Charming Ground Floor Apartment with Unique Sleeping Tower and Sunny Garden in Tuinwijk
Key Features
Upsides
- The property was thoroughly renovated in 2021 with great attention to detail, combining modern comfort with the original character of the 1931 building.
- The unique sleeping tower is a distinctive architectural feature that creates a playful layout and sets this apartment apart from standard properties in the area.
- The glass extension at the rear serves as a light-filled heart of the home, creating a seamless connection between the living room, kitchen, and garden.
- Recent upgrades in 2024 include cavity wall insulation, new wooden window frames with HR++ glass, and fresh exterior paint, improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance needs for the near future.
- The Tuinwijk location offers a desirable combination of a quiet, green neighborhood with excellent proximity to Utrecht's city center, reachable within minutes by bike or on foot.
Downsides
- The preferred delivery date is November 2026, which is an exceptionally long waiting period that may not work for buyers who need housing sooner.
- The homeowners association lacks a reserve fund, does not hold annual meetings, and has no maintenance plan in place, which could lead to unexpected costs or poorly coordinated building maintenance in the future.
- Parking in the area requires a permit and is subject to paid parking regulations, adding ongoing costs and potential inconvenience for residents with vehicles.
- The garden faces northwest, which means it receives less direct sunlight compared to south-facing gardens, particularly during winter months.
- At 5,967 euros per square meter, the price per square meter is relatively high for a 92-square-meter apartment, even considering the unique features and recent renovations.
Description
This charming ground floor apartment is situated on the quiet and beloved Jacob van der Borchstraat in the Tuinwijk district of Utrecht. The property stands out immediately due to its unique architectural feature: a distinctive sleeping tower that houses two bedrooms spread across two upper levels. This unusual element gives the residence a playful and surprising layout that sets it apart from typical apartments in the area.
The apartment underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2021, during which the owners carefully selected modern comforts while preserving the original character of the building. Great attention was paid to detail and style throughout the renovation process. The result is a cohesive and atmospheric home that is completely finished and ready for immediate occupancy once the current owners are prepared to hand over the keys.
At the rear of the property, a beautiful glass extension serves as the light-filled heart of the home. This conservatory creates a natural transition between the interior and exterior spaces and provides a wonderful living area filled with daylight throughout the entire year. The space is suitable for morning coffee, long dinner parties, and relaxed evenings alike. The generous modern kitchen connects seamlessly to both the living area and the garden through this glass extension. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary amenities, making it a practical and pleasant space for daily use as well as social gatherings.
The living room itself is a bright through-lounge characterized by high ceilings that create an extra spacious and open feeling. There is ample room to entertain friends and family, dine together, or simply relax. The open kitchen stands in direct connection with both the living room and the garden via the glass extension, creating a fluid living space that feels larger than its actual square meters.
The bathroom has also been completely renewed and features a sleek and stylish design. It includes a bathtub, a spacious walk-in shower, a sink, and a washing machine connection. The bathroom has a comfortable and modern appearance that aligns with the overall quality of the renovation.
The attractively landscaped garden exudes tranquility and greenery, functioning as an extension of the living space. Thanks to the folding doors from the glass extension, the transition from inside to outside is seamless. The sheltered position of the garden allows residents to enjoy the sun and outdoor dining from spring through early autumn. The garden measures 29 square meters and is oriented to the northwest, measuring 3.18 meters in depth and 5.97 meters in width.
The first floor of the sleeping tower contains an landing with access to a spacious bedroom and a balcony. This level provides a private retreat away from the main living areas. The second floor houses another generous bedroom within the atmospheric sleeping tower, offering a unique and cozy sleeping space with character.
The Jacob van der Borchstraat is located in Tuinwijk, a popular and green neighborhood on the north side of Utrecht. The combination of tranquility, greenery, and proximity to the city center makes this a highly desirable place to live. Within a few minutes of cycling or walking, residents find themselves within the Singel (the inner canal ring) and can enjoy everything the city has to offer. Within walking distance, there is a supermarket, bakery, and drugstore, as well as various pleasant cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood.
The property is easily accessible by both private transport and public transportation. However, parking in the area requires a permit and is subject to paid parking regulations, which is typical for this part of Utrecht.
In terms of technical specifications, the apartment features hot water and heating provided by a central heating boiler (Nefit brand, built in 2019, owned by the property). The entire apartment was thoroughly renovated in 2021. In 2024, the property received cavity wall insulation and was fitted with wooden window frames with HR++ glass. The most recent painting of the exterior was also completed in 2024. The property has mechanical ventilation and an energy label B.
The apartment has a total living area of 92 square meters and a building-bound outdoor space of 3 square meters. The total volume is 358 cubic meters. The property contains three rooms in total, including two bedrooms. There is one bathroom and one separate toilet. The apartment spans three living levels: the ground floor with living areas, first floor with one bedroom and balcony, and second floor with the second bedroom in the tower.
The property is part of a homeowners association (VvE) with a monthly contribution of 75 euros. The VvE is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. However, it should be noted that the VvE does not hold annual meetings, does not have a reserve fund, and does not have a maintenance plan in place. Building insurance is arranged through the VvE.
The cadaster information identifies the property as LAUWERECHT C 7138 with full ownership status. The building dates from 1931 and features a gable roof covered with tiles. The asking price is 549,000 euros, which translates to approximately 5,967 euros per square meter. The property is currently available, though the preferred delivery date is in November 2026, which potential buyers should carefully consider when planning their purchase.
This ground floor apartment offers a unique combination of character, modern comfort, and a distinctive layout with the sleeping tower. The recent renovations and upgrades in 2021 and 2024 ensure that the property is in excellent condition and ready for the next occupants to move in and enjoy this special home in one of Utrecht's most sought-after neighborhoods.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions 'ruime inloopdouche' (spacious walk-in shower) in the bathroom.
Bathtub
The listing explicitly mentions 'ligbad' (bathtub) in the bathroom.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is located on the ground floor while the bedrooms are on the first and second floors in the 'slaaptoren' (sleeping tower), indicating the bathroom is not directly connected to a bedroom.
Guest Toilet
The features section explicitly states '1 badkamer en 1 apart toilet' (1 bathroom and 1 separate toilet).
Shared Shower
This is a private ground floor apartment (benedenwoning) not a shared living arrangement.
Shared Toilet
This is a private ground floor apartment, not a shared living arrangement.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing mentions 'wastafel en wastafelmeubel' (sink and sink cabinet) in singular form, suggesting only one sink.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
Explicitly stated 'Balkon aanwezig' in features and 'toegang tot het balkon' in the first floor description.
Rear Garden
Explicitly mentioned as 'Achtertuin 29 m²' in features and described in detail in the listing.
Front Garden
No mention of a front garden anywhere in the listing.
Side Garden
No mention of a side garden anywhere in the listing.
Rooftop Terrace
No mention of a rooftop terrace.
Guest House
No guest house mentioned.
Waterfront
No waterfront location mentioned; located in Tuinwijk, Utrecht.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities mentioned.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities mentioned.
Private Outdoor Pool
No private outdoor pool mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No private outdoor jacuzzi mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No private tennis court mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
Utrecht is a flat city with no mountains.
Remarkable City View
Ground floor apartment with a sleeping tower, but no remarkable city views mentioned.
Remarkable Garden View
Glass extension and living room look directly onto the beautifully landscaped garden.
Remarkable Sea View
Utrecht is inland with no sea views possible.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour views mentioned; not located near a harbour.
Remarkable Landmark View
No specific landmark views mentioned in the listing.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
Not mentioned in the listing.
Central Heating
Listing explicitly states heating and hot water via a c.v.-ketel (Nefit, 2019).
Fireplace
Not mentioned in the listing.
Underfloor Heating
Not mentioned; central heating via radiators/CV ketel is specified instead.
Walk In Closet
Not mentioned in the listing.
Home Office
Not mentioned; the property has 3 rooms total (living room and 2 bedrooms) with no space designated as an office.
Exposed Beams
Not mentioned in the description.
Bay Window
Not mentioned in the description.
Private Indoor Pool
Clearly not present in this 92 m² apartment.
Private Indoor Sauna
Clearly not present in this 92 m² apartment.
French Doors
The listing mentions 'openslaande deuren' (French doors) from the glass extension to the garden.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
Modern
The listing explicitly mentions a thorough renovation in 2021 choosing 'modern comfort', a 'modern kitchen', and a 'modern bathroom'.
Industrial
Mediterranean
Classic
The property is described as 'characterful' (karaktervol) with the 'retention of character' from its 1931 build, despite the modern renovation.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Built in 1931, described as 'karaktervol' (characterful) with character preserved during renovation.
Early 20th Century
Built in 1931, exactly matching the early 20th century/jaren-30 style period.
Post War Functional
Built in 1931, before WWII, so not a post-war building.
Modernist
Interior renovated in 2021 with modern elements, but exterior remains traditional 1930s style.
Newly Build
Built in 1931, clearly not newly built despite recent renovations.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
No mention of a kitchen island in the description. The open kitchen connects to living room and garden, but no island is described.
Open Plan Kitchen
Explicitly stated: 'De open keuken staat in directe verbinding met zowel de woonkamer als de tuin via de glazen uitbouw' (The open kitchen is in direct connection with both the living room and the garden).
Pantry
No mention of a pantry in the listing.
Build In Coffee Maker
Not mentioned in the listing. This would typically be highlighted as a feature if present.
Boiling Water Tap
Not mentioned in the listing. A Quooker or similar would typically be mentioned as a selling point if present.
Downdraft Extractor
Not mentioned in the listing. This is a specific feature that would typically be highlighted if present.
Shared Kitchen
This is a private ground floor apartment (benedenwoning) with full ownership (volle eigendom). The kitchen is clearly private.
Design Kitchen
Described as 'moderne keuken' with 'oog voor detail en gevoel voor stijl' (eye for detail and sense of style), suggesting some design quality but not explicitly called a designer kitchen.
New Kitchen
The kitchen was installed during the 2021 renovation. While not brand new (3+ years old), it is relatively recent and described as modern.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing specifies 'Betaald parkeren en parkeervergunningen', indicating only public street parking, not a dedicated parking spot.
Storage Room
The layout describes a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms in the tower. No storage room is mentioned.
Garage
No garage is mentioned in the property description or features.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage present.
Double Garage
There is no garage present.
Attic
The property has a 'slaaptoren' (sleeping tower) on the first and second floors, but no traditional attic is listed or described.
Cellar
No cellar is mentioned in the property description or features.
Bike Storage
No dedicated bike storage is mentioned in the listing.
Covered Parking
No covered parking is mentioned; only paid street parking and permits are listed.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing.
Ev Charging
No EV charging station or facilities are mentioned in the listing.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned in the property description or features.
Shed
A garden is mentioned, but no shed or outbuilding is explicitly listed in the features or description.
Street Parking Free
The listing explicitly states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking).
Street Parking Permit
The listing explicitly lists 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits) under parking facilities.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
There is no mention of a specific parking spot available for rent.
Parkspot Sale Price
There is no mention of a parking spot included for sale with the property.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly states a VvE (Owners Association) contribution of €75.00 per month and includes a VvE checklist.
Leasehold
The listing explicitly states 'Volle eigendom' (full ownership) under 'Eigendomssituatie'.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK Ja'.
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering Nee'.
Oa Fees
The listing states a monthly VvE contribution of €75.00.
Oa Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig Nee'.
Oa Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Onderhoudsplan Nee'.
Oa Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Opstalverzekering Ja'.
Other Rules
The listing mentions a preferred delivery date of November 2026 and standard NVM conditions, but no specific unusual rules are listed.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The property is a ground-floor apartment (benedenwoning) in a building from 1931 spread over three levels. There is no mention of an elevator.
Alarm System
There is no mention of an alarm system in the property description or features list.
Security Cameras
There is no mention of security cameras anywhere in the listing.
Private Entrance
The property is described as a 'benedenwoning' (ground-floor apartment) with its own 'Entree/hal' (entrance/hallway), which typically indicates a private entrance.
Automatic Gate
The property is located on a regular street in a residential neighborhood, with no mention of any gates.
Video Door Phone
No video door phone is mentioned in the listing details.
Security Door Window Hardware
The listing mentions new wooden window frames with HR++ glass from 2024, but does not specify any upgraded security hardware for doors or windows.
Gated Community
The property is situated on a public street (Jacob van der Borchstraat) in the Tuinwijk neighborhood, not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The main living areas, kitchen, and bathroom are on the ground floor, which is accessible. However, the two bedrooms are located on the first and second floors of a 'sleeping tower', requiring the use of stairs. Additionally, a 1931 building may have a step at the front door.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The description explicitly mentions 'wasmachineaansluiting' (washing machine connection) in the modernized bathroom.
Laundry Room
There is no mention of a dedicated laundry room; the washing machine connection is located in the bathroom.
Smart Home
There are no mentions of smart home systems, devices, or home automation features.
Ventilation System
The features section explicitly lists 'Mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation) as a provision.
Water Softener
A water softener is not mentioned, and it is not a standard feature in Dutch apartments from 1931.
Energy Efficiency
Double Glazing
Listing explicitly states the property is fitted with HR++ glass, which is high-efficiency double glazing.
Triple Glazing
The listing specifies HR++ glass (double glazing) rather than HR+++ (triple glazing).
Wall Insulation
Listing explicitly mentions cavity wall insulation (spouwmuurisolatie) installed in 2024.
Heat Pump
Heating and hot water are provided by a 2019 Nefit gas combi-boiler (c.v.-ketel), not a heat pump.
Home Battery
No solar panels are present, and a home battery is not mentioned.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property includes a mechanical ventilation system and upgraded window frames in 2024.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.