Spacious 1930s Corner House with 5 Bedrooms in Haarlem

The property at Benkoelenstraat 36 is situated in the Medanbuurt neighborhood, which forms part of the Indische buurt Noord district in Haarlem. This area derives its name from the historical connection to the Dutch East Indies, with street names in the vicinity referencing locations in that former colony. The house itself is a corner property, which typically means it has windows on two exterior walls, potentially allowing for more natural light compared to mid-terrace properties.

Built in 1932, the house represents the architectural style typical of that era in Dutch residential construction. Properties from this period are often characterized by solid construction methods, practical layouts, and a certain charm that appeals to buyers looking for homes with historical character. The fact that the property has been maintained and updated over the decades, as evidenced by the modern kitchen and bathroom, suggests a balance has been struck between preserving the original character and providing contemporary living comfort.

The total living area of 125 square meters is distributed across three residential levels. This vertical distribution is common in urban Dutch housing from the 1930s, where maximizing living space on a relatively small footprint was a priority. With 467 cubic meters of volume, the property offers a substantial amount of space for a family home.

The ground floor layout centers around the living room and open kitchen concept. The living room is described as sunny, which can be attributed to the orientation of the property and the presence of a sliding door at the rear that allows light to enter. The pine wood floor is a natural material choice that adds warmth to the living space. Pine wood flooring was commonly used in Dutch homes and has remained popular due to its durability and aesthetic qualities.

The open kitchen represents a modern renovation choice that promotes an inclusive living environment where cooking and socializing can occur simultaneously. The specified appliances are all high-quality modern options: a steam oven provides a healthy cooking method that preserves nutrients and texture in food; the Bora cooktop is an induction cooking surface with an integrated extraction system, which eliminates the need for a traditional range hood and allows for unobstructed sightlines in an open kitchen layout; the Quooker is a specialized tap that delivers instant boiling water, convenient for cooking and making hot beverages. The kitchen island with breakfast bar creates an informal dining area and a natural gathering point in the kitchen space.

The property includes both a front garden and a backyard, which is relatively uncommon for terraced housing in urban areas and adds to the living quality. The backyard, measuring approximately 27 square meters with dimensions of 5.50 by 4.90 meters, faces southwest. This orientation is particularly favorable in the Netherlands, as it means the garden receives direct sunlight during the afternoon and evening hours when residents are most likely to use the outdoor space. The presence of afternoon and evening sun in the front garden provides additional outdoor seating options at different times of day.

The rear access path is a practical feature that allows access to the backyard without going through the house. This is useful for bringing in bicycles, garden supplies, or furniture, and for accessing the wooden shed. The shed is described as spacious and is attached to the main structure, providing secure storage for garden equipment, bicycles, or other items.

The first floor accommodates three bedrooms, making it the primary sleeping level. The presence of built-in closets in two of these bedrooms provides practical storage space without requiring additional freestanding furniture, which can make the rooms appear larger and more organized. The bathroom on this level is described as modern and includes a walk-in shower, double vanity, and toilet. Having a double vanity is practical for households with multiple occupants, as it allows two people to use the bathroom simultaneously. The walk-in shower is a contemporary choice that is often preferred over a bathtub for ease of use and accessibility.

The second floor adds two additional bedrooms, bringing the total to five. This configuration makes the property suitable for larger families or for those who need additional rooms for home offices, guest rooms, or hobbies. The presence of a separate toilet on this floor is a convenient feature that reduces the need to go to the first floor bathroom during the night. The utility area on this floor, containing the washing machine, dryer, and central heating boiler, keeps these functional appliances out of the living areas while remaining easily accessible.

The Remeha central heating boiler from 2019 is a relatively recent installation, which means it should have several years of reliable service remaining before replacement becomes necessary. Remeha is a well-known Dutch brand of heating appliances, and a 2019 model would meet current efficiency standards.

The energy label B indicates that the property has a reasonable level of energy efficiency. While newer homes can achieve labels A or higher, a B label for a 1932 property suggests that insulation improvements have been made, likely including the double glazing mentioned in the listing. The tilt-and-turn windows are a practical window style that allows for ventilation in two positions: a tilted position for secure ventilation and a fully open position for maximum airflow.

The location in the Indische buurt Noord offers proximity to various amenities. Schools and shops within the neighborhood make daily errands convenient for families. Good access to main roads is beneficial for commuters who travel by car. Public transport connections within walking distance provide alternatives to car travel. The beach being reachable by bicycle in 20 minutes is a significant lifestyle advantage, as the Dutch coastal area near Bloemendaal and Zandvoort is a popular recreational destination.

The free parking in the area is a notable advantage, as many residential areas in Dutch cities now require parking permits with waiting lists and annual fees. This feature adds value for households with one or more cars.

The property consists of two separate parcels that together measure 105 square meters. The previous owners acquired an additional small piece of land at the rear of the property to create the rear access path, which is documented in the cadastral information showing two separate parcel numbers.

The asking price of 685,000 euros is stated as costs buyer, meaning the buyer is responsible for transfer tax and notary costs in addition to this amount. The price per square meter is approximately 5,480 euros. The sellers have stated that the transfer date is negotiable, though they reserve the right to choose the buyer, meaning that the highest offer may not necessarily be accepted and other factors may be considered in the selection process.