Charming Top-Floor Two-Bedroom Apartment with Sunny Balcony in Popular Valkenboskwartier
Key Features
Upsides
- Freehold land ownership eliminates ongoing ground lease costs, which is a significant financial advantage compared to many properties in The Hague
- The Valkenboskwartier neighborhood offers an excellent combination of urban amenities, charming architecture, good public transport connections, and proximity to both the city center and beach
- The top-floor position provides superior privacy, abundant natural light, and the possibility to create or utilize additional outdoor space such as a roof terrace (subject to permissions)
- Two well-sized bedrooms, a recently renovated bathroom, authentic period features like wall moldings and en suite cabinets, and a practical storage balcony create a comfortable and characterful living environment
- The active VvE with a monthly contribution of only 120 euros and a healthy reserve fund of nearly 18,000 euros indicates well-organized building maintenance
Downsides
- Energy label G represents the lowest possible energy efficiency rating, indicating high energy consumption and potentially substantial heating costs, especially given the property's age and construction era
- The building was constructed in 1911, and with a 15-year-old boiler approaching the end of its typical lifespan, prospective buyers should anticipate near-term replacement costs and ongoing maintenance expenses
- The protected cityscape status, while preserving neighborhood character, may limit renovation options and external modifications that buyers might otherwise pursue
- The absence of an elevator combined with the second-floor location may present accessibility challenges for elderly residents or those with mobility limitations
- The listing does not include a parking space, and street parking in the area requires paid parking or a permit, which represents an additional ongoing cost and potential inconvenience
Description
This charming top-floor apartment is situated on Cartesiusstraat 258 in the heart of The Hague's beloved Valkenboskwartier neighborhood. Built in 1911, this property offers approximately 74 square meters of living space spread across the second floor of a characteristic apartment building with an open porch entrance.
The apartment is accessed via a shared open porch leading to the private entrance on the first floor. From there, a staircase brings you to the second floor where the main living quarters are located. The entrance hallway provides access to a separate toilet and a practical laundry area, which adds to the everyday convenience of this home.
The living accommodation centers around a spacious through-living room featuring original en suite cabinets that add authentic character to the space. The front of the living room serves as a cozy sitting area with elegant wall moldings that showcase the property's traditional Dutch architectural heritage. The rear portion of the living space functions as a dining room, offering enough room for a proper dining table where you can host dinner parties and enjoy meals with family and friends.
The semi-open kitchen connects seamlessly to the living and dining area, creating a natural flow between cooking and socializing spaces. The kitchen has been maintained in a neat condition and integrates well with the overall living area.
Two well-proportioned bedrooms provide comfortable sleeping quarters. The rear bedroom is particularly noteworthy as it offers direct access to the spacious sunny balcony, which spans approximately 4 square meters. This balcony is a valuable outdoor space in the urban setting, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening drinks while taking in the surroundings. A practical storage cupboard is integrated into the balcony design.
The bathroom has been recently renovated and features a stylish hotel-inspired aesthetic. It includes a vanity unit with a sink and a spacious walk-in shower, providing modern comfort that contrasts nicely with the property's traditional bones.
One of the notable features of this apartment is its position on the top floor of the building. This top-floor location offers excellent privacy and creates a wonderful sense of space and light throughout the rooms. Natural light pours into the living areas from multiple angles.
The property sits on freehold land (volle eigendom), which means there are no ground lease (erfpacht) costs associated with this purchase. This is a significant financial benefit as it eliminates an ongoing expense that affects many properties in The Hague.
The building is registered in the protected cityscape (beschermd stadsgezicht), which means it contributes to the architectural heritage of the Valkenboskwartier area. This designation helps preserve the neighborhood's character but may impose certain restrictions on external modifications.
Energy efficiency is an area of concern, as the property carries an energy label G rating. This is the lowest possible rating on the energy efficiency scale, indicating that the apartment will likely have relatively high energy consumption for heating and hot water. The property does feature mostly HR++ glazing, which provides some improvement to insulation, but overall, prospective buyers should anticipate significant energy costs and consider whether renovation improvements for better energy efficiency are feasible.
