Spacious semi-detached home with detached practice space and sunny southwest garden near centre of Zelhem
Key Features
Upsides
- Well-equipped detached outbuilding that served as a garage, converted in 2021 into a multifunctional workspace with toilet, water, air conditioning, and its own staircase to a storage loft. Ideal for a home-based practice, freelance work, or creative atelier.
- Generous southwest-facing garden of 150 sqm with a large terrace in wild bond paving, a lawn area behind the outbuilding, and a covered pergola lounge area. The garden depth of 20 metres provides excellent outdoor living potential throughout much of the day.
- Ground floor extension from 2016 that considerably enlarged the living room, adding a skylight for daylight, French doors to the garden, a dark tile floor with underfloor heating, and a wood-burning stove. The kitchen is modern, U-shaped, and fully equipped with a five-burner gas hob.
- Well-maintained throughout with recent updates including exterior window frame painting in 2024. The house benefits from partial underfloor heating, a owned combi boiler from 2013, and insulation across roof, walls, floor, and HR glazing.
- Walking distance to the village centre of Zelhem with cafés, restaurants, shops, and primary schools. Doetinchem with broader amenities and secondary schools is about 20 minutes by bike, making everyday life convenient without living in a city environment.
Downsides
- The energy label is C, which is modest for a house built in 1952. While insulation in roof, walls, floor, and HR glazing is present, a prospective buyer with ambitions for a label A or B should anticipate further investment in sustainability measures such as a heat pump or wall cavity filling.
- The boiler is a 2013 ATAG gas combi that is now over eleven years old. While still functional, its remaining service life is uncertain, and replacement should be budgeted for in the near to medium term.
- The property is classified as partly furnished (gedeeltelijk gestoffeerd), which means the new owner will need to assess what exactly remains and may need to budget for their own floor treatments, window coverings, or fixtures beyond the existing tile floor and laminate.
- Zelhem is a small village in a rural municipality. For residents who work in or frequently visit larger cities or require a wide range of specialist services not found in the Achterhoek, travel distances can be considerable. The nearest train station and broader urban facilities are in Doetinchem, about a 20-minute cycle away.
- Parking is on the public road only. There is no private parking on the plot, which may be a practical inconvenience for households with multiple vehicles or for clients visiting a practice in the outbuilding.
Description
This nicely maintained semi-detached house is situated in the village of Zelhem, within the municipality of Bronckhorst in the Achterhoek region. Zelhem is known for its peaceful countryside, scenic cycling and walking paths, and an active community with plenty of sports clubs and cultural associations. The village centre, with its cosy cafés, restaurants, and shops for daily groceries, is within walking distance. Secondary schools are available in Doetinchem, which is about a 20-minute bike ride away, and Doetinchem also offers a broader range of shopping, leisure, a hospital, and a theatre.
The house was originally built in 1952 and has been considerably expanded. In 2016, the ground floor was significantly extended, creating a bright and spacious living room that runs the full depth of the property. This extension introduced a large skylight that brings in ample natural daylight, and the addition of French doors opens directly onto the rear garden. The ground floor is finished with a stylish dark tile floor equipped with comfortable underfloor heating, and there is a wood-burning stove that is available for takeover by the new owner.
From the side entrance, you enter a hall that provides access to a basement storage closet, the staircase to the upper floor, and the living area. The U-shaped kitchen is contemporary and fully equipped. It includes a five-burner gas hob, a stainless steel extractor hood, plenty of storage space in the form of drawers on the left side, a dishwasher, and a sink with a view of the Prinses Irenestraat to the right. The kitchen is practical and well-positioned for those who enjoy cooking.
The ground floor bathroom is modern and fully equipped with a corner bath, a walk-in shower, a column cabinet, and a double vanity sink with two basins. There is also a separate toilet, a storage and utility room that neatly houses the ATAG combination boiler from 2013 and a washing machine behind two doors.
The first floor comprises a landing, three bedrooms, and a separate toilet. Throughout the entire upper floor, laminate flooring has been installed, and air conditioning has been fitted to make sleeping comfortable during warm summer nights.
