Marie's Lykke is a small, idyllic farmhouse in the Danish countryside near the village of Reerslev. The beneficiary of this LEADER grant, a private owner passionate about hospitality and rural tourism, recognised the growing demand for affordable and accessible accommodation options for tourists engaged in outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, driving, and horse riding. In 2019, a new cycle route was planned to pass near the farmhouse, sparking the idea to transform the location into a welcoming retreat for cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Given the increasing popularity of horse riding holidays in Denmark, the owner saw an opportunity to cater to this niche market by offering affordable accommodation and facilities to stable horses. This expansion was crucial in meeting the needs of a diverse group of tourists seeking unique and simple countryside experiences.

The project was further supported by the Local Action Group (LAG) Midt-Nordvestsjælland, which provided co-funding to develop a large open common room with a captivating view of the surrounding fields. This space serves as a communal area for guests, enhancing the overall experience and fostering a sense of community among visitors.

Initial planning and concept development (2018-2019): The project began with the owner of Marie's Lykke recognising the potential to offer accommodation for tourists using the newly planned cycle route. This idea was inspired by the increasing number of cyclists passing by the farmhouse and Denmark's growing trend of outdoor tourism. During this phase, the owner formulated a plan to convert existing farm buildings into simple and affordable accommodation facilities, focusing on meeting the needs of cyclists and other tourists.

Application for LAG Funding (2019): The owner of Marie's Lykke applied for funding from the Midt-Nordvestsjælland LAG to support the development of the project. The application focused on securing funds to build a large open room that would serve as a communal space for guests. The project was awarded DKK 400 000 (approximately EUR 53 600) in funding from the LAG, which was instrumental in expanding the facilities.

Building conversion and construction (2019-2020): Existing farm buildings were renovated and converted into accommodation facilities, including private rooms and dormitory-style lodging to cater to different types of travellers. The construction of a large open common room was undertaken using the LAG funding. This room was designed to offer a panoramic view of the surrounding fields, providing a relaxing and scenic environment for guests to socialise, dine or rest.

Collaboration with local tourism stakeholders (2020-2021): The project involved collaboration with local tourism organisations, cycling groups and horse riding associations to promote Marie's Lykke as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The owner worked closely with these stakeholders to integrate Marie's Lykke into local tourism routes and itineraries, ensuring it became a recognised stop for interested tourists exploring the Reerslev area.

Community engagement and village walks (2021): To enhance the visitor experience, Marie's Lykke began offering guided walks around the nearby village of Reerslev. These walks, approximately 1.5 kilometres long, include visits to the local church and another LAG-supported project, Reerslev Forge. This activity was designed to engage guests with the local community and promote the cultural and historical heritage of the area.