Pondfarm
Farm in Sint-Juliaan with a private collection of WWI finds, a German bunker and a replica of a tank, by appointment only with a guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Pondfarm is the farm of the Butaye family in Sint-Juliaan, in the heart of the former front area of the First World War. Stijn Butaye, known as “The Bomb Collector”, began collecting objects found on the farm and in the surrounding fields as a teenager in 2003. All finds are inventoried and reported to the Belgian authorities. From that passion grew a unique private collection, housed in the first small house the farmer had built on the farm after the war.
A part of a German bunker, Kazerne Haeseler 2, which belonged to the German Albrecht-Stellung, still stands in the farmyard. During the Second Battle of Ypres the farm came under German occupation and was heavily fortified. One room of the original five-room bunker has been preserved.
In cooperation with the Poelcapelle 1917 Association, a replica of the tank of Poelkapelle can also be seen. The Pondfarm logo, with four symbolic flowers, stands for remembrance, respect and reconciliation. Visits are only possible by appointment, because the Pondfarm is still a working farm; volunteers of the Poelcapelle 1917 Association guide visitors.
Highlights
- Private collection of Stijn Butaye with WWI finds from the surrounding fields, including original tank parts
- Replica of the tank of Poelkapelle
- Remains of the German bunker Kazerne Haeseler 2
- Guided tour of about one hour by volunteers of the Poelcapelle 1917 Association
Permanent exhibitions
- Pondfarm-collectie – Private collection of First World War finds, gathered by Stijn Butaye and housed in the first small house built on the farm after the war.
- Replica van de tank van Poelkapelle – Replica of the tank that stood on the market square of Poelkapelle until the Second World War, explained during the visit.
- Duitse bunker Kazerne Haeseler 2 – Remains of a German First World War bunker next to the rebuilt farm.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Familie Butaye (privécollectie), in samenwerking met Poelcapelle 1917 Association
Admission & discounts
| Groups | €5 per personCoaches and groups pay a fixed rate of €5 per person. |
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Individual visitors give a voluntary contribution (guide price €5 per person). Extra donations for the tank project are appreciated.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Ample parking on the inner courtyard, including for coaches.
Location of the replica of the tank and the Pondfarm collection: Roeselarestraat 7, Sint-Juliaan (Langemark-Poelkapelle).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There are no toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
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| Good to know | The visit includes a guided tour by volunteers: the ammunition cage (with annual declaration to DOVO), the bunker, the replica of the tank and the collection. |
