Charming Detached Family Home Surrounded by Forests on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug
Key Features
Upsides
- Exceptional plot size of 695 m² with a spacious 359 m² back garden, offering extensive outdoor possibilities and privacy without direct neighbors behind
- Desirable location on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, surrounded by forests and nature, with excellent walking, cycling, and mountain biking routes directly accessible
- Good connectivity despite the rural setting: highways A28 and A12 within 5 minutes, bus connections to Zeist and Driebergen, and NS train station reachable by bicycle
- Multiple expansion and adaptation possibilities due to the generous plot and layout, including potential for a ground-floor bedroom or other life-proofing modifications
- Ample parking on private property in an area where street parking is not a concern
Downsides
- Energy label G indicates very poor energy efficiency, meaning the property will require significant investment in insulation, heating, and sustainability upgrades to bring running costs down
- The property requires complete modernization throughout, which represents substantial additional costs and effort beyond the purchase price
- Relatively small living area of 105 m² for the asking price, with only 3 bedrooms, which may feel cramped for larger families
- Small village with limited amenities: only approximately 2,400 inhabitants with basic local services, requiring travel to larger towns for specialized shopping or services
- The blended architectural style from 1930 and the 1970s renovation may require careful renovation planning to address structural considerations and ensure cohesive modernization
Description
Located at Schooldwarsweg 31 in the picturesque village of Austerlitz, this detached single-family home offers a rare opportunity to live in the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug region. Set on a generous plot of 695 square meters, the property is completely surrounded by forests managed by Utrechts Landschap, providing residents with stunning views and direct sightlines to the grazing sheep of the Heidesteijn estate.
Austerlitz is a small but well-equipped village with approximately 2,400 inhabitants. From this property, you can easily walk to the village square where you will find a local supermarket for daily groceries, as well as a community center and various sports associations for recreational activities. Despite its peaceful, rural character, the village offers good connectivity to larger towns. Bus services provide direct connections to Zeist and Driebergen, while the A28 and A12 highways are accessible within a five-minute drive, making this location suitable for commuters. The NS train station Driebergen-Zeist is also conveniently reachable by bicycle.
The property itself was constructed around 1930, with an interesting architectural history. In the 1970s, a new house was effectively built over the original structure, resulting in a property that blends design elements from both periods. This unique construction offers potential buyers an exciting opportunity to modernize and personalize the home according to their own tastes and requirements. The current layout includes a spacious entrance hall with a toilet and direct access to the sunny garden. The dining room features a characteristic spindle staircase leading to the upper floor, while the kitchen offers a generous layout with a door connecting to the living room. The living room benefits from a distinctive bay window that floods the space with natural light.
On the first floor, you will find three bedrooms, a practical internal bathroom, and access to a storage loft via a loft ladder. The bathroom is equipped with a shower, bathtub, toilet, and sink, providing all essential facilities for a family household.
The plot is one of the standout features of this property. The back garden measures approximately 359 square meters with dimensions of 33.11 meters in depth and 10.83 meters in width. This expansive outdoor space offers enormous potential, whether you envision a vegetable garden for seasonal produce, a safe play area for children, or simply a tranquil space to enjoy the wide-open views without neighboring houses directly behind you. The property borders numerous walking and cycling routes, and cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the excellent mountain bike trails on the Heuvelrug, considered among the finest in the Netherlands.
Given the generous plot size and the layout of the property, it is relatively straightforward to make the home life-proof for various life stages. Possible modifications include ground-floor bedroom extensions or other expansions to accommodate different needs. Parking is not a concern in Austerlitz, as you can effortlessly park multiple vehicles on your own property without dealing with permits or searching for street parking.
The property does require modernization and energy efficiency improvements. The current energy label is G, indicating significant potential for energy-saving upgrades. This represents both a consideration for buyers and an opportunity to create a more sustainable and cost-efficient home in the future.
Additional amenities include a detached wooden storage shed with electricity, a balcony, and the benefit of full ownership. The property is offered with an acceptance date to be determined in consultation with the seller.
This home presents a unique proposition for families seeking rural charm and natural beauty while remaining within easy reach of urban amenities and transportation links. The combination of the spacious plot, the blend of architectural periods, and the exceptional natural setting makes this a distinctive offering in the competitive Dutch real estate market.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly states 'Badkamervoorzieningen: Douche' (bathroom features: shower).
