Royal Semi-Detached Semi-Bungalow Adjacent to Forest

The property is located on Berlagelaan in Bilthoven, specifically in the De Leijen area. This is a semi-detached semi-bungalow built in the early 1970s, situated directly adjacent to the forest area called De Leijen. The location is described as fantastic, with the property bordering the forest on one side while still being within a residential neighborhood.

The house features a characteristic 1970s layout with a split-level design. On the ground floor, there is a living kitchen with direct access to the garden through a fully glazed rear section, providing views of the garden from the dining table. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, cooktop with extractor hood, refrigerator-freezer combination, and dishwasher. From the kitchen, a small staircase leads down to a lower-level sitting room that has a warm atmosphere due to its lowered position and features a wood-burning stove. This sunken area gives the living space a distinctive character typical of 1970s architecture.

The ground floor also contains three bedrooms, a bathroom with natural light from above, a bathtub, sink, and toilet. Additionally, there is a separate toilet accessible directly from the hallway. The hallway to these bedrooms features full glass on the garden side. One of the ground-floor bedrooms has direct access to the garden.

On the first floor, accessible via stairs from the living kitchen, there is a fourth bedroom, which serves as the master bedroom. This room has its own balcony with a view of the front garden, a sink, and the characteristic shape of the pitched roof is visible from inside the room.

The property has a total living area of 133 square meters and sits on a plot of 443 square meters. The backyard measures 257 square meters, is 29.80 meters deep and 10.10 meters wide, and is oriented to the northwest. The garden has been landscaped with attention to detail and features mature trees, providing options for both sunny and shaded spots on the terraces. At the back of the garden, there is a small gate that provides direct access to the forest. There is also a wooden storage shed for hobby and holiday items.

The front of the property has a spacious driveway that can accommodate multiple vehicles, with a carport for one car. The property has a balcony on the first floor.

The house has a D energy label and features double glazing. Heating is provided by a gas-fired HR combi boiler installed in 2023, supplemented by an open fireplace and wood stove. Hot water is provided by the CV boiler. Three-phase electricity has been requested but may not yet be installed.

The property is being offered for 825,000 euros costs koper, which translates to approximately 6,203 euros per square meter of living space. The listing mentions that this is a rough diamond you can polish yourself, indicating that the property needs renovation or updating according to the buyer's preferences.

Several special clauses are mentioned for the purchase agreement: a non-self-occupancy clause, an age clause, and an asbestos clause. The sale is subject to contract, meaning a purchase agreement only exists after it has been reduced to writing and signed by both parties.

The location offers proximity to a supermarket within walking distance, various primary schools, and sports fields. The center of Bilthoven is easily accessible by bicycle. The cities of Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Amsterdam are easily reachable by both car and train.

The semi-bungalow typology represents an interesting architectural form that was particularly popular in the Netherlands during the 1960s and 1970s. This style of housing combines elements of traditional bungalows, which are typically single-story dwellings, with a partially elevated section that provides additional living space without requiring a full second floor. The result is a home that feels spacious and connected to the ground while still offering the benefits of vertical separation between different living zones.

The split-level design of this particular property is characteristic of its era. In the 1970s, architects and developers were experimenting with ways to create visual interest and functional separation within homes without significantly increasing construction costs. The split-level approach allowed for distinct zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing while maintaining a sense of flow and connection between spaces. The lowered sitting area creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere that was highly valued in mid-century residential design.

The location in De Leijen area of Bilthoven is particularly noteworthy. Bilthoven is a village in the municipality of De Bilt, located in the province of Utrecht. It is known for its green character and attractive residential areas. The De Leijen forest area is a significant natural feature that provides residents with immediate access to walking, cycling, and nature observation opportunities. Having a garden that opens directly onto forest land is a rare and highly desirable feature in Dutch real estate, as it effectively extends the private outdoor space into a much larger natural area.

The practical aspects of the property reflect both its age and some recent updates. The installation of a new CV boiler in 2023 indicates that the heating system has been recently modernized, which is an important consideration for a property of this age. However, the D energy label suggests that there is significant room for improvement in terms of insulation and energy efficiency. Buyers considering this property should factor in the potential costs and benefits of energy improvement measures, which could include upgrading insulation in walls, roof, and floors, replacing windows with more efficient double or triple glazing, and potentially installing heat pump technology or solar panels.

The presence of an asbestos clause in the purchase agreement is not unusual for a property from this period. Asbestos was commonly used in Dutch construction during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in roofing materials, pipe insulation, and floor coverings. The clause protects both buyer and seller by acknowledging the potential presence of asbestos and establishing the framework for addressing any asbestos that might be discovered during renovation work.

The non-self-occupancy clause is interesting and suggests that the current owner may have specific requirements regarding who can purchase the property. This type of clause is sometimes used in situations where there are concerns about the property being used for rental purposes or when the seller wants to ensure the property remains owner-occupied rather than being converted to an investment property.

The age clause is standard for older properties and serves to acknowledge that the buyer is aware of the age of the property and accepts it in that condition, with the understanding that older properties may have characteristics and issues that differ from newly constructed homes.

The asking price for a 133-square-meter home in this location should be compared with recent sales of similar properties in the Bilthoven area, taking into account factors such as location relative to the forest, plot size, condition of the property, and the potential value that could be added through renovation. The description of the property as a rough diamond suggests that significant investment may be needed to bring the home up to contemporary standards, which should be factored into any assessment of value.

The property's proximity to amenities is a strong selling point. The mention of a supermarket within walking distance, nearby primary schools, and sports facilities indicates that this is a practical location for families. The accessibility of Bilthoven's center by bicycle and the connections to major cities like Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Amsterdam by both car and train make this a well-connected location that combines the benefits of a residential neighborhood with good urban accessibility.

The garden design deserves special attention. At nearly 30 meters in depth, this is a substantially sized garden that offers considerable potential for various uses, from children's play areas to vegetable gardening to outdoor entertaining. The mature trees provide immediate character and privacy that would take years to establish in a new development. The direct access to the forest effectively makes this garden feel much larger than its measured dimensions, as it opens onto an extensive natural area.

The carport and driveway provide practical parking solutions, with space for multiple vehicles. In many Dutch residential areas, on-street parking can be competitive, making private parking a valuable feature. The carport offers protection for one vehicle while the driveway accommodates additional cars.

The first-floor master bedroom with its balcony represents an interesting design choice that provides the primary bedroom with a degree of separation and privacy from the ground-floor bedrooms. This could be particularly appealing for buyers who want a clear distinction between adult and children's sleeping areas, or for those who work from home and need a quiet space that can be separated from the main living areas.

The property's 1972 construction means it will have characteristics typical of that era, including potentially solid structural elements but also features that may now feel dated. The mention that the property is still entirely adjustable to your own wishes reinforces the message that this is a renovation opportunity rather than a move-in-ready home.