Ottoland: Village History, Farms and Sheepfold

Ottoland combines a long village history with notable farms and the Ottoland sheepfold. This gives visitors two distinct areas to explore: historic architecture and local government, as well as a visitor centre with animals and seasonal activities.

Village History and Historic Farms

This long, linear settlement developed in the first half of the 13th century on both sides of the Ottolandse Graafstroom, a peatland stream that had been canalised at the time. To the west, it flows into the Graafstroom from Molenaarsgraaf. The settlement’s development on both banks is fundamental to the village’s layout and anchors its history to a specific waterway.

Among the notable historic farms is Het Hoge Huis. It probably dates back to the early 18th century. The house has a wide front façade and is largely built with an upper room. The front door, set unusually high, is framed by an 18th-century surround. Both the building’s design and its cautiously estimated date of origin are central to the character of this farm.

Het Regthuis adds another dimension to the story: local government. This approximately 400-year-old farmhouse is at A92 in Ottoland. For many years, the schout and schepenen of Ottoland met in its converted upper room; the municipal administration also met there until 1954. While Het Hoge Huis is characterised above all by its façade and front door, Het Regthuis connects the history of the farm with earlier municipal functions.

A national archaeological monument associated with a huisterp stands on Hoefweg. A huisterp is an artificially raised mound on which a house stood and which may also have been home to outbuildings, barns or other structures. The history of the area thus extends beyond its documented farms to an older form of living on raised ground.

Visitor Centre and Ottoland Sheepfold

The visitor centre at the Ottoland sheepfold is a starting point for walking and cycling trips. Cycling and hiking maps, as well as information about the region, are available there. The centre also has a shop selling regional products. Ample parking, a charging station for electric bicycles and a bicycle repair station round out the available facilities. Check opening details and the availability of visitor facilities before travelling.

The sheepfold is home to sheep, goats and donkeys; the animals you encounter may vary. The so-called Skybox offers a special view of the sheep barn, allowing visitors to look down into it from above. Access to the Skybox may vary by season. If seeing inside the barn is important to your visit, check access arrangements in advance.

The time of year also provides a useful guide: from November to May, all the sheep at the Ottoland sheepfold are in the sheep barn. During the rest of the year, the space is used for activities including workshops. The building itself was designed sustainably and in a style that complements the existing farmhouses. Animal husbandry, seasonal use and architecture each contribute to the visitor experience.

The Ottoland sheepfold’s flock grazes nearby dikes, Tiendwegen and nature areas. This targeted grazing promotes biodiversity: plants and herbs can spread and grow with the help of the sheep’s fleece and droppings. In addition to its role as a visitor centre, the flock also contributes to landscape management.

Discover more destinations: Oud-Alblas, Nieuw-Lekkerland.

View the broader travel overview: Molenwaard.