Spacious Penthouse Apartment with Two Terraces in Historic Culemborg Residence

The apartment at Elisabethdreef 3-14 in Culemborg is situated within Residentie "De Vier Dreven," a distinctive residential complex with a notable history. The building was originally constructed in 1895 to serve as the Barbara Ziekenhuis, a hospital facility. In the early 1990s, the structure underwent a comprehensive transformation to become an exclusive residential complex, with careful attention paid to preserving the historical character and grandeur of the original architecture. This historical background gives the property a particular character that distinguishes it from more recently constructed residential buildings.

The apartment occupies a premium position within the complex. It is located on the third floor, which represents the top residential level of the building, and is situated at the front facade. This positioning provides the residence with several advantages: enhanced privacy, superior light exposure throughout the day, and unobstructed views over the surrounding green areas, specifically the Volencampen. The elevation and orientation combine to create what the listing describes as a penthouse-like atmosphere.

With a living area of 145 square meters, this apartment offers considerably more space than is typical for apartment living. The internal layout has been arranged to maximize both the sense of space and practical functionality. Upon entering, one encounters a central hallway that serves as the organizational spine of the residence. This hallway provides access to a storage area, a wardrobe section, and leads to the sheltered terrace located at the rear of the building. Also accessible from this entrance area is a room designated as a home office or study, along with a separate guest toilet.

The main living quarters are accessed from the central hallway and comprise a generously proportioned living room that flows seamlessly into a dining area and the kitchen. The kitchen is configured in a U-shaped layout and comes equipped with various built-in appliances, though the specific brands and models are not detailed in the listing. Within this open living space, there is a designated seating area that has been positioned to take advantage of the views from the front of the building.

The private outdoor spaces represent a significant feature of this property. The primary outdoor area is a substantial rooftop terrace accessible through double doors from the living room. This terrace has been designed to offer maximum privacy while providing views over the green surroundings. The orientation allows for good sun exposure throughout the day. In addition to this main terrace, there is a secondary, smaller terrace at the rear of the building that offers a more sheltered outdoor experience. Together, these outdoor spaces total 21 square meters of building-bound outdoor area.

The sleeping quarters consist of two bedrooms, each benefiting from its own en-suite bathroom facility. The first bathroom is more extensively equipped, featuring a bathtub, a shower, a toilet, and a double vanity unit. The second bathroom, while more compact, still includes a shower, a toilet, and a single vanity. This arrangement provides a high degree of convenience and privacy for occupants, particularly in situations where the second bedroom might be used by guests or as additional living space. A separate laundry room provides practical utility space for household management.

The building offers several shared amenities and practical features. Access to the residential floors is controlled through a secured entrance with an intercom system, with vertical circulation provided by both an elevator and a staircase. Residents have access to bicycle storage facilities and individual storage units in the basement. The specific apartment includes a private basement storage unit measuring 25 square meters, which provides substantial additional space for belongings that do not need to be kept in the living quarters. Parking is available on the property's own grounds, and a separate garage can be acquired at an additional cost of 35,000 euros, with its own modest VvE contribution of 13.77 euros per month.

The Homeowners Association (VvE) for the complex is actively managed, as evidenced by several indicators: registration with the Chamber of Commerce, holding of annual general meetings, collection of periodic contributions, maintenance of a reserve fund, existence of a maintenance plan, and coverage under a building insurance policy. The monthly VvE contribution for this apartment is 534.11 euros, which covers the shared costs of maintaining the building and its common areas.

From an energy efficiency perspective, the property holds a C energy label. The building has been insulated at the roof, walls, and floors, and features double glazing throughout. Heating is primarily provided by a gas-fired combination boiler manufactured by Nefit, which was installed in 2015. Additionally, there is partial underfloor heating in certain areas of the apartment. Other technical installations include air conditioning, external sun blinds, a fiber optic internet connection, and a mechanical ventilation system.

The location of Residentie "De Vier Dreven" places residents within easy walking distance of Culemborg's historic town center. The listing notes that everyday shopping, cultural venues, and hospitality establishments can be reached within approximately five minutes on foot. The surrounding area also offers access to green spaces, including a park, a marina, and the floodplains along the Lek River. These natural and recreational amenities contribute to the quality of life in this location.

An important legal consideration for prospective buyers is the application of a non-self-occupancy clause (niet-zelfbewoningsclausule). This type of clause typically restricts the owner from residing in the property themselves, instead requiring that the property be made available for rental. Potential purchasers should seek legal advice to fully understand the implications of this clause before proceeding with a purchase.

The asking price for the apartment is set at 700,000 euros, with the additional costs associated with the transfer to be borne by the buyer. This translates to a price per square meter of approximately 4,828 euros. The transfer is to take place in consultation, allowing for some flexibility regarding the timing of the handover.