Architect-Designed Thatched Villa with Natural Swimming Pond in the Achterhoek
Key Features
Upsides
- Energy label A+++ with a modern air-water heat pump system indicates very low energy costs and a sustainable footprint.
- The expansive 6,836 square meter plot offers exceptional privacy and a country estate feel, complete with a natural swimming pond and professionally designed gardens by landscape architect Nico Wissing.
- High-quality architectural design by Lab 32 Architecten with premium materials throughout, including Miele kitchen appliances, LOOX sanitary fixtures, oak beams and flooring, and an Otto Wilde outdoor kitchen in the poolhouse.
- Excellent connectivity despite the rural setting, with the A1 highway accessible in under ten minutes and historic cities like Deventer, Zutphen, and Lochem nearby for cultural and culinary experiences.
Downsides
- With only three bedrooms, the property may feel undersized for its price point of two million euros, particularly for families requiring more sleeping accommodations.
- The thatched roof, while aesthetically appealing, requires ongoing maintenance and may involve higher insurance costs compared to conventional roofing materials.
- At approximately 5,988 euros per square meter of living space, the price per square meter is relatively high for the Achterhoek region, which typically has lower property values than the Randstad area.
- The rural location, while offering privacy, means reduced immediate access to urban amenities, public transportation options, and may require significant driving for daily errands and services.
Description
This elegant thatched roof villa represents a sophisticated blend of style and comfort, constructed in 2018 and completed in 2019. The modern T-farmhouse design was created by Lab 32 Architecten, resulting in a residence that appears virtually new throughout. The landscape architecture was handled by Nico Wissing, who designed the gardens to create a seamless transition between the surrounding countryside landscape and the private garden areas.
The interior features carefully selected materials that contribute to a rich and comfortable atmosphere. Contemporary oak beams pair with stylish interior doors and oak parquet flooring throughout the home. Exterior shutters allow precise control of natural light at any time of day, while large window sections provide transparency and create inspiring sightlines through the property. The consistent use of color and material choices brings a sense of calm to the spaces, complemented by the strong connection to the natural surroundings. The location offers views of deer passing by and birds of prey soaring overhead.
The spacious kitchen serves as a glass corridor connecting the utility areas at the rear with the living spaces at the front. Simultaneously, it links the expansive countryside landscape on the east side with the more enclosed garden on the southwest. The kitchen is equipped exclusively with Miele appliances. A built-in skylight ensures morning light for breakfast, while the kitchen island features a bar area for afternoon use, and the dining area benefits from evening sunset views.
Following local tradition in the Achterhoek region, the rear entrance is primarily used for daily access. This entrance leads to a stylish hallway with access to an inspiring niche, a laundry room, and an elegant studio space. The front of the property contains a second entrance alongside a pleasant living room and a separate television room.
The luxury master suite occupies the entire floor of the front section of the house and features a thoughtful routing design. The layout naturally guides residents from the spacious walk-in closet and bathroom toward the sleeping area, with the morning routine following the reverse path. The walk-in closet resembles an exclusive boutique, and the bathroom with LOOX sanitary fixtures is unique in its design. The master bedroom includes a coffee corner and benefits from sunrise views.
The outdoor spaces feature multi-stemmed trees and shrubs at prominent locations. A meandering path invites leisurely walks through the garden, where waving grasses and manicured hedges provide a perfect setting for the stylish poolhouse with its extensive lounge terrace. The outdoor kitchen is by Otto Wilde, and there is a spacious natural swimming pond with a sunny terrace.
The villa was built on the site of a former farmhouse. The original plot was divided into three sheltered parcels that evoke the feeling of a small country estate. This configuration provides a sense of living in the countryside with full privacy while maintaining proximity to neighbors. A private driveway leads to a multi-functional barn and a carport, offering space for multiple vehicles, a horse stable, storage, or a workshop. The space could also be converted to a guest accommodation.
The property is located on Schepersweg in Almen, offering a peaceful retreat where tranquility and privacy are naturally present. The A1 highway is reachable in less than ten minutes, providing excellent connections toward the Randstad region. Nearby historic cities including Deventer, Zutphen, and Lochem offer culinary and cultural opportunities. The floodplains of the IJssel river invite swimming, cycling, and walking activities. For families with children, there are primary schools, sports clubs, and traditional play areas with meadows, ditches, and trees.