The heating system consists of a Remeha Avanta combination boiler from 2010, which is gas-fired and owned by the current owners. At approximately 15 years old, this boiler is approaching the end of its typical lifespan and may require replacement in the coming years.
The apartment is part of an active homeowners' association (VvE). Monthly contribution is 120 euros, which covers maintenance and administrative costs. The current reserve fund stands at approximately 17,903 euros, providing a reasonable financial cushion for future maintenance needs. The VvE is properly registered with the Chamber of Commerce and holds annual meetings, indicating proper organizational structure.
The Valkenboskwartier neighborhood is widely recognized as one of The Hague's most desirable residential areas. The district is characterized by charming architecture, lively streets, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Residents enjoy easy access to numerous cafes, lunchrooms, restaurants, and specialty shops. For daily groceries, Fahrenheitstraat and Weimarstraat offer excellent shopping opportunities within close proximity.
Transportation connections are favorable, with good access to public transport and major road networks. The city center of The Hague, the beach at Scheveningen, and the nearby dunes are all easily reachable by bicycle or public transit. The wider Randstad region is accessible via the well-connected transport infrastructure.
Parking in the area is available through paid parking, public parking, and parking permits, which is typical for this urban neighborhood.
The property is offered with an age and materials clause due to its 1911 construction year, which is standard practice for older properties in the Netherlands. This clause acknowledges that certain elements may show signs of age-appropriate wear.
Regarding future possibilities, there is potential to create a roof terrace or roof extension on the building. However, any such plans would be subject to further investigation and necessary approvals, including permission from the VvE and local authorities. The protected cityscape status may affect what modifications are permitted.
The asking price of 365,000 euros costs to buyer translates to approximately 4,932 euros per square meter, which reflects the property's character, location, and the freehold land ownership advantage, while also accounting for the energy efficiency challenges and renovation needs inherent in an older property of this type.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a 'recent gerenoveerde badkamer' with 'ruime inloopdouche' (spacious walk-in shower), confirming the presence of a shower facility.
Bathtub
The bathroom description only mentions 'wastafel met meubel en ruime inloopdouche' (vanity unit and walk-in shower) with no reference to a bathtub at any point.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is accessed from the hallway/landing area via the spacious landing. No indication that any bedroom has direct bathroom access through an ensuite arrangement.
Guest Toilet
The listing states 'separate toilet with practical laundry area' is accessible from the spacious landing/hallway, confirming a dedicated guest toilet.
Heated Towel Rail
No mention of a heated towel rail in either the bathroom description or the full features list. Only the Remeha combiketel (2010) for heating is listed.
Bidet
No mention of a bidet in the bathroom facilities. Only 'inloopdouche en wastafel' are listed as bathroom amenities.
Double Shower
Only one shower facility is described ('ruime inloopdouche'). No indication of multiple shower heads or dual shower stations.
Shared Shower
This is a private top-floor apartment in a converted building with private entrance. Shared shower facilities are not applicable and not mentioned.
Shared Toilet
The listing describes a 'separate toilet' in the private apartment, not a shared facility. This is a private residential unit.
His And Hers Sinks
Only a single 'wastafel met meubel' (single vanity unit with sink) is mentioned in the bathroom. No indication of dual sinks.
Bathroom Heated Floor
No mention of floor heating in the bathroom. Only the Remeha combiketel (2010) for general heating and hot water is listed. Underfloor heating is not specified.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions a spacious and sunny balcony accessible from the rear bedroom with a practical storage cupboard.
Rear Garden
No garden is mentioned in the listing. The property is an apartment on the 2nd floor with only a balcony.
Front Garden
No front garden is mentioned. This is a top-floor apartment without outdoor ground-level space.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned. The property has no garden areas.
Terrace
No terrace is mentioned. Only a balcony is present.
Rooftop Terrace
The listing mentions 'potential for a roof terrace or roof extension' but explicitly states this is subject to further investigation by the buyer. No actual rooftop terrace exists.
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area is mentioned.
