Charming Ground Floor Apartment with Stained Glass Doors and Garden

Located in the vibrant and historic city of Rotterdam, specifically within the Oud Mathenesse district in Delfshaven, this charming ground floor apartment presents a unique opportunity for those seeking a home that combines character with modern comfort. Situated on the Engelsestraat, the property offers a welcoming retreat from the bustling city life while maintaining excellent connectivity to the urban amenities that Rotterdam is famous for. This residence, listed with an asking price of 237,500 euros buyer's costs, is particularly appealing due to its distinctive architectural features and private outdoor space.

The apartment encompasses a total living area of 50 square meters, efficiently laid out to maximize comfort and functionality. As a ground floor apartment, it offers the convenience of street-level living with direct access to the private garden, a feature that is highly coveted in the city. The layout is designed to provide a clear separation between living and sleeping areas, utilizing the original architectural elements of the building to create a stylish and atmospheric interior.

Upon entering the property, one is welcomed into a central hall that serves as the artery of the home. This entrance space provides access to the various rooms and houses a practical utility area. Here, residents will find the connections necessary for a washing machine, ensuring that laundry facilities can be neatly integrated into the home without encroaching on the main living spaces. This practical approach to storage and utilities is a hallmark of the thoughtful design found throughout the apartment.

The living room is positioned at the rear of the property, creating a peaceful and light-filled environment. One of the defining features of this space is the stylish visgraatvloer, or herringbone floor, which runs through the area. This flooring choice adds a touch of warmth and elegance, instantly elevating the aesthetic of the room. The living room is designed to be the heart of the home, offering ample space for a comfortable seating area and a dining table. Large glass doors in the living room, specifically the openslaande deuren, provide a seamless transition to the outdoors. These doors not only allow an abundance of natural light to flood the interior but also offer direct access to the garden, effectively extending the living space into the fresh air during the warmer months.

Connected to the living room is the modern open kitchen. This culinary space is situated at the back of the home and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of built-in appliances, catering to the needs of the modern home cook. The appliances include a combi-oven, which serves as both a microwave and a conventional oven, a dishwasher for easy cleanup, a sink, a refrigerator, and a freezer. The open configuration of the kitchen ensures that the cook remains part of the social atmosphere, whether entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. It is also in the kitchen area that the central heating boiler, a Remeha Tzerra gas-fired combi-boiler from 2016, is installed. This unit provides both heating and hot water for the property and is included in the purchase, offering peace of mind regarding the home's technical infrastructure.

The sleeping quarters are located at the front of the apartment. The bedroom is separated from the living room by a stunning set of en suite doors featuring authentic stained glass, or glas-in-lood. This architectural detail is a beautiful nod to the building's history, which dates back to 1936. The doors not only provide visual interest and a characterful separation between the living and sleeping zones but also allow for flexibility in how the space is used. When closed, they offer privacy for the bedroom, and when open, they create a sense of openness and flow throughout the apartment. The bedroom itself is described as spacious, offering plenty of room for a double bed and additional bedroom furniture.

The apartment includes a well-maintained bathroom that is fitted with a shower, a sink, and a handy niche for storing toiletries. The finish is described as verzorgd, indicating that the surfaces and fixtures are in good condition and have been cared for. In addition to the bathroom, there is a separate toilet room. This separate facility is fully tiled, making it easy to clean and maintain. The separation of the toilet from the bathroom is a practical feature that increases the functionality of the home, particularly for guests or when multiple residents need to use the facilities simultaneously.

One of the major highlights of this property is the private backyard. The garden is located on the northeast, which means it can offer a pleasant spot to sit in the shade during the later part of the day or catch the morning sun. Measuring 48 square meters, with a depth of 10 meters and a width of 4.76 meters, the garden provides ample space for outdoor furniture, potted plants, and perhaps even a small vegetable patch. It serves as a private oasis in the middle of the city, where residents can unwind and enjoy the outdoors in complete privacy. At the rear of the garden, there is a free-standing wooden shed, offering secure storage for bicycles, gardening tools, or outdoor cushions. This addition is incredibly valuable in a city context where indoor storage is often at a premium.

The property is located in Delfshaven, a neighborhood renowned for its rich history and picturesque scenery. The listing highlights the character of the area, noting the presence of diverse shops, cafes, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The historic center of Delfshaven, with its atmospheric quays and terraces, is just a short distance away, offering a scenic backdrop for leisurely walks or social outings. Despite its peaceful and village-like atmosphere, the location is very well connected to the rest of Rotterdam. The city center is easily accessible by bike, tram, or bus, and for those with a car, the major highways A4, A13, and A20 are quickly reachable. Public transport stops are within walking distance, making this a convenient base for commuting or exploring the wider region.

From a technical and administrative perspective, the apartment is part of an active Homeowners Association, or Vereniging van Eigenaren (VvE). The monthly contribution to this association is approximately 65 euros. This fee covers shared costs and contributes to the maintenance of the building's exterior and common areas. The VvE is registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), holds annual meetings, and has a reserve fund in place, which is a positive indicator of financial health. However, it is noted that there is no formal maintenance plan currently in place. The ownership situation is one of full property, or volle eigendom, meaning the land is owned outright, not leased.

The energy performance of the property is rated with a Label C, which is a decent rating for a building from 1936, thanks in part to the windows which are largely fitted with double glazing. The roof is a saddle roof covered with tiles. It is important to note that due to the age of the property, standard clauses regarding age, asbestos, and lead will be included in the purchase agreement to protect both the buyer and the seller.

In summary, this ground floor apartment on Engelsestraat offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern living. With its characteristic en suite doors, stylish flooring, modern kitchen, and private garden, it provides a comfortable and stylish living environment. The location in Delfshaven adds to the appeal, offering a vibrant community feel with easy access to the heart of Rotterdam. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to downsize to a manageable yet characterful home, this property is certainly worth a visit.