Whenever we need to destress and take time out from our daily routine, my husband and I would take a quick nature day trip not far from our place in Bacoor Cavite. Therefore, attractions from nearby provinces like Batangas are always considered.
About The Old Grove Farmstead
The Old Grove Farmstead is a resort and event venue in Purok 5, U Mojeres St. Brgy Lodlod, Lipa City open for tourists on day trips or overnight stays. The place attracts tourists due to its Western country-style setting, with famous traditional Dutch icons, which is why it is called the Netherlands of Batangas. It is an expansive five-hectare landscape with photo-worthy spots like the Windmill and the red barn.
Upon arrival, the guard on duty greeted us and asked if we had a reservation since no walk-in guests were allowed. After that, the guard gave us the car parking coupon to be validated by the cashier. And, since I reserved for an 11 AM time slot, I went for package 2- A farm visit with lunch for three adults that cost 1,250 per head. After payment, the cashier gave the farm map, wristband tickets, and food stub while giving some information about the farm. The lunch buffet is set up from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Harvest Cafe, and it is your preference as to when you would take your lunch.
Thing To Do Inside The Old Grove Farmstead
It is a self-guided tour, and it is up to you where you will begin the farm tour.
- Enjoy the Netherlands-like scenery with the iconic Dutch Windmill and Red Barn
The windmill was the first attraction to see on the farm. It is where the reception area and the cashier are located. This attraction gave the place the Netherlands feels but could have been more beautiful if the site had flowering plants. Nevertheless, it was still photo-worthy.
Next to the Windmill is the Red Barn, generally used for sheltering animals, their feeds, and supplies, but here, it is being used as a function room for special occasions like weddings and debut receptions.
2. Have a relaxing moment with the farm animals
The farm also features a duck pond and a sheep range, which are fun and relaxing to watch. If you bring your kids with they will enjoy feeding them. Duck feeds are available at the cashier for P 50, while sheep feeds are at P 100.
There are a lot of resting areas here wherein you can sit back and enjoy the surroundings. The sounds of these animals are soothing to the ears and will make you stay longer in this area.
Man-Made Duck Pond
Sheep Range
4. Enjoy the playground.
Old Gove Farmstead has provided activities for the kids to enjoy. The outdoor play area has playground equipment that small kids would love. They will surely appreciate the see-saws, slides, monkey bars, swings, and tire obstacle course.
5. Savor farm-to-table meals at the Harvest Cafe
The Harvest Cafe goes for fully al fresco dining during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the restriction lifted, they allowed indoor dining at a limited capacity. The restaurant has a country-style mood due to its wooden structure and large front porch. It has a simple design with some vintage pieces of furniture and decor. It has a home library, wherein you can borrow some books to read. The buffet table displayed a variety of food choices, from main dishes to desserts, all flavorful and filling as well.
The indoor dining area has some vintage stuff like the music player, still in good running condition., a huge chess board, and some cute stuff decors.
Other attractions/photo-worthy spots:
Aside from the Netherlands-inspired structures, there are also some spots that also capture “Instagram-worthy” photos for your social media posts.
Hanging Bridge-Crossing the hanging bridge you will see the Little House garden, Animal Village, and the water tank which serves as the viewing deck.
The Old Grove Village
The Old Grove Village has cozy cabin-style log house accommodations for overnight guests. The cabin-style villas provided a rustic look, which is ideal for a relaxing getaway. Pool access is for in-house guests only but can be accessed for taking photos.
Things to consider before visiting The Old Grove Farmstead:
- Advance reservation is required- You can message the farm using their FB page at The Old Grove Farmstead or contact their mobile number 0917 8952829 and landline number (043) 784 8690. You may be required to make a 50% down payment. (The farm did not require me to make an advance payment for my reservation, I settled the full amount upon arrival).
- Farm trip rates include entrance fee, farm tour, and lunch or dinner buffet during weekends and holidays, the set meal is being served during weekdays.
- Bringing outside food or having it delivered is not allowed-Although the place is ideal for a picnic, the management does not allow outside food to keep the area clean.
- If you will be accompanied by a professional photographer and with a change of outfits, a photoshoot package will be automatically applied.
How to go to The Old Grove Farmstead from Manila
Via commute-From Manila, take any public transportation to Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Then from PITX, take a bus bound for Lipa. Get off at SM Lipa then take a tricycle going to The Old Grove Farmstead.
Using private cars-The property is searchable using the driving direction apps like Google Maps and Waze