A few years ago, I visited a few pumpkin farms for the first time, and what a fun autumn outing it is! Now that pumpkin season has started again, most pumpkins have already been harvested, but if you're there in time, you can pick them yourself in some places. Pumpkin picking is a craze that has spread from the United States, where it autumn outing is an integral part of the preparations for HalloweenIt's fun to go to a pumpkin farm with the kids or friends to pick out the most beautiful pumpkins and buy them directly from the farmer. It's a tradition we'll be keeping up this fall! This month, I took another fun pumpkin-hunting tour through North Holland, and my son Manuel and I bought the most beautiful pumpkins at Pumpkin Farm Bos.
TRICK OR TREAT: Check out some fun tips for celebrating Halloween here >>
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 🫕 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲
Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue!
I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️).
𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East)
Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included!
📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Center)
Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match.
📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre)
Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻:
📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East)
Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged.
📍 @fromagerielamuse (South)
Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first?
📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre)
Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in.
On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam.
Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends.
#cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟱, 𝟲, 𝟳 & 𝟴
From €3 tacos, a pizza battle and new hotspots to creative ceramics, vintage markets and feel-good exhibitions 🖤Amsterdam is giving us plenty of reasons to go out this weekend.
Perfect for a solo date or plans with friends.
💬 Comment WEEKEND and we'll send you the full guide with all 48 tips for this weekend in Amsterdam.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@dehallen.amsterdam @grachtenmuseum @camino.amsterdam @glazemade @nikotin.restobar @amsterdamstreetart @klaproosamsterdam

And in my opinion this is a perfect combination - 🥰
Valentine's Day is (almost) here... and yes, I've gone through my usual long list of restaurants and compiled my favorite (new) tips for every mood. Whether you're looking for a truly romantic restaurant in Amsterdam, fancy a splurge, or are searching for great spots for daytime drinks and a snacky dinner... you'll want to save these tips!
Let me tell you something funny. I officially registered my Thai marriage in the Netherlands on February 14th 😂. And guess where I'll be on February 14th 🛺🇹🇭👀!
What are you going to do on Valentine's Day?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for tons of tips to make the most of your free time, from date night tips to food hotspots and travel guides. And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#valentinesday #amsterdamrestaurants #datenight #yourlbb

Amsterdam Weekend Guide: Jan 29 – Feb 1
From the city's first ever Tea Festival to Sunday Roasts, winter markets, and hot new openings — Amsterdam is serving up another packed weekend.
👉 Inspiration to enjoy together or SOLO
💬 Comment WEEKEND for the full guide with all 43 tips
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamHotspots #WeekendPlans

And in addition to that, do you also have a nice garden?
This TRAVEL TIP is for anyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job.
Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie!
And then ask for time off as quickly as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-).
Happy travels 😘
IRON 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: March 30 to April 2 & April 7 to 10
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free period: March 28 to April 12 (16 days)
**Stylish & Indigo**
⟶ Taking vacation days: April 28 to May 1, May 4 & May 6 to 8
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days
ツ Total free: April 25 to May 10 (16 days)
and
⟶ Taking vacation days: December 21 to 24 & December 28 to 31
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free: December 21 to January 3, 2027 (16 days)
𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: Monday March 30th to Thursday April 2nd
⟶ Vacation days required: 4
ツ Total free: March 28 to April 6 (10 days)
𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗴
⟶ Take vacation days: May 15
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Total free: May 14th to 17th (4 days)
Innocent
⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Totally free: May 22 to 25 or May 23 to 26 (4 days)
Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips.
And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#vacationdays2026 #traveltips

**Due to poor weather, this product has been carefully selected and is in excellent condition.** 👀
The market calendar may be a bit quieter now, but luckily there's still plenty planned for January and February, including a new gem (I predict)!
Don't miss these weekend markets:
• 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee.
• @sundaymarket
• Museum Market
• @rotterdamseoogst
• @themakermarket
In the complete guide on Your Little Black Book, you'll find 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates and locations for January and February.
Send these tips to your market-browsing bestie!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#weekendmarkets #dutchtips #autumnouting #vintagemarket

IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam

First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck

I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. I have a nice garden in my garden 🗝️👀
Mark your calendars! Because on January 17th and 18th, Hotel Night returns to Amsterdam with a year-round event packed with health and wellness events, and of course, legendary parties you'll be talking about all year long.
I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower.
And in my opinion:
• overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026
• access to the spa & wellness (subject to availability via the wellness desk)
• pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor
• fully catered dinner from the chef
• passe-partouts for the Hotel Night parties
• extensive breakfast in the Winter Garden
• participation in unique Ice Experience in Krasnapolsky Summergarden
And in Flanders:
• let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotel Night
• download the Mastercard Hotel Night app where you can see the complete program
• and take a look at @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started!
The winner will be notified on January 5th in a comment from @hotelnacht that I will share in my stories.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Love,
Anne
#hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

