The Silence Farm
A place with a rich history
History and development of the Silence Farm.
In 1984, Father Phil Bosmans and the doctors Vandewalle-Verwimp bought a farm with 25 hectares of farmland. The 'Wijnstokhoeve' became a place where people with mental pain or cancer could catch their breath in connection with nature, silence and healthy food. From day one, the place became an oasis of hope for many. Moreover, this unspoilt piece of nature of more than 20ha had a great meaning and value as is was one of the first organic farms in Flanders.
Origin and growth of the Silence Farm
Under the impulse of Patrick Hanjoul - former director of BZN - and with the support of thousands of sympathizers and sponsors, it became possible to thoroughly restore the farm in 2012. Later, thanks to the City of Damme and the province of West Flanders, the farm received an admission which made it possible to expand the care function within a legal framework.
After the 2-year renovation works, it became possible to stay at the Silence Farm (2014) where to attend programs that focused on the healing power of slowing down, stillness and deepening. A wide range of activities in which nature, silence, meditation and meeting were central.
The Silence Farm was born!
The project responded to the urgent and increasing need for places where people can recover from the pressures of life, as evidenced by the increasing number of burnouts, depressions and suicides.
Visit our photo album
To get an impression of the Silence Farm and its environment , you can visit our photo album.
The need for silence is huge!!
Guestbook: read the positive experiences of guests.
The Silence Farm met an increasing social need.
Sales and new mission
Even though the need for silence, slowing down and introspection is huge, BZN choose to sell the domain of the Silence Farm at the beginning of 2019 to the non-profit organizations Footstep and Bermhertigheid Jesu. As a result, the mission and the name of the pharm changed. The silence aspect was abandoned and under the name: 'De Grote Wateringhe' the place was operated as a social enterprise where parties could be organized
Plans for change of destination.
Beginning 2025, one of the current owners of the Silence Farm applied to the City of Damme asking to eliminate the ‘care function’ with the intention of selling the place.
Preservation in the public interest
If this zoning change had been allowed, the way would be open for the domain to pass into the hands of a private individual.
As we strive for the structural preservation of this place in the public interest and more specifically in the interest of the social care that must be paid for to the mental well-being of our population, we asked not to allow this . We were relieved when we received the announcement that the city councel rejected the call. That way proving their ethical sensitivity and care for the community.
But the owner can go for an appeal.
Collaboration for the future
To save the aim of the former Silence Farm for the future, The non-profit organization Silence@Work is joining forces with dr. Sam Deltour, head physician and psychiatrist within Bermhertigheid Jesu. Every day Sam is confronted with the effects of a stressed society. Sam has had a unique connection to the place since childhood. Read more about dr. Sam Deltour.
This special place cannot be lost!
Together we can save the Silence Farm !
Together with the members of our advisory committee and symphatizers, we call on the Municipal Council of the City of Damme, the administration of the province of West Flanders and the current owners, being the non-profit organization Bermhertigheid Jesu and the non-profit organization ODAS, to allow this beautiful location with its lands, buildings and outbuildings to retain its social purpose for which it was originally purchased by Father Phil Bosmans and the many sympathizers who made the purchase and restoration possible.
Sign the petition!
Are you too, convinced that silence is important and that, today more than ever before, many are in need of silence?
Tell us why you are convinced that silence and places who treasure silence are important and sign the petition.
Share this call to action with your friends and contacts of whom you think they might be interested too !
Those who have signed the petition will receive the ‘digital whitebook’ being the collection of the letters, motivations and names of those who signed the petition.