The ground floor layout includes an entrance, hallway, toilet, utility room, living room, kitchen, television room, study, and a second toilet. The first floor contains the master bedroom with bathroom featuring a bath, walk-in shower, toilet, and walk-in closet, plus an additional bedroom, a work/bedroom, a second bathroom, and a second toilet.
Construction characteristics include a wooden facade, concrete and wooden floors, and hardwood window frames. The roof is a screw-type roof covered with thatch. Heating is provided by an air-water heat pump with floor heating and radiators. The property is fully insulated and holds an energy label A+++. Additional features include a fiber optic connection, a ground water source, and the natural swimming pond.
The total plot measures 6,836 square meters, with a living area of approximately 334 square meters and a volume of approximately 1,287 cubic meters. The built-up outdoor space measures approximately 55 square meters, and external storage space measures approximately 101 square meters. The property includes a carport and detached wooden garage with capacity for two vehicles, both equipped with electricity. Parking is available on the property grounds.
The cadastral registration shows the property consists of multiple parcels: ALMEN B 3951 (575 square meters, full ownership), ALMEN B 3953 (3,003 square meters, full ownership), ALMEN B 3948 (3,035 square meters, full ownership), and ALMEN B 3947 (223 square meters, ownership status to be verified in the deed).
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions 'inloopdouche' (walk-in shower) in the master bedroom and '2 inloopdouches' in the features section.
Bathtub
The listing mentions 'bad' (bathtub) in the master bedroom description and 'ligbad' in the features section.
Ensuite Bathroom
The description states the master bedroom includes a bathroom and toilet, describing it as a mastersuite with a walk-in closet leading to the sleeping area.
Guest Toilet
The layout lists a separate toilet ('2e toilet') on the ground floor and another on the first floor, distinct from the master suite's facilities.
Heated Towel Rail
The listing mentions general radiators and bathroom floor heating, but does not explicitly mention a heated towel rail.
Bidet
There is no mention of a bidet in the listing description or features list.
Rain Shower
The listing describes 'inloopdouche' (walk-in showers) but does not specify them as 'regendouche' (rain showers).
Double Shower
The features list '2 inloopdouches' (2 walk-in showers), implying two separate shower units rather than a single double shower stall.
Shared Shower
The first floor contains two additional bedrooms ('Slaapkamer', 'Werk/slaapkamer') and one '2e badkamer' (second bathroom), implying these rooms share the shower facilities.
Shared Toilet
Apart from the master suite's toilet, there is a '2e toilet' on the first floor, which is shared by the other bedrooms and guests.
His And Hers Sinks
The features section explicitly lists '2 dubbele wastafels' (2 double washbasins).
Bathroom Heated Floor
The 'Badkamervoorzieningen' (bathroom facilities) in the features section explicitly include 'vloerverwarming' (underfloor heating).
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing describes a master suite and various rooms across two floors but does not mention any balconies.
Rear Garden
The description mentions a 'more enclosed garden on the south-west' and a garden around the house ('Tuin rondom').
Front Garden
The property has a 'weidse coulisselandschap aan de oostzijde' (expansive landscape on the east side) and a front entrance, implying a front garden area.
Side Garden
The listing states 'Tuin rondom' (garden all around the house).
Terrace
The listing explicitly mentions a 'stijlvol poolhouse met zijn uitgestrekte loungeterras' (stylish poolhouse with its extensive lounge terrace) and a 'zonnig terras' (sunny terrace).
Rooftop Terrace
The villa is a thatched-roof ('rietgedekt') T-farmhouse; there is no mention of a rooftop terrace.
Barbecue Area
The property features an outdoor kitchen: 'buitenkeuken van Otto Wilde'.
Patio
The listing mentions multiple terraces (lounge terrace, sunny terrace) which serve as patios.
Veranda
While there is a glass corridor inside and a poolhouse terrace outside, no specific 'veranda' is mentioned as an attached covered outdoor structure.
Guest House
There is a 'studio' on the ground floor and a 'multifunctional shed' which *could* be a guest house ('Misschien denkt u wel aan een gastenverblijf'), but it is not currently listed as a separate guest house.
Waterfront
The property is in the 'Achterhoek' near the IJssel river, but it has a 'zwemvijver' (swimming pond) on the plot, not direct waterfront access like a river or lake bank.
Kitchen Garden
The garden is designed by a landscape architect with grasses and hedges; no vegetable or kitchen garden is mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
The listing states there is space *for* a horse stall ('paardenstal'), implying it does not currently exist.
