to a viewing dome in the south of the estate, runs past the country house on this estate. Because this dome is located on an elevation, you have a beautiful view over the fields from here. The De Moeren estate was named after the De Moeren nature reserve. The country house was built in 1817. This prestigious country house has also been added: a spacious coach house and an authentic wooden barn give the house extra cachet.