Heihuyzen Estate bids farewell to special field guard Joop Vrijhoeven after more than 20 years of service
On May 31, 2026, Heihuyzen Estate will officially bid farewell to special field guard Joop Vrijhoeven. For more than twenty years, Joop was a familiar face on the estate, where he dedicated himself day and night to supervision, security, nature management, and daily life at Heihuyzen.
Many visitors, hikers, and local residents came to know Joop Vrijhoeven as a man with a great sense of responsibility, a strong presence on the estate, and a notable passion for nature and order. His now-iconic special field guard uniform became a recognizable sight for many at Heihuyzen and in the surrounding area of Oostmalle.
During the Heihuyzen Garden Days from May 23 to 25, 2026, visitors were able to see Joop Vrijhoeven active for one last time during an event on the estate. For many regular visitors, this felt like a symbolic farewell to someone who helped define the face of Heihuyzen for years.
More than 20 years of dedication to Heihuyzen
Remembering Joop Vrijhoeven’s Legacy
For more than two decades, Joop was available day and night for the estate and the Lenaerts family. His duties went far beyond mere supervision. He was present on the grounds daily, engaged with visitors where necessary, monitored nature and security, and was a primary point of contact for many at Heihuyzen.
Through his years of dedication, Joop grew into a true fixture of the estate. Many hikers, local residents, and visitors to events such as the Heihuyzen Garden Days know him personally or recognize him from his presence on the grounds.
From the Netherlands to Heihuyzen
Joop originally hails from the Netherlands and has lived at Heihuyzen for many years. The house where Joop and his family settled at the time — Heihuyzen 4, which would later become the B&B — is part of a unique piece of history mentioned in the book “The Confessions of a Master Smuggler” by Paul Meyer.
However, Joop prefers to look forward rather than back at that period. He primarily wishes to be remembered for his years of service to the estate, his involvement with the Lenaerts family, and his daily presence at Heihuyzen.
Time for rest, family, and grandchildren
Now that Joop has reached the age of 71, a new phase of life is beginning for him and his wife Loes. Together they have a son and a daughter, both of whom are married and each have a daughter. After many years of permanent commitment to the estate, there is finally more time for rest, family, and enjoying the grandchildren.
The Lenaerts family would therefore like to expressly thank Joop and Loes for their years of involvement, loyalty, and commitment to Heihuyzen.
“Joop has dedicated himself heart and soul to Heihuyzen for more than twenty years. We are exceptionally grateful to him for his permanent presence and his years of service to the estate,” stated the Lenaerts family.
End of the B&B at Heihuyzen
The B&B at Heihuyzen has been closed since the beginning of May 2026. With the departure of Joop and Loes, a special chapter in the history of the estate comes to an end.
In the future, it will be considered whether new residents might again develop B&B activities at Heihuyzen within the unique setting of the estate and the Antwerp Campine.
Supervision of the estate remains guaranteed
With Joop’s departure, nothing changes regarding the fact that supervision and enforcement on the estate remain assured. Heihuyzen is certainly not being left “unprotected.” Where necessary, enforcement will continue to take place with respect for nature, peace, safety, and the private character of the estate.
Heihuyzen Estate remains committed to nature management, security, and preserving the tranquility of the estate, as visitors and local residents have been accustomed to for years.
The Lenaerts family wishes Joop and Loes many more beautiful, healthy, and happy years and hopes to welcome them back to Heihuyzen often.
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