As the leaves turn and autumn settles over the Dutch countryside, the municipality of Bronckhorst is setting the stage for a season of innovation, community, and thoughtful planning. This November, residents are being offered a unique window into the future—one where sustainable living, road safety for the next generation, and proactive care for loved ones all come together in a tapestry of local action.
On November 1 and 8, 2025, the thirteenth edition of the Nationale Duurzame Huizen Route (National Sustainable Homes Route) arrives in Bronckhorst, inviting residents to step inside homes that have undergone remarkable transformations. According to the municipality’s official announcement, six homeowners will open their doors to share not just the physical spaces they've shaped, but the stories and lessons learned along the way. These aren’t just any homes; each one stands as a testament to the power of smart choices and long-term thinking when it comes to energy and resource use.
One standout on the tour is a farmhouse in Keijenborg, originally built in 1930 and left unmaintained for decades. Over the course of nine years, it’s been painstakingly converted into a multi-generational residence—a living example of how history and modern needs can blend. Visitors will also have the chance to walk through the 2020 winner of the Sustainable House of the Netherlands, a cutting-edge plus-energy home in Hengelo, which not only meets but exceeds its own energy needs. There’s more: a monumental farmhouse dating back to 1500 in Vorden, its ancient walls now insulated with hemp-lime, and an architect-designed, energy-neutral aquadomum in Zelhem, all open for exploration.
During these open days, hosts will share candid insights into their renovation journeys. As reported by the municipality, visitors can expect to hear firsthand about the practicalities of roof insulation, the real noise levels generated by heat pumps, and clever ways to combine different home adaptations for maximum effect. It’s an opportunity to see, touch, and ask questions—an antidote to the sometimes overwhelming world of online advice and technical jargon. For those who can’t make it in person, the municipality’s website offers a digital peek into several sustainable examples, along with details on how to register for the in-person tours.
But Bronckhorst isn’t just thinking about bricks, mortar, and kilowatt-hours. With the safety of its youngest drivers in mind, the municipality is rolling out a targeted alcohol prevention initiative. On November 19, 2025, young people aged 17 to 25 who are on the cusp of earning their driver’s license can participate in a free alcohol prevention course at the municipal building in Hengelo (Gld). The course, which runs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., is designed to tackle a sobering reality: too many accidents on local roads involve inexperienced drivers, often with alcohol or drugs in the mix.
The municipality, in partnership with Iriszorg, aims to shift this narrative by raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. Participants who complete the course will receive a voucher allowing them to collect their first driver’s license card free of charge—a savings of €52.10. As the official announcement puts it, “If you complete the course, you may collect your driver’s license card for free once you pass your exam.” It’s a practical reward, but the underlying message is clear: responsible choices behind the wheel can save lives.
There are a few strings attached, of course. To be eligible, applicants must live in Bronckhorst, fall within the 17-25 age bracket, not yet have obtained a driver’s license, expect to get their license within six months of the course, and be collecting the license card for the first time. The voucher can only be redeemed in person at the municipal office—no online shortcuts here. It’s a small administrative hurdle, but one that underscores the seriousness with which the municipality approaches road safety and personal responsibility.
Meanwhile, the local government is also breaking new ground when it comes to caring for its aging population and those who may soon need extra support. As of October 13, 2025, residents are permitted to place temporary (pre-)mantelzorg homes—small, self-contained dwellings designed for caregivers or those in need of care—on their own property, even if there is not yet an immediate care need. This marks a significant shift from previous policy, which only allowed such homes when a care situation was already in place.
As explained by Emmeke Gosselink, Bronckhorst’s alderman for housing, “The municipality is responding to residents’ wishes to anticipate future care situations earlier. By allowing the placement of a pre-mantelzorg home, we give residents the opportunity to act in time. This contributes to the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients.” The logic is simple but profound: by making it easier for families to prepare for future care needs—whether due to increasing health challenges or the approach of AOW retirement age—the municipality hopes to foster independence and peace of mind, especially in rural areas where support networks can be more spread out.
There are some procedural steps to follow. A care indication from the municipality’s social consultants is required, typically issued after a so-called ‘keukentafelgesprek’ (kitchen table conversation) to determine whether care is needed now or in the near future. If the placement is based on reaching AOW age rather than an immediate care need, a permit for deviation from environmental planning rules must be obtained, and spatial requirements are assessed. It’s a balance between flexibility and oversight, ensuring that the needs of families and the integrity of local planning both get their due.
All of these initiatives—whether they’re about sustainable homes, safe driving, or compassionate care—reflect a broader philosophy that seems to animate Bronckhorst’s approach to local governance. There’s a recognition that the challenges of the future, from climate change to demographic shifts, won’t be solved by top-down mandates alone. Instead, the municipality is betting on the power of information, community engagement, and giving residents the tools to make smart, forward-looking choices.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all formula, and there are sure to be bumps along the way. But as Bronckhorst’s residents open their doors, their minds, and their hearts this autumn, they’re offering a glimpse of what can happen when a community chooses to plan ahead, together.