Bathtub
The listing explicitly states 'Badkamervoorzieningen: ligbad' (bathroom features: bathtub).
Ensuite Bathroom
Only one bathroom is mentioned for three bedrooms. No indication of any ensuite bathroom in the listing.
Guest Toilet
The listing mentions '1 apart toilet' (1 separate toilet), which is typical for a guest toilet separate from the main bathroom.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
Features section explicitly states 'Balkon aanwezig' (balcony present) and 'Balkon/dakterras'
Rear Garden
Features section explicitly mentions 'Achtertuin' with dimensions 359 m² (33.11m deep, 10.83m wide)
Front Garden
Features section explicitly mentions 'voortuin' (front garden)
Side Garden
Features section explicitly mentions 'zijtuin' (side garden)
Rooftop Terrace
Not mentioned anywhere in listing
Veranda
Not mentioned in listing
Guest House
Not mentioned in listing
Waterfront
Property is inland on Utrechtse Heuvelrug, no waterfront
Equestrian Facilities
Not mentioned in listing
Small Livestock Facilities
Description mentions sheep grazing on neighboring landgoed Heidesteijn, but not on the property itself
Private Outdoor Pool
Not mentioned in listing
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
Not mentioned in listing
Private Tennis Court
Not mentioned in listing
Remarkable Mountain View
Property is located on Utrechtse Heuvelrug (hilly ridge), description mentions 'schitterende vergezichten' (magnificent views) and is surrounded by forests
Remarkable City View
Rural location on Heuvelrug, no city views mentioned or expected
Remarkable Garden View
Description emphasizes 'prachtige natuur' and garden backs onto forest, with 'weidse uitzicht' (wide views)
Remarkable Sea View
Inland location in Austerlitz, no sea views possible
Remarkable Harbour View
Inland rural location, no harbor
Remarkable Landmark View
No specific landmarks mentioned in description
Interior Comfort
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the description of the property layout or features.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is typically not present in older traditional homes unless installed recently. Not mentioned in the listing.
Underfloor Heating
With an energy label G and the need for modernization mentioned, underfloor heating is very unlikely to be present. This is typically a modern upgrade that would be mentioned if present.
Walk In Closet
Only 3 bedrooms are mentioned without any walk-in closet details. The house is relatively small (105m²) and focused on character rather than luxury features.
Skylight
No skylights are mentioned in the listing. The property has 2 floors plus a storage attic accessed by folding ladder (vlizotrap).
Bay Window
The listing explicitly mentions 'een karakteristieke erker het licht royaal binnenlaat' in the living room, describing a characteristic bay window that brings in abundant light.
Private Indoor Pool
No mention of any pool. The listing focuses on the garden and outdoor living space, not indoor amenities.
Private Indoor Sauna
No mention of a sauna. The bathroom has shower, bathtub, toilet, and sink but no sauna mentioned.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The property is an older home (circa 1920 with 1970s addition) that requires modernization. No Nordic design elements are mentioned. Style elements described are from both the original 1920s and 1970s periods.
Modern
The description explicitly states the house needs modernization and greening (verduurzaming). The house dates from circa 1920 with a 1970s addition layered over it. The listing describes it as a project opportunity, not a modern home.
Industrial
No industrial design elements are mentioned. The property is described as charming, authentic, and rustic with a garden setting.
Mediterranean
This is a Dutch property in Austerlitz with traditional Dutch architecture. Mediterranean style is not indicated by any elements in the description.
Classic
The property is from circa 1920 with 1970s additions, described as having 'karakter' (character) and authentic style elements from both periods. Features like the characteristic bay window (karakteristieke erker) and spindle staircase are classic architectural elements. Listed as existing construction (bestaande bouw).
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
House from circa 1920 with blend of original and 1970s architectural elements, described as having 'karakter' and 'authentiek'
Early 20th Century
Bouwaar (construction year) listed as 1930, description mentions circa 1920 original construction
Post War Functional
Original building predates WWII, but 1970s addition introduced modern elements
Modernist
Building described as needing modernization, but overall style is traditional with character elements
Newly Build
Description explicitly states 'de woning vraagt om modernisering' (the house requires modernization) and is from 1920/1930
Kitchen
Open Plan Kitchen
The description mentions 'een deur naar de woonkamer' (a door to the living room), which indicates the kitchen is not open plan as there is a separating door.
