Charming Ground Floor Apartment with Sunny Garden in Popular Nieuw-Engeland
Key Features
Description
This charming ground floor apartment is situated on Douwes Dekkerstraat in the sought after Nieuw-Engeland neighborhood of Utrecht. The property offers a pleasant living experience in a characterful area that combines residential tranquility with convenient access to urban amenities. Built in 1906, the apartment retains period features while having been updated with modern comforts to suit contemporary living requirements.
The living room is surprisingly spacious and benefits from abundant natural light entering through large windows. Characteristic stained glass details add visual interest and reflect the building's historical origins. High ceilings contribute to an airy atmosphere throughout the ground floor level. The living area connects seamlessly to the outdoor space through French doors that open directly onto the garden, creating a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living areas.
The open plan kitchen was renewed in 2025 and features a practical U-shaped layout. The kitchen is equipped with built-in appliances including a gas hob, oven, extractor hood, refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher. This recent renovation ensures that the cooking facilities meet current standards and expectations.
A notable improvement to the property is the installation of a floor insulation system with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. This enhancement provides both thermal comfort and energy efficiency benefits. The ground floor was comprehensively renovated in 2024, with walls plastered, a new PVC floor laid, and both water and electrical installations replaced. These updates mean that new occupants would benefit from recently renewed essential systems.
The ground floor also contains one bedroom, making it convenient for residents who prefer to avoid stairs for sleeping accommodation. This room features high ceilings consistent with the period character of the property.
The first floor houses the bathroom, which is fully tiled and has been updated with a new shower unit. The bathroom includes a washbasin vanity and designated connections for a washing machine and dryer. The combination boiler, a Vaillant EcoTEC HR gas-fired unit from 2020, is also located on this floor.
The second floor provides the second bedroom, which features a dormer window that brings in additional light. This room includes built-in wardrobe space extending to the high ceiling, offering practical storage solutions. The dormer adds usable floor area and headroom to this upper level.
The rear garden measures 34 square meters with dimensions of approximately 5.60 meters in depth and 6.00 meters in width. The garden faces west, meaning it receives afternoon and evening sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor relaxation during warmer months. The garden has been attractively landscaped with a terrace area, planted borders, and apple trees. The positioning and layout of the garden provide a degree of privacy unusual for ground floor properties in urban settings.
The property is part of a small owners association (VvE) consisting of just two apartments: this ground floor unit and the upstairs neighbor. The monthly VvE contribution is 125 euros, of which approximately 100 euros is allocated to the reserve fund. The VvE has a long-term maintenance plan (MJOP) in place and maintains a joint building insurance policy. According to the listing, relations between the apartment owners are positive.
The energy label has been updated and improved to a C rating. This improvement resulted from the installation of floor insulation across the entire ground floor and the replacement of remaining single glazing with HR++ double glazing in the ground floor bedroom and bathroom, work completed in March 2026. The property already had some double glazing prior to these improvements.
Nieuw-Engeland is described as a lively and popular district in Utrecht, offering a balance between quiet residential character and neighborhood vibrancy. The immediate vicinity includes various cafes and restaurants, with specific mentions of Bij Bram, Café West, and Koffie & Ik. The JP Schimmelplein, located nearby, features a playground suitable for children. Daily shopping needs can be met in the adjacent Lombok area, and the Utrecht city center is reachable by bicycle within minutes.
Transport connections are strong, with Utrecht Central Station within walking distance. For those traveling by car, the A12 and A2 motorways provide routes to other cities. Parking in the neighborhood operates on a permit system, with each household eligible to apply for two parking permits.
The apartment has a total living area of 74 square meters and a volume of 310 cubic meters. Natural ventilation is present throughout the property. The building has a flat roof structure.
The property is held in full ownership (volle eigendom) and is registered in the land registry under CATHARIJNE B 7372.