The rear garden is a particular highlight of this property. With an area of 150 square metres, the garden runs 20 metres deep and 7.50 metres wide. It is laid out on a sunny southwest-facing aspect, which makes it ideal for outdoor living throughout much of the day. The garden features a large terrace laid with paving stones in a wild bond pattern, which comfortably accommodates a generous garden set. Behind the outbuilding, there is a small patch of lawn where children can play safely. The garden is easily accessible from the side of the property.
At the rear of the plot stands a detached and multifunctional outbuilding. In 2021, this structure was converted from a garage into its current use as a home office or workspace. It features a large window extending from floor to ceiling at the front, a fixed staircase leading to a storage loft, water supply, its own toilet, and air conditioning. The outbuilding is exceptionally well-suited for a home-based professional practice, a study space, or a creative atelier. To the rear of this outbuilding, a sturdy covered pergola has been created, providing a perfect lounge or chill area for both children and adults. There is also a wooden shed, suitable for storing bicycles and other items such as garden tools or furniture, and it currently houses the firewood for the wood-burning stove.
In terms of energy, the house has a C energy label. It benefits from insulation in the roof, walls, floors, and HR glazing. The property is heated by a gas-fired ATAG combination boiler, which is owned rather than rented, and there is partial underfloor heating on the ground floor. The municipality of Bronckhorst offers favourable lending schemes and subsidy opportunities for residential sustainability upgrades, which a prospective buyer may wish to explore. Window frames were repainted in 2024.
Parking is available on the public road adjacent to the property. The cadastral designation is ZELHEM O 1760, with a plot area of 330 square metres. The total internal volume of the house is approximately 458 cubic metres, and the living space is approximately 119 square metres. There is an additional 10 square metres of other indoor space.
This is a property that clearly lends itself to combined residential and professional use, with the added flexibility of a dedicated workspace in the garden. The village setting offers everyday conveniences within walking distance while maintaining easy access to the larger city of Doetinchem for broader amenities and education.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The bathroom is described as 'modern' with 'douchehoek' (shower corner), and is listed under bathroom facilities.
Bathtub
The description explicitly mentions 'hoekbad' (corner bath) in the bathroom and the features list includes 'zitbad' (soaking bath).
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is located on the ground floor while all 3 bedrooms are on the first floor. No ensuite bathroom is mentioned.
Guest Toilet
Description explicitly mentions 'Separaat toilet' on the ground floor, separate from the bathroom.
Heated Towel Rail
No mention of a heated towel rail anywhere in the listing.
Bidet
No mention of a bidet in the listing.
Double Shower
Only one shower area ('douchehoek') is mentioned. No indication of double shower facilities.
Shared Shower
This is a single-family home with only one bathroom. Not applicable in this context.
Shared Toilet
This is a single-family home. Toilets are not shared between units. Additionally, there is a separate ground floor toilet and a first floor toilet.
His And Hers Sinks
Description mentions 'dubbel wastafelmeubel met 2 waskommen' (double vanity unit with 2 sinks).
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
No balcony is mentioned anywhere in the description or features list.
Rear Garden
Back garden (achtertuin) of 150 m² with dimensions 20m deep and 7.5m wide, located on southwest, featuring large terrace and grass area behind the outbuilding.
Front Garden
Front garden (voortuin) is listed in the features under 'Ligging' section.
Side Garden
Side garden (zijtuin) is listed in the features, and the garden is accessible via the side of the property.
Terrace
Large terrace at the rear (groot terras) with terrastegels in wildverband pattern, facing southwest, large enough for a generous garden set.
Rooftop Terrace
No rooftop terrace is mentioned in the listing.
Barbecue Area
No explicit barbecue area is mentioned. The 'stoere overkapping' serves as a lounge/chill area but no BBQ equipment is mentioned.
Patio
The large rear terrace with terrace tiles (terrastegels) can be considered a patio area.
Veranda
There is a 'stoere overkapping' (sturdy covered structure) at the rear of the outbuilding, which functions as a covered outdoor lounge/chill area.