Fenced Yard
No fenced yard is mentioned. This is an apartment without outdoor ground space.
Patio
No patio is mentioned.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned.
Guest House
No guest house is mentioned.
Waterfront
The property is in The Hague's Valkenboskwartier, inland. Not a waterfront location.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden is mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are mentioned or appropriate for this urban apartment.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities are mentioned.
Private Outdoor Pool
No pool is mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No jacuzzi is mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court is mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
The Netherlands is flat and this urban apartment has no notable mountain views.
Remarkable City View
No specific city view is mentioned in the listing. While the top floor may offer some views, nothing remarkable is highlighted.
Remarkable Garden View
No specific garden view is mentioned. The property has no garden, only a balcony facing the rear.
Remarkable Sea View
The listing mentions Scheveningen beach and dunes are easily reachable by bike, but no direct sea view from the property itself is stated.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view is mentioned.
Remarkable Landmark View
No landmark view is mentioned.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning is mentioned anywhere in the listing. Only natural ventilation is noted.
Central Heating
CV-ketel (Remeha Avanta, gas combi boiler from 2010, owned) is explicitly listed in the technical specifications.
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the description or property details.
Underfloor Heating
No underfloor heating mentioned. Given the age of the property (1911) and that it has a central heating system mentioned, underfloor heating would likely have been highlighted if present.
Skylight
No skylight mentioned in the description or property details. The listing mentions potential for roof terrace or roof extension.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams mentioned. This would be a notable feature in a 1911 building and likely mentioned if present.
Private Indoor Pool
No pool is mentioned. This would be a major selling point and would certainly be highlighted in the description.
Private Indoor Sauna
No sauna mentioned. This would be listed as a feature if present.
Ornamental Plasterwork
The listing specifically mentions 'elegant wall moldings' (fraaie wandlijsten) in the sitting room at the front of the apartment. This is a clear indicator of ornamental plasterwork.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing describes a charming, traditional apartment from 1911 with period features and protected cityscape status. The overall aesthetic leans classical rather than minimalist Scandinavian design.
Modern
While the bathroom has been recently renovated, the property is described as charming with authentic details, original en suite cabinets, and elegant wall moldings. The building dates from 1911, indicating traditional/classic style rather than modern.
Industrial
No industrial elements mentioned. The property has traditional architectural details, ornamental plasterwork, and is located in a characteristic residential neighborhood.
Mediterranean
The property is in The Hague with classic Dutch architecture in a protected cityscape. No Mediterranean influences are mentioned in the description.
Classic
The apartment dates from 1911, is located in a protected cityscape area, features original en suite cabinets, elegant wall moldings, and is described with terms like 'charmante', 'sfeer', 'karakter'. The Valkenboskwartier is known for characteristic architecture. Strong indicators of classic/traditional style.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The property is located in a 'beschermd stadsgezicht' (protected cityscape) and dates from 1911 with authentic details like original wall moldings and en suite cabinets, indicating traditional historic character.
Early 20th Century
The property was built in 1911, clearly fitting the early 20th century category. The description mentions authentic details consistent with this period.
Post War Functional
No, the property was built in 1911, well before the post-war period. It has traditional details, not post-war functional architecture.
Modernist
No modernist style is indicated. The property has traditional features from 1911 such as wall moldings, en suite cabinets, and original architectural details.
Newly Build
No, the property was built in 1911, making it over 110 years old. The listing includes age and materials clauses due to the property's age.
Kitchen
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing specifically describes it as a 'semi-open kitchen' (halfopen keuken), not an open plan kitchen.
Shared Kitchen
This is a private apartment with its own private entrance and facilities; clearly not a shared kitchen situation.
Design Kitchen
Kitchen is described as 'neat' (net) and 'stylish hotel-inspired' bathroom, but no specific design kitchen mention; kitchen itself is not highlighted as a design feature.
New Kitchen
Kitchen is described as 'neat' (net) but no indication it is new; older building from 1911 with mention of age and materials clause.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The features list explicitly states 'Soort parkeergelegenheid: Betaald parkeren, openbaar parkeren en parkeervergunningen', indicating street parking is available.