Small Livestock Facilities
No facilities for small livestock are mentioned.
Private Outdoor Pool
The property features a 'royale natuurlijke zwemvijver' (natural swimming pond).
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
The description mentions a swimming pond and a luxury bathroom, but no outdoor jacuzzi.
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court is mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
The property is located in the Achterhoek, Netherlands, which is a flat region.
Remarkable City View
The villa is located in the countryside ('buitenaf', 'coulisselandschap').
Remarkable Garden View
The listing emphasizes views of the landscape, garden, and nature: 'vloeiende overgang tussen het coulisselandschap', 'rees voorbij paraderen'.
Remarkable Sea View
The property is inland near the IJssel river.
Remarkable Harbour View
There is no harbour nearby.
Remarkable Landmark View
No specific landmarks are mentioned in the view.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
The listing mentions a heat pump and mechanical ventilation, but does not explicitly state the presence of air conditioning or active cooling systems.
Central Heating
The listing explicitly states 'Verwarming: de villa wordt verwarmd middels een luchtwater warmtepomp met vloerverwarming en radiatoren' (Heating: the villa is heated by an air-water heat pump with underfloor heating and radiators).
Fireplace
There is no mention of a fireplace, wood stove, or hearth in the detailed description or feature list.
Hardwood Floors
The description explicitly mentions 'eikenhouten parketvloer' (oak parquet floor) and 'houten vloeren' (wooden floors) in the construction features.
Tiled Floors
While wood floors are highlighted, the presence of two bathrooms ('2 badkamers') and a utility room ('bijkeuken') in a modern Dutch villa almost certainly implies tiled flooring in these wet areas, though not explicitly detailed in the text.
Laminate Flooring
The listing specifies 'eikenhouten parketvloer' (solid or engineered wood parquet) and 'houten vloeren'. Given the high price point and luxury description, laminate is unlikely and not mentioned.
Carpeted Floors
The listing highlights wood and concrete floors. There is no mention of carpet ('tapijt'), which is rare in modern luxury Dutch villas outside of potentially bedrooms (which here have parquet).
Underfloor Heating
The listing explicitly states 'vloerverwarming' (underfloor heating) as part of the heating system provided by the heat pump.
Walk In Closet
The description mentions a 'royale walk-in-closet' in the luxury master suite.
Home Office
The layout ('Indeling') lists a 'Werkkamer' on the ground floor and a 'werk/slaapkamer' on the first floor.
Skylight
The description mentions an 'ingebouwde lichtstraat' (built-in light street/skylight) and the features list includes 'dakraam'.
Exposed Beams
The description explicitly mentions 'Eigentijdse eiken gebinten' (Contemporary oak beams/structures) as a design feature.
Bay Window
There is no mention of a bay window ('erker'). The architecture is described as a 'T-boerderij' with large glass corridors and window sections.
Private Indoor Pool
The listing mentions a 'zwemvijver' (swimming pond) outdoors. There is no mention of an indoor swimming pool.
Private Indoor Sauna
The bathroom amenities listed are bath, shower, and toilet. There is no mention of a sauna or steam room.
Ornamental Plasterwork
The design is modern with oak beams and smooth transitions. There is no mention of cornices, ceiling roses, or other ornamental plasterwork typical of classic styles.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing mentions oak beams ('eiken gebinten'), oak parquet floors, transparency, and a connection with nature, which are elements of Scandinavian design. However, the thatched roof and 'landgoed' (estate) setting strongly suggest a rural/country style rather than a purely Scandinavian aesthetic.
Modern
The property is described as a 'modern T-boerderij' delivered in 2019, designed by Lab 32 Architecten with 'transparency', 'glass corridor', 'Miele appliances', and a 'heat pump'. The design emphasizes contemporary lines and materials.
Industrial
There are no descriptions of industrial elements like exposed concrete finishes, metal pipework, or converted warehouse aesthetics. The style focuses on luxury and nature with wood and glass.
Mediterranean
The villa is located in the Achterhoek, Netherlands, features a thatched roof, and is surrounded by Dutch 'coulisselandschap' (landscape). There are no mentions of Mediterranean features like stucco, terracotta, or specific vegetation.
Classic
The house form is a classic 'T-boerderij' (T-farm) with a thatched roof. However, the interior and construction are contemporary/modern (2019). It is a modern interpretation of a classic form.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building was built in 2018 and is described as a 'modern T-boerderij' with a thatched roof, which is a modern interpretation of a traditional style, not a historic building.