Guest House
The detached outbuilding (bijgebouw) converted in 2021 to a workspace/home office with its own toilet is multifunctional and could potentially serve as guest accommodation, though it is currently used as workspace.
Waterfront
No water features, canals, or waterfront location are mentioned in the description.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden or vegetable garden is mentioned. Only a lawn area for children and the terrace are described.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are mentioned in the listing.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities are mentioned in the listing.
Private Outdoor Pool
No pool is mentioned in the listing.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No jacuzzi or spa is mentioned in the listing.
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court is mentioned in the listing.
Remarkable Mountain View
Zelhem is located in the Achterhoek, known for its rolling hills and coulisselandschappen (landscape with hedgerows). However, no explicit mountain view is highlighted in the listing. Some scenic countryside views may be present.
Remarkable City View
The property is located in the village of Zelhem with a cozy village center. Zelhem is not a city and no city view is mentioned or applicable.
Remarkable Garden View
The property has multiple gardens (front, side, and rear) with a south/west orientation. The rear garden is 150m² with terrace and lawn area. However, no extraordinary garden view is specifically highlighted as a selling point.
Remarkable Sea View
Zelhem is located inland in the Achterhoek region, Gelderland province. No sea view is possible or mentioned.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour or port exists near Zelhem. This is an inland village location.
Remarkable Landmark View
No specific landmarks are mentioned in the listing. Zelhem is described as having a cozy village center with various shops and restaurants, but no notable landmarks with views are highlighted.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
Explicitly mentioned for the 1st floor and for the outbuilding workspace.
Central Heating
CV-ketel ATAG (gas combi from 2013) listed as heating system.
Fireplace
Wood stove (houtkachel) present in living room; explicitly stated as available for takeover.
Hardwood Floors
No hardwood floors mentioned; only tile and laminate.
Tiled Floors
Dark tiles (plavuizen) in the living room as described.
Laminate Flooring
Entire upper floor has laminate flooring as stated in description.
Carpeted Floors
No carpet mentioned; upper floor is laminate.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating mentioned for the living room with tiles.
Walk In Closet
No walk-in closet mentioned; only 'kolomkast' in bathroom.
Home Office
Converted outbuilding from garage to workspace in 2021 with its own toilet, water, AC, and staircase.
Skylight
Light dome (lichtkoepel) explicitly mentioned in the living room.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams mentioned in description.
Bay Window
No bay windows mentioned; only standard windows and French doors.
Private Indoor Pool
No pool mentioned anywhere in listing.
Private Indoor Sauna
No sauna mentioned anywhere in listing.
Built-In Wardrobes
Only column cabinet (kolomkast) mentioned in bathroom; no built-in wardrobes specified.
French Doors
Patio/sliding doors (openslaande tuindeuren) to the back garden explicitly described.
Ornamental Plasterwork
No ornamental plasterwork mentioned; renovation focused on practical modern updates.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No Nordic design elements mentioned; the style is more traditional Dutch with modern renovations.
Modern
Modern kitchen in U-shape, modern bathroom, extension from 2016, modern appliances, underfloor heating.
Industrial
The outbuilding (converted garage) has practical industrial features like water, toilet, and the 'stoere' (robust) lounge cover. However, the main house has a more traditional character.
Mediterranean
Southwest-facing garden and Dutch rural setting; no Mediterranean styling elements present.
Classic
Built in 1952 with traditional semi-detached layout; some original elements retained but largely modernized.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Built in 1952, this is a mid-20th century Dutch home with traditional semi-detached layout. The property has been well-maintained and expanded (2016), retaining its original character while being modernized. Not a protected historic monument but has period-appropriate charm.
Early 20th Century
Construction year is 1952, which is post-WWII (after 1945), not early 20th century. Early 20th century in the Netherlands typically refers to periods before 1940, including 'jaren-30' style (1930s). This property does not qualify as early 20th century architecture.
Post War Functional
Built in 1952, just after WWII, this could theoretically be post-war. However, the description emphasizes a 'netjes onderhouden' (well-maintained) home with quality finishes, modern kitchen and bathroom, airconditioning, and recent renovations. It doesn't exhibit the typical mass-produced, purely functional post-war housing characteristics. The property has been significantly upgraded and modernized, losing any original post-war functional aesthetic.
