Fermette Pie Konijn – Hoeve Pie Konijn

Tucked away in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Fermette Pie Konijn whispers tales of a Brussels long past. This charming farmstead, also known as Hoeve Pie Konijn, isn’t just a collection of weathered buildings. It’s a living testament to a time when the rhythm of life was set by the seasons, not the city. Fermette Pie Konijn stands as one of the last echoes of rural architecture in the region. Remarkably, its interior structure remains untouched by modern alterations. Look closely, and you’ll see the rounded beams beneath the roof, a testament to a time when craftsmanship was valued over convenience. The very air at Fermette Pie Konijn seems to hum with the memories of Pierre De Mesmaeker, affectionately known as “Pie Konijn” or “Bunny Pete.” Born in 1923, Pie Konijn, whose real name was Petrus, hailed from a long line of flower and vegetable growers. Although his family cultivated blooms, not bunnies, the nickname stuck. Ironically, Pie Konijn did briefly raise rabbits. Legend has it, however, that his domesticated bunnies intermingled with wild rabbits through pipes leading into the hutch, creating a colony of free-roaming rabbits on the farm. Pie Konijn’s wife lived on the farm until 1998, maintaining the traditional way of life, without running water. Today, dedicated volunteers continue to care for the farm’s inhabitants: chickens, geese, ducks, and guinea pigs roam freely, a vibrant reminder of the farm’s agricultural past. Sadly, the farm’s namesake rabbits are no more, a disease in the soil proving fatal to the population. Fermette Pie Konijn continues its legacy of education. Children visit to learn about responsibility and the hard work that comes with caring for animals. They discover that geese prefer pristine bathwater and that someone must diligently break the ice on the animals’ drinking water during winter. The farm also provides shelter to injured hedgehogs, a protected species in Belgium. These tiny creatures, often found weakened and unwell, require a special diet of egg yolk and cat food, far from the common misconception of milk. Despite the care, their survival is uncertain, highlighting the fragility of life on the farm. Fermette Pie Konijn isn’t merely a relic of the past; it’s a bridge between the city and its rural roots. Its walls echo with stories of a simpler time. Its grounds offer a connection to the natural world. Its continued existence provides a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage.