Exclusive Building Plot with Free View in Retranchement Near 't Zwin Nature Reserve

This listing presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of three remaining building plots located along the picturesque Kanaalweg in Retranchement. The property is situated in the municipality of Sluis, in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands, with the postal code 4525 NA. The asking price for this plot is set at 850,000 euros, and this price is offered vrij op naam, meaning the transfer costs are included in the price for the buyer. Additionally, the stated price excludes BTW (VAT).

The plot in question has a total surface area of approximately 2,268 square meters. This generous parcel size provides ample space for realizing a custom dream home. One notable aspect of this offering is that there is no building obligation, which means the purchaser is not required to commence construction within a specific timeframe after acquisition. This flexibility makes the plot suitable for various purposes and planning strategies.

The building plots are available for both permanent residential use and recreational habitation. This dual zoning possibility offers potential owners the freedom to use the property as a full-time residence or as a holiday home, depending on their personal needs and preferences.

Regarding the building regulations and possibilities for this specific plot, the municipality has established clear parameters within which any future construction must comply. The maximum permitted building volume for the main residence is 1,000 cubic meters. The eaves height, which is the height from the ground to the lower edge of the roof, may not exceed 4.5 meters. The total maximum height of the main structure is limited to 10 meters.

In addition to the main dwelling, the regulations permit the construction of an outbuilding or auxiliary structure. This secondary building may have a maximum footprint of 90 square meters, with an eaves height of 3.5 meters and a total height not exceeding 8 meters. This outbuilding could serve various purposes such as a garage, storage space, garden shed, or even a small guest accommodation or studio, subject to compliance with all applicable building codes and permits.

It is important to note that the plot is currently not building-ready, as indicated by the designation bouwrijp being marked as no. This means that certain preparations may be necessary before construction can commence, such as connecting to utilities, preparing the ground, or completing other site-specific requirements. Prospective buyers should factor in the additional costs and time associated with making the plot construction-ready when planning their project budget and timeline.

The location of these building plots is one of their most significant attributes. Retranchement is a small village situated in the westernmost part of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, the Dutch portion of Flanders that lies south of the Western Scheldt river. The village is positioned very close to the Belgian border and is in the immediate vicinity of the renowned Belgian seaside resort of Knokke. This geographical positioning offers residents the advantage of a tranquil rural setting while maintaining convenient access to the amenities, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions of Knokke and the surrounding Belgian coastal area.

A particularly notable feature of the location is its proximity to the nature reserve known as het Zwin. This protected natural area is famous for its tidal flats, salt marshes, and diverse birdlife. The Zwin area serves as an important stopover for migratory birds and offers visitors the opportunity to observe various species of waterfowl and waders in their natural habitat. The presence of this nature reserve contributes to the ecological value of the surrounding landscape and provides residents with direct access to nature-oriented recreational activities such as birdwatching, walking, and cycling.

The plot itself is located outside the built-up area, classified as buiten bebouwde kom in Dutch spatial planning terminology. This designation typically means that the area is governed by more relaxed building regulations compared to urban zones, while still maintaining certain restrictions to preserve the rural character of the landscape. The specific location offers an open setting with an unobstructed view over the polder landscape of Retranchement. Polders are characteristic low-lying tracts of land reclaimed from the sea or other bodies of water, and they form a distinctive feature of the Dutch and Flemish landscape. The free view over this polder landscape ensures that future residents will be able to enjoy expansive vistas that change with the seasons and the varying agricultural activities in the surrounding fields.

The broader environment where these plots are situated has been carefully designed with attention to landscape integration and ecological values. According to the listing, the plots are located within a beautifully landscaped natural area that is not publicly accessible. This restricted access ensures that residents will enjoy a serene and private natural environment without disturbance from casual visitors or through-traffic.

The landscape design plan incorporates several carefully selected natural elements that enhance both the visual appeal and the ecological value of the surroundings. Along the western side of the plots, rows of pollard willows have been planted. Pollard willows, known as knotwilgen in Dutch, are a characteristic feature of the Dutch and Flemish rural landscape. These trees are regularly pruned to encourage the growth of new branches at the top of a cleared trunk, creating a distinctive appearance. The row of pollard willows serves to visually mark the transition from the residential plots to the adjacent agricultural landscape, creating a natural boundary that blends harmoniously with the surrounding countryside.

Within the landscaped area, natural ponds have been created that are connected to each other through lower-lying areas. This connected system of water features creates a dynamic landscape that changes with the seasons. During wetter periods, the water levels in the ponds and connecting low-lying areas will rise, while during drier periods, the water levels will recede, exposing muddy margins that attract different wildlife species. This seasonal variation adds visual interest to the landscape and contributes to its ecological diversity.

Along the northern side of the ponds, bramble thickets have been planted. Brambles, which produce blackberries, are valuable components of the natural landscape because they provide dense cover and food sources for wildlife. The listing specifically mentions that these bramble thickets are intended to support populations of the moor frog, a species of amphibian that is dependent on suitable habitat with both water bodies for breeding and dense vegetation for shelter and hibernation.

Additionally, small groups of trees have been incorporated into the landscape design. These trees serve to provide shade and shelter for birds and other small animals. The combination of water features, bramble thickets, and tree groupings creates a diverse habitat that supports a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the overall ecological richness of the immediate surroundings.

The cadastral information for this plot identifies it as part of the cadastral section SLUIS L, with the specific designation 1481 on the cadastral map. The ownership situation is described as full ownership, or volle eigendom, which means that the seller has complete and unrestricted ownership rights to the property, free of any leases, ground rents, or other encumbrances that could limit the buyer's rights of use.

The transfer of the property is available in consultation, meaning that the specific terms and timing of the transfer can be negotiated between the buyer and seller. This flexibility can be advantageous for buyers who need to coordinate the purchase with other transactions or who require time to arrange financing or finalize their building plans.

In summary, this building plot on Kanaalweg in Retranchement offers a rare combination of generous parcel size, flexible building options without construction obligation, a scenic and ecologically rich natural setting, and a strategic location near both the protected Zwin nature area and the amenities of Knokke. The plot is suitable for those seeking to create a custom residence in a peaceful rural environment while maintaining connectivity to urban facilities and recreational opportunities in the broader region.