We’re Maud Buseman and Jan Cihlar, a Dutch–Czech couple who moved to this property in February 2025, after years of searching for a place that could hold everything we dreamed of building. When we arrived, we knew: this was it. A place with forest, water, space, animals, potential. Every day, it still surprises us.

We live here with our dog Steffie and our three horses: Jildou, her son Lucius, and her daughter Gwisgi. Two assertive chickens – Cornelia and Jolie — decided to stay and quickly became part of the family.

We met while working as consultants in renewable energy. Jan continues to work in that world, now focused on biochar project development, where he supports project developers through strategy and feasibility work. He brings a sharp mind, a love for systems, and an even deeper love for nature and animals. You’ll often find him building something on the land – or being pulled away from his laptop by Steffie.

Maud’s background is in neuroscience, coaching, and equine therapy. After years in corporate and academic environments, she now focuses on designing grounded, nature-based experiences that support clarity, creativity, and reconnection – for people who carry big visions or heavy decisions.

At The Big Fields, we host project teams, companies, retreat leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs or individuals who need space to think clearly, step back, and get real work done. Whether you come for a co-working week, a team event, company event, or to host your own program – this land will do what it does best: quiet the noise, and bring you back to what matters.

This is not just a retreat centre. It’s our home, and you are most welcome to join us!