The Barnevelder was developed in the Netherlands, this lovely breed is a large, active, and winter hardy breed with remarkable lacing. Barnevelders are medium sized cold hardy docile bird.   They lay approximately 180-200 LARGE eggs/year,  lay during winter, and some hens can lay eggs that have a bloom on them that can make them look plum (sometimes) and some eggs can be speckled. A huge benefit of this breed is that they will continue to lay eggs throughout the cold, winter months when many other breeds would stop. (Like all hens, they will stop laying eggs completely during fal molt for 6-9 weeks).  They are are sweet breed and are prone to being bullied by more assertive breeds in the flock so do not place them with assertive breeds (like RIRs). Rather, choose birds that are docile, have a similar personality and are around the same age and size. Great for families. Blue or Black.  Can't tell which color as chicks.
 
Note: Breed example photo