NEW YEAR 🥰 ~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
I'll be sharing more of these kinds of diaries with you in 2026. What a month December was! 🖤 So grateful for all the special moments!
From overcoming stage fright to New York, lots of QT with my boys, and delicious food. We're closing out the year in Egypt, and it's so incredibly beautiful here ☺️.
1 'Coming home' to NY, this city continues to surprise 🗽
No fancy dinners this time, but a week full of street food, handrolls, slices, and wine bars. 🍕
3 A bizarre end to the trip and another experience richer 🫣
4 Just in time to present the Entree Award for 'best new luxury hotel'. ✨ Overcoming stage fright: CHECK!
One of the best hospitality parties of the year: the Entree Awards. Luckily, we still have the photos. 📸
6, 7, 8 Date night at the always delicious Café Caron, the newly opened Char-d (also recommended) and the snacky dinner that I had been craving for months 😅
9-night hotel preview at Anantara Krasnapolsky and the best night out in your own city. TIP: There's a fantastic giveaway coming up that you won't want to miss. 👀
Note to self: visit a hotel spa more often for the ultimate luxury experience, such as at Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.
11 Emily in Paris & Cheese Fondue 🫕. What do you think of the new season?
12 AMS rounds with lunch at De Willem & wine and pate en croute at Twee Prinsen 🍷
13 Our Christmas tradition: the World Christmas Circus in Carré 🎪
Manuel's 14th Best Idea: Everyone Had to Hand in Their Phones at Christmas 📵
15 Early Christmas with the fam, and yes I made the viral shrimp tower 🦐
16 EGYPT, here we come! 🛩️
17 Felucca & magical sunset in Luxor ☀️
Christmas gift for the whole family: checked into my dream hotel in Luxor. 🗝️
Bucket list 19: Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. 🔥
20 This is what I call alfresco dining 😍
PS: I love this age of traveling together, a big boy full of fun ideas, but still sweet and small at the same time 🥰
It's crazy to think that the year is almost over, but I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything that's to come.
I hope you had some nice days too 🖤.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck

Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
I wish you very happy days.
Curious about what you're going to do today ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
PS: Who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀


Pumpkin Farm Forest
It might not be a farm, but the Pluktuin (Pluck Garden) in Amstelveen is the place where children can pick their own pumpkins in October. Starting in October, it's officially pumpkin month, and you'll find a field full of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. But be sure to keep an eye on their social media to see if they still have any in stock. A fun autumn outing you won't want to miss. More information >>
Although Pumpkin Farm Bos started as a hobby, it's now one of the most famous pumpkin farms in North Holland. This family farm has been growing the most beautiful pumpkins in the region for over 30 years. During my tour of various pumpkin farms in North Holland, I found this one by far the most enjoyable. In the farm's shop, they also sell other local produce. The pumpkins are beautifully displayed in front of the barn and are offered at great prices. More information >>
De Marlequi is a nursery in Warmenhuizen, North Holland. It's one of the largest pumpkin farms in the Netherlands. Every year, they open their farm to families and friends who want to pick and select pumpkins. De Marlequi offers a variety of pumpkins – so there's something for everyone (and every budget)! More information >>
Bregman Pumpkin Farm is a pumpkin farm in Noordbeemster. This farm offers a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds for sale. In the fall (September to early November), children can also enjoy fun events, activities, and workshops! More information >>
Now that autumn has arrived, you can visit Onderdijk Pumpkin Farm for a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds. They take their Halloween theme very seriously, and you'll find decorations all over the farm to get you in the spooky mood. In the large barn, you can buy pumpkins as well as decorated baskets. You can tell it's a busy pumpkin farm, because I personally found the "DO NOT TOUCH THE STEMS" signs posted quite often. It did take away a bit of the fun of pumpkin shopping, so parents be warned, haha. What they do offer is a really fun workshop during the autumn break, where kids can carve their own pumpkins at the table in the barn. More information >>
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| HALLOWEEN TIP: These are the best children's movies for Halloween >>
Want to buy beautiful pumpkins or pick up pumpkins in Lisse? Then Monique's Pumpkin Factory (although it's not actually a farm) is a great place to keep in mind. Monique and her team grow a large number of pumpkins in various sizes and varieties every year. These pumpkins can then be purchased at the "Pumpkin Shop" in their garden. The pumpkins are often sold out before Halloween, so keep an eye out for them. the website Stay tuned for updates on the harvest and sales. Also fun: they also have a flower picking garden; you can check Instagram to see if anything is available for picking depending on the season. Pumpkins available from September 16, 2025.

© Monique's Pumpkin Factory
| TIP: also nice in the area around Lisse is The OlmenhorstIn September and October you've come to the right place to pick apples! See more tips here picking apples in the Amsterdam area.
Pumpkin Farm Ederveen is a professional pumpkin grower and a true family business. This pumpkin farm in the Netherlands, located in the province of Gelderland, offers a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds for sale each season. You can pick out the pumpkins from the containers after harvesting them. Besides selling pumpkins, they also offer workshops. Be sure to keep an eye on their Instagram for more information about everything happening at Pumpkin Farm Ederveen! More information >>
In Gelderland, you'll find Groentehof Poelen, a charming pumpkin farm where you can not only buy pumpkins during the fall, but also pick your own. The official pumpkin picking days will take place every Sunday in September 2025. In October 2025, things will get extra special with the Halloween Pumpkin Days, which will take place on the last three Sundays of the month. After picking, you can relax on the terrace for a bite to eat or a drink. More information >>