Garage
No mention of a garage in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage exists.
Attic
The listing mentions potential for a roof terrace or roof extension (dakterras/dakopbouw), suggesting there is a flat roof accessible from the top floor, but no attic space is described.
Cellar
No mention of a cellar in the listing. The area breakdown (74 m² living space, 1 m² other indoor space, 4 m² outdoor space) does not suggest a cellar.
Covered Parking
No covered parking is mentioned. Parking is street-based (paid/public/permit).
Underground Parking
No underground parking mentioned.
Workshop
No workshop mentioned in the listing.
Shed
No separate shed mentioned. There is a balcony storage cupboard but not a shed.
Street Parking Free
The listing mentions 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking), indicating street parking is not free.
Street Parking Permit
Explicitly mentioned in features as 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits available).
Rules
Owners Association
Active VvE is explicitly mentioned with monthly contribution of €120,-. Listed in KvK with annual meetings.
Leasehold
Eigendomssituatie is listed as 'Volle eigendom' (freehold), meaning no ground lease.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
VvE checklist states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration: Yes).
Oa Annual Meeting
VvE checklist states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja' (Annual meeting: Yes).
Oa Fees
Monthly VvE contribution of €120,- is explicitly stated in both description and features.
Oa Reserve Fund
VvE checklist states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja' and current reserve is approximately €17,903.
Oa Maintenance Plan
VvE checklist states 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee' (Maintenance plan: No).
Oa Buildings Insurance
VvE checklist states 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' (Buildings insurance: Yes).
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing does not mention an elevator and the apartment is located on the second floor, accessible only by stairs, indicating no elevator is present.
Intercom
No intercom system is described; typical older buildings in the Valkenboskwartier rarely include a dedicated intercom.
Private Entrance
The text explicitly states a private entrance is reached via the open porch, confirming a private entry for the apartment.
Automatic Gate
The property is situated on a regular residential street with no mention of an automatic gate, indicating its absence.
Gated Community
The apartment is in an open urban neighborhood with no reference to a gated or secure community, indicating it is not gated.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment occupies the second floor with only stair access; wheelchair access is not possible.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
Listing mentions 'praktische wasruimte' (practical laundry area) in the separate toilet section, indicating washing machine connections are present.
Laundry Room
Listing explicitly mentions 'praktische wasruimte' (practical laundry area) as part of the separate toilet with laundry space.
High Speed Internet
Listing mentions 'Glasvezelkabel' (fiber optic cable) as a feature, which typically provides high-speed internet capability.
Fibre Internet
Listing explicitly states 'Glasvezelkabel' (fiber optic cable) as one of the 'Voorzieningen' (features).
Smart Home
No mention of smart home features, home automation, or intelligent systems in the listing.
Ventilation System
Listing mentions 'natuurlijke ventilatie' (natural ventilation) as a feature, which is a form of ventilation but not a mechanical ventilation system.
Cable Tv
Listing explicitly mentions 'TV kabel' (cable TV) as one of the 'Voorzieningen' (features).
Water Softener
No mention of a water softener in the listing description or features section.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
No mention of solar panels anywhere in the listing. The description only mentions HR++ glazing and a gas boiler from 2010.
Double Glazing
The listing explicitly states 'Grotendeels HR ++ glas' (mostly HR++ glazing). HR++ is a type of double-glazing with improved insulation properties.
Triple Glazing
The listing mentions HR++ glazing which is double-glazing, not triple. No mention of triple glazing anywhere.
Heat Pump
The listing specifies a 'Cv-ketel Remeha Avanta (gas gestookt combiketel uit 2010, eigendom)' - a gas-fired combi boiler from 2010. This is clearly not a heat pump.
Home Battery
No mention of home battery or any energy storage system in the listing.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The main energy efficiency measure mentioned is HR++ glazing. The property has energy label G (very poor efficiency). The listing mentions the age and materials clause will be included due to the property's age (1911). No other specific energy efficiency upgrades are mentioned.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.