Early 20th Century
The villa was built in 2018.
Post War Functional
The villa is a luxury modern design (2018), not a post-war functional building.
Modernist
The listing describes it as a 'modern T-boerderij' with high-end materials, transparency, and an ingenious design by Lab 32 Architects.
Newly Build
The villa was built in 2018 and delivered in 2019; the description states it 'looks still new'.
Kitchen
Dishwasher
The listing states the kitchen features 'only Miele appliances', which in a luxury setting almost certainly includes a dishwasher.
Oven
Mention of 'only Miele appliances' in a luxury kitchen implies the presence of a high-quality oven.
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a standard essential appliance, and 'only Miele appliances' confirms a high-end kitchen setup.
Freezer
In a luxury home with Miele appliances, a freezer (standalone or combined) is expected.
Kitchen Island
The text explicitly mentions 'het barretje aan het kookeiland' (the bar at the kitchen island).
Open Plan Kitchen
The description highlights transparency, sight lines, and the kitchen acting as a corridor connecting service and living areas.
Stove
A stove is a fundamental component of a kitchen equipped with Miele appliances.
Shared Kitchen
The property is listed as a detached villa/landhuis (single-family home), not an apartment building or co-living space.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is described as having high-end materials, Miele appliances, and was designed by Lab 32 Architecten.
New Kitchen
The house was built/delivered in 2018/2019, making the kitchen relatively new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing states 'Parkeergelegenheid: Op eigen terrein' (Parking on own ground) and mentions space for multiple cars.
Storage Room
The listing explicitly mentions 'Externe bergruimte: ca. 101 m²', a 'laundry', 'multifunctionele schuur', and 'opslagruimte'.
Garage
Features list specifies 'Soort garage Carport en vrijstaande houten garage'.
Attic
The listing includes 'Vliering' (loft/attic) under the features for the shed/outbuilding ('Schuur/berging').
Cellar
There is no mention of a cellar or basement in the listing.
Covered Parking
The property has a carport and a garage, which are forms of covered parking.
Underground Parking
The property is a villa on a large plot with private outdoor parking; no underground parking is mentioned.
Workshop
The description states there is enough space for a 'werkplaats' (workshop) in the multifunctional barn.
Shed
The listing explicitly mentions a 'multifunctionele schuur' and a 'Vrijstaande stenen berging'.
Street Parking Permit
The house is located in a rural area ('Aan rustige weg', 'buiten bebouwde kom') where parking permits are not typically required or mentioned.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
Parking is on private property ('Op eigen terrein') and included with the villa.
Parkspot Sale Price
Parking is on private property ('Op eigen terrein') and included with the villa.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing describes a two-story villa ('Eerste verdieping') and makes no mention of an elevator or lift.
Alarm System
An 'Alarminstallatie' (alarm system) is explicitly listed under the 'Voorzieningen' (amenities) section.
Private Entrance
The property is a detached villa ('vrijstaande woning') with a private driveway ('privé opgang').
Smoke Detectors
The house was built in 2018; smoke detectors are legally mandatory in all Dutch homes built since 2003.
Gated Community
The property is a standalone villa in a rural setting, not part of a residential community with a gate.
Wheelchair Accessible
The master suite and bathrooms are located on the first floor, and no elevator is present. The ground floor lacks a bathroom in the layout summary.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The presence of a dedicated 'laundry' room implies that connections for a washing machine are available.
Laundry Room
The description explicitly mentions access to 'een laundry' (a laundry room) on the ground floor.
High Speed Internet
The listing explicitly mentions a 'Glasvezelaansluiting' (fiber optic connection), which provides high-speed internet.
Fibre Internet
The 'Bijzonderheden' and features list explicitly state 'Glasvezelaansluiting' and 'glasvezelkabel'.
Ventilation System
The features list explicitly includes 'mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation).
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Explicitly listed in the amenities ('Voorzieningen') as 'zonnepanelen'.
Wall Insulation
The listing explicitly states 'volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated).
Floor Insulation
The listing explicitly states 'volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated) and mentions floor heating.
Roof Insulation
The listing explicitly states 'volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated).
Heat Pump
Explicitly mentioned as a 'luchtwater warmtepomp' (air-water heat pump) in the construction features.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property features an A+++ energy label, full insulation, and solar panels.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.