Modernist
Built in 1952, this is not a modernist construction. However, the 2016 expansion with contemporary features like the light dome (lichtkoepel), dark floor tiles, and open plan living area could be considered to have some modern elements. The outbuilding renovation in 2021 also incorporated modern features like airconditioning and its own toilet.
Newly Build
Construction year is 1952, so this is not a newly built property. However, the 2016 expansion significantly increased living space, and the 2021 outbuilding renovation converted it to a modern workspace. These renovations brought the property up to current standards.
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Explicitly mentioned: 'de afwasmachine' (dishwasher) is listed as one of the kitchen appliances
Microwave
Microwave is not mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Refrigerator
Refrigerator is not mentioned in the kitchen description or anywhere in the listing.
Freezer
Freezer is not mentioned in the listing.
Kitchen Island
The kitchen is described as a U-shaped kitchen (U opstelling), which typically does not include an island.
Open Plan Kitchen
The kitchen is described separately from the living room. While there are patio doors to the garden from the living area, the kitchen itself is not described as open plan.
Pantry
There is a 'berging/bijkeuken' (storage/pantry area) mentioned with the CV installation and washing machine, which serves as a utility/pantry space.
Stove
Explicitly mentioned: '5 pits gasfornuis' (5-burner gas stove).
Induction Stove
The stove described is explicitly a gas stove (gasfornuis), not an induction stove.
Build In Coffee Maker
Built-in coffee maker is not mentioned in the listing.
Boiling Water Tap
Instant boiling water tap (Quooker-type) is not mentioned in the listing.
Downdraft Extractor
The extractor is described as an 'RVS afzuigkap' (stainless steel extractor hood), which is a standard overhead extractor, not a downdraft model.
Shared Kitchen
This is a single-family home with no indication of shared kitchen facilities.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is described as 'modern' (modern) with U-shaped layout, suggesting a decent design quality, but 'luxury design kitchen' is not explicitly stated.
New Kitchen
The kitchen is described as 'modern' and was part of the 2016 extension. The entire house renovation in 2016 would have included the kitchen, suggesting relatively recent installation.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing specifies 'Soort parkeergelegenheid: Openbaar parkeren' (public parking only). No private parking such as a driveway, carport, or private lot is mentioned.
Storage Room
The property includes a 'berging/bijkeuken' (storage/utility room) in the house and a 'bergzolder' (storage attic) accessible via fixed stairs in the converted bijgebouw.
Garage
The 'vrijstaand bijgebouw' was originally a garage but was converted into a workspace/home office in 2021. It no longer functions as a garage.
Double Garage
No mention of a double garage. The only structure mentioned is a converted single-space garage now used as workspace.
Attic
The main house has 2 living floors and a cellar, with no attic mentioned. The 'bergzolder' mentioned is in the separate bijgebouw, not in the main house.
Cellar
The listing mentions 'hal met toegang kelderkast' (hall with access to cellar cabinet), indicating a cellar exists.
Bike Storage
The listing explicitly mentions a 'houten (fietsen)berging' (wooden bike storage shed) in the garden.
Covered Parking
No covered parking is mentioned. Only public street parking is indicated.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned or present.
Workshop
The 'vrijstaand bijgebouw' was converted in 2021 from garage into a 'werkruimte/thuiswerkplek' (workspace/home office), explicitly suited for work.
Shed
The listing mentions both a wooden 'fietsenberging' (bike storage) and a 'vrijstaande stenen berging' (freestanding stone storage) with utilities.
Street Parking Free
The listing indicates 'Openbaar parkeren' (public parking). In a small village like Zelhem, public parking is typically free, though this is not explicitly stated.
Rules
Owners Association
This is a '2-onder-1-kapwoning' (semi-detached house) from 1952. Dutch semi-detached houses typically do not have formal Owners Associations (VvE). The listing contains no mention of VvE, maintenance fees, or collective building insurance.
