Ik Vertrek Family Spanbroek Finds Their Rhythm on French Campground After Rocky Start
The couple relocated with their two sons, Billy, 11, and Flynn, 8, to take over an existing campground featuring safari tents, a swimming pool, and a playground, as detailed by TVgids.nl.
Viewers of the October broadcast initially urged Sofie to pack her bags and return to the Netherlands following a turbulent start marked by language barriers, intense homestead renovations, and the stress of managing a full site during a local music festival, according to Veronica Superguide. However, several months into operating the business, the family reports that daily life has stabilized significantly as the children settle into local schools and outdoor routines, Shownieuws noted.
From Ambert School Days to Poolside Projects
The transition to rural French life presented immediate cultural and linguistic hurdles for the Spanbroek family. According to updates shared with AVROTROS, sons Billy and Flynn now get through long school days lasting until 4:30 PM, using a mix of French, English, and Dutch to connect with classmates. Outside of school hours, the boys spend their time mountain biking and playing soccer.
On the campground grounds, the family completed the installation of a large swimming pool that saw heavy usage from guests throughout the summer season. While the initial months required non-stop property maintenance, cleaning, and managing arrivals during peak booking periods, the end of the operating season has allowed the family to map out further upgrades to the site.
Upcoming Campground Upgrades in Ambert
With the primary tourist season concluded, the family plans to tackle several larger infrastructure projects across the property. According to Shownieuws, the upcoming work schedule includes building a sun deck around the swimming pool, installing hot water at the outdoor dishwashing stations, and burying electrical cables that lead to the safari tents.
Additional winter projects involve finishing and furnishing the indoor play barn and laying out the site for a new jeu-de-boules court. Despite the linguistic challenges of running a French enterprise, the family notes that their everyday communication has improved steadily since their arrival in Ambert.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spanbroek Family’s French Move
Why did the Spanbroek family move to France?
Sjors and Sofie Spanbroek left their respective careers as a physical education teacher and government official in the Netherlands to take over and modernize an existing campground in Ambert, France, adding safari tents, a playground, and a swimming pool.
How are the children managing the French school system?
Sons Billy and Flynn attend local French schools where classes run until 4:30 PM. They have made friends through soccer and mountain biking, communicating primarily through a creative mix of French, English, and Dutch.
What specific renovations are planned for the campground?
Following the completion of the main swimming pool, the family plans to build a surrounding sun deck, install hot water at the dishwashing areas, bury electrical lines to the safaritents, and finish equipping the indoor play barn.