© Groentehof Poelen
There's always something going on at Fruittuin Verbeek, especially in autumn. Kids can pick fruit, play among the orchards, and as of this year, alpacas even live in the garden. It's especially fun to combine with the annual pumpkin festival. The website lists the exact dates and activities, so be sure to keep an eye on it for a complete day out among fruit and pumpkins. More information >>
Every year on the second weekend of September, Het Akkertje Pumpkin Farm offers you and your family or friends the opportunity to gather gourds, ornamental fruits, and pumpkins. During this weekend, you can also buy local produce and participate in a flower arranging workshop, which, of course, revolves entirely around pumpkins. Children can carve pumpkins or paint a dried gourd, while parents enjoy a drink on the cozy terrace. Note: This pumpkin farm is open by appointment the rest of the season and has a self-service booth at the entrance. More information >> Pumpkin Days: September 13 & 14, 2025
Want to get into the autumn spirit? Then be sure to check out De Leropper Tuin. This gardening company and pumpkin farm in the Netherlands specializes in growing pumpkins and turns orange in September and October. The pumpkins and gourds are displayed in crates each season, so you can choose the most beautiful ones for yourself. More information >>

© The Leropper Garden
In IJzendijke, in the province of Zeeland, near the Belgian border, autumn revolves around pumpkins. From September 1st to October 31st, 2025, you can enjoy pumpkin season and the pumpkin trail. There are also plenty of activities planned: on October 10th and 11th, you can join us for high tea in the greenhouses. Picking days are on October 4th and 5th, followed by Halloween-4-kids on October 16th-18th and 30th, and a special pumpkin-carving day on October 25th. Check the website for the latest information and reservations. More information >>
Looking to buy pumpkins? Then head to De Pompoenwinkel in Geersdijk, Zeeland. At this pumpkin farm in the Netherlands, you'll find beautiful pumpkins and gourds. De Pompoenwinkel not only has a farm shop full of pumpkins, but also a pumpkin orchard. At the start of the season, you can go pumpkin picking in the orchard. They also organize various workshops. More information >>

© Charlotte's Pumpkins
Pompoenerie Best is a charming pumpkin farm in Best, Brabant, that's open from early September to November 2, 2025. This pumpkin farm also organizes various events annually, such as the Pumpkin Fair on September 13 & 14, 2025, Halloween pumpkin carving, and pumpkin cooking workshops. Pompoenerie Best also hosts a pumpkin fair at their farm every fourth week of September, which is said to be a very enjoyable event. In Best, Brabant, you'll find Pompoenerie Best, a charming pumpkin farm open from early September to November 2, 2025. Besides pumpkins for sale, they organize various events annually. This year, the Pumpkin Fair is scheduled for September 13 & 14, 2025. There are also cooking workshops and special pumpkin carving workshops on October 11 & 12, 18 & 19, and 25 & 26. An autumn outing full of atmosphere and inspiration. More information >>

© Pompoenerie Best
| TIP: Check out delicious pumpkin recipes to make at home here >>
You can also get into the autumn spirit in Drenthe at Pompoenen Drenthe. This pumpkin farm in Drenthe is located at Boerderij Erica and sells them under the name Pompoenen Drenthe. Although they don't offer pumpkin picking at Pompoenen Drenthe, you can buy them there. Their website tells you exactly which pumpkins they have available this year. More information >>

© Pumpkins Drenthe
In Almere, you'll find Het Pompoenboertje, a place where Halloween truly comes to life. The shop offers over 100 different Halloween-themed items and surprises, perfect for decorating your house or garden in style. Children can pick out their own pumpkins, and there's plenty to do to make it a party. A bonus: Het Pompoenboertje is also a unique location for a children's party. More information >>
Just outside Lelystad lies Boerderij van Stee, where a wide variety of ornamental gourds and pumpkins are grown. You'll find a self-service stall full of colorful varieties, from small and decorative to large orange pumpkins, perfect for adding an autumnal touch to your home or garden. The charming stall makes it even more fun to stop by and pick out your own pumpkins. More information >>
How cool is that? At Puur van 't Land, grandson Eli and his grandfather grow pumpkins that they sell in the fall. From August through December, you'll find pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes, displayed for you to choose from. Perfect for the fall table or for cooking. Around Halloween, they're organizing a fun event, with special pumpkin carving days on October 25th and 26th, 2025. More information >>
In Bornebroek, near Enschede, you can find pumpkins every year at Gerben's Pumpkin Barn. Gerben, an 18-year-old student, grows pumpkins to sell in the fall from a barn near his parents' house. He tries to sell around 1500 pumpkins each year! Gerben is a well-known name in the area, and if you're here for a weekend getaway, it's worth stopping by. More information >>
TIP: Have you ever heard of corn mazes? They're also a fun outing with kids from late summer to early October. Check out our tips for the best ones here. corn mazes in the Netherlands.

© Gerbens Pumpkin Barn