Leasehold
The listing explicitly states 'Eigendomssituatie: Volle eigendom' (Full ownership), meaning this is freehold property, not leasehold.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
No elevator is mentioned. The listing describes a 2-story house (began grond and 1e verdieping) with a side entrance and stairs. Semi-detached houses in the Netherlands from 1952 rarely have elevators.
Intercom
No intercom system is mentioned in the listing description or property features.
Alarm System
No alarm system is mentioned in the description or listed among the property's features and facilities.
Security Cameras
No security cameras are mentioned in the listing. The property has standard features like TV cable and mechanical ventilation but no surveillance equipment.
Automatic Gate
No automatic gate is mentioned. The listing describes a backyard accessible via the side ('achterom'), and a wooden bike shed, but no gate or automatic access system is listed.
Video Door Phone
No video door phone or doorbell camera is mentioned in the listing description or property features.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are not explicitly mentioned. The listing mentions a 'rookkanaal' (smoke duct) for the wood-burning stove, which is a chimney/flue system, not smoke detectors. In the Netherlands, smoke detectors are commonly required by law (as of 2022), but the listing does not specifically mention them.
Security Door Window Hardware
The listing mentions that 'schilderwerk kozijnen' (window frame painting) was done in 2024, indicating good maintenance of window frames. However, no specific security hardware like reinforced doors, security locks, or window locks is mentioned. The property has a 'rookkanaal' (smoke duct/chimney) and mechanical ventilation.
Gated Community
Zelhem is a village in the municipality of Bronckhorst in the Achterhoek region. The listing describes it as a residential area ('woonwijk') with open layout ('open ligging'). No mention of a gated community or secured residential complex.
Wheelchair Accessible
The house has a bathroom on the ground floor, a side entrance, and was renovated/extended in 2016. However, there is no specific mention of wheelchair accessibility features such as ramps, widened doorways, or accessible facilities. The house dates from 1952, which may have limitations for accessibility. Built in 1952, no explicit accessibility adaptations mentioned.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
The listing mentions 'berging/bijkeuken met CV opstelling (een ATAG uit 2013) en wasmachine' which translates to a storage/utility room with a washing machine.
Washing Machine Connections
The washing machine is mentioned in the 'bijkeuken' (utility room) which typically includes the necessary plumbing connections.
Laundry Room
The 'bijkeuken' (utility room) serves as a laundry area with washing machine, but it is not described as a dedicated laundry room.
Dryer
No mention of a dryer in the listing.
Smart Home
No mention of smart home features in the listing.
Ventilation System
The features section explicitly mentions 'Mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation) under voorzieningen (facilities).
Cable Tv
The features section mentions 'TV kabel' (cable TV) under voorzieningen.
Water Softener
No mention of a water softener system in the listing.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Solar panels are not mentioned anywhere in the listing. The description focuses on insulation, CV-ketel, and floor heating, but no solar panel installation is described.
Double Glazing
HR-glas (HR glass) is explicitly listed under 'Isolatie'. HR-glas stands for High Efficiency glass, which refers to double glazing or improved double glazing.
Triple Glazing
Only HR-glas is mentioned under isolation. Triple glazing is not mentioned anywhere in the listing or specifications.
Wall Insulation
Muurisolatie (wall insulation) is explicitly listed under 'Isolatie' in the feature list.
Floor Insulation
Vloerisolatie (floor insulation) is explicitly listed under 'Isolatie' in the feature list.
Roof Insulation
Dakisolatie (roof insulation) is explicitly listed under 'Isolatie' in the feature list.
Heat Pump
Only a CV-ketel (ATAG gas combi-boiler from 2013) is mentioned for heating. No heat pump is described anywhere in the listing.
Home Battery
Home battery storage is not mentioned anywhere in the listing. The energy systems described include only the ATAG CV-ketel, floor heating, and air conditioning.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
Partial floor heating (vloerverwarming) is present in the living room. A wood stove (houtkachel) is included, with the unit available for takeover. Air conditioning is installed on the first floor. The listing also mentions the possibility of sustainable financing and subsidy options from the municipality of Bronckhorst for further energy efficiency improvements. Energy label is C, indicating moderate energy efficiency with room for improvement.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.