Sustainable detached living in the green heart of Almen

Nestled in the core of the charming Achterhoek village of Almen, this detached residence offers a spacious and sustainable living environment. Built in 2001, the property at Gravenweg 30 presents a comfortable family home with a total of four bedrooms and a generous garage. The house is designed with modern energy efficiency in mind, boasting an A++ energy label thanks to recent sustainability upgrades including solar panels and a heat pump. With a few simple adjustments, the property is also suitable for lifelong living, ensuring it can meet the needs of its residents through various stages of life.

The home is situated on a private plot measuring 452 square meters. Upon arrival, a driveway leads to the front door, which is sheltered by a practical canopy. The entrance hall provides access to a guest toilet and serves as a central hub connecting the garage, the living quarters, and the staircase to the upper floor. The layout is well thought out, providing a seamless flow between the different living spaces.

At the heart of the home lies the very spacious living room. This area is characterized by large window frames that allow an abundance of natural light to enter. The room is predominantly oriented towards the southwest, offering delightful views of the surrounding countryside and a charming glimpse of the Besselink estate in the Berkel valley. The living room features a wooden floor that adds warmth to the space and provides ample room for a generous dining area. A cast-iron wood stove serves as a cozy focal point, creating a warm atmosphere during the colder months. Adjacent to the living room is a neat, closed kitchen equipped with two window frames and a range of built-in appliances, making meal preparation both convenient and enjoyable. The connection between the kitchen and the living room also provides access to a versatile room on the ground floor, which can function as a bedroom, hobby room, or home office depending on the specific needs of the household.

The first floor is accessible via a staircase from the hall. Upstairs, a central landing grants access to three well proportioned bedrooms and a modern bathroom. The master bedroom benefits from the addition of a private balcony, offering a spot to enjoy the morning sun or fresh air. The bathroom is fully equipped and features a bath tub, a separate shower cabin, a second toilet, a washbasin with built in furniture, and a design radiator. Storage space is ample on this level, with an attic storage area accessible via a loft ladder located above the top floor.

A significant asset of this property is the nearly 35 square meter garage. This substantial space is accessible not only from the driveway but also from the internal hall and the backyard, making it highly versatile. It offers excellent possibilities for a workshop for the avid DIY enthusiast or simply provides extensive additional storage space. The garage is equipped with electricity, heating, and running water, enhancing its functionality.

The outdoor space is designed for enjoyment and privacy. The house is surrounded by a lush garden on three sides, featuring several cozy and sheltered spots where residents can relax and unwind. The property borders a green area with a park containing a large tree that is well known locally referred to as the dikke boom.

Sustainability is a key feature of this home. It has been recently improved with solar panels and a heat pump system, resulting in a very favorable A++ energy rating. The property is fully insulated, and heating is provided by a heat recovery installation and the heat pump, while hot water is generated via an electric boiler. These features ensure a comfortable indoor climate while keeping energy costs low.

Location plays a vital role in the appeal of this property. Almen is a typical Achterhoek village that describes itself as green, cozy, and hospitable. It is a highly desirable residential area in the western Achterhoek, partly due to its excellent accessibility via the A1 motorway. The village center offers a wide range of amenities within walking distance, including a public primary school, a historic church, a small supermarket, a general practitioner practice, various catering establishments and hotels, and multiple sports facilities. Almen is also home to what is often considered the most beautiful outdoor swimming pool in the Netherlands, located along the meandering Berkel river. The village boasts an active community life where everyone is welcome.

Surrounded by several country estates and nature reserves, Almen is a paradise for those who love walking and cycling. The village is part of the municipality of Lochem. The nearby town of Lochem offers additional amenities such as multiple primary and secondary schools, a train station, a theater, an indoor swimming pool, a small but pleasant city center with corresponding shops, a library, and a theater venue.

Approximately six kilometers from Almen lies the Hanseatic city of Zutphen. Zutphen features a beautiful, partly medieval inner city. It offers several secondary schools, including bilingual education and a Vrije School. Beyond its extensive shopping range, Zutphen has a unique library, a theater, a cinema, various museums, and many catering options. The city also has an NS Intercity station. Another Hanseatic city, Deventer, and the connection to the A1 towards the Randstad and Germany are just a twenty minute drive away from Almen. This combination of a peaceful village life with the conveniences of larger cities nearby makes this a unique place to live.