Shared Kitchen
This is a single-family home (eengezinswoning, vrijstaande woning) with private kitchen.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is described simply as having 'een royale opstelling' (a generous layout). The house dates from circa 1930 and needs modernization - no indication of a designer kitchen.
New Kitchen
Description explicitly states 'de woning vraagt om modernisering en verduurzaming' (the house requires modernization and sustainability improvements), clearly indicating the kitchen is not new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
Multiple cars can park on own property as explicitly stated in description and features
Storage Room
28 m² external storage space mentioned as 'Vrijstaande houten berging' (freestanding wooden storage)
Garage
No garage mentioned anywhere in the listing
Automatic Garage Door
No garage present, therefore no automatic garage door
Double Garage
No garage mentioned in listing
Attic
Attic (vliering) accessible via folding ladder (vlizotrap) mentioned in layout description
Cellar
No basement or cellar mentioned in description or features
Covered Parking
Only outdoor parking on own terrain mentioned, no covered parking described
Underground Parking
No underground parking mentioned anywhere in listing
Ev Charging
No EV charging mentioned in features or description
Workshop
No workshop mentioned in listing
Shed
'Vrijstaande houten berging' (freestanding wooden shed) explicitly mentioned in features
Rules
Owners Association
This is a vrijstaande woning (detached single-family house) with full ownership (volle eigendom) on a private plot of 695m². No mention of any owners association or VvE.
Leasehold
Cadastral data shows ZEIST D 1872 with 'Volle eigendom' (full ownership) explicitly stated. The plot is privately owned.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
This is a 2-story house with a vliering (attic via folding ladder). No elevator is mentioned or implied in the listing.
Intercom
No mention of an intercom system in the property description.
Alarm System
No alarm system is mentioned in the listing description.
Security Cameras
No security cameras are mentioned in the property description.
Automatic Gate
No automatic gate is mentioned. The listing describes parking on own terrain but not an automated entry system.
Video Door Phone
No video door phone is mentioned in the property description.
Security Door Window Hardware
The listing describes a house from circa 1920 that needs modernization ('vraagt de woning om modernisering'), suggesting no advanced security hardware is currently installed.
Gated Community
Austerlitz is described as a small village of about 2400 inhabitants with standard public access. There is no mention of a gated or secured community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The listing mentions the potential to make the house 'levensloopbestendig' (life-proof) with possibilities for a downstairs bedroom or extensions. However, the current layout has bedrooms upstairs and requires modernization, suggesting it is not currently wheelchair accessible but could be adapted.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
The listing describes a bathroom with shower, bathtub, toilet and sink, but does not mention a washing machine or laundry facilities anywhere in the description or listed features.
Washing Machine Connections
No mention of washing machine connections or utility provisions in the listing.
Laundry Room
No dedicated laundry room is mentioned in the property description or layout details. The listing only describes a bathroom and standard living spaces.
Dryer
No dryer or tumble dryer facilities are mentioned in the listing.
Smart Home
The listing describes an authentic 1920s/1930s house with renovation potential. No smart home features or automation systems are mentioned.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Energy label G indicates very poor energy efficiency. The listing explicitly states the property needs 'modernisering en verduurzaming' (modernization and sustainability improvements), suggesting no solar panels are currently installed.
Triple Glazing
Not mentioned in the listing. Given the property age and need for modernization, triple glazing is highly unlikely.
Wall Insulation
No mention of wall insulation. The poor energy label G and explicit statement that the house needs 'verduurzaming' (sustainability improvements) strongly suggests inadequate wall insulation.
Floor Insulation
Not mentioned in the listing. The property's poor energy rating and age (1920/1930) indicate floor insulation is likely absent or insufficient.
Heat Pump
The listing explicitly mentions the house needs 'verduurzaming' (sustainability improvements) and describes it as a property requiring modernization. No heat pump is mentioned, and the G energy label is inconsistent with a heat pump installation.
Home Battery
Not mentioned in the listing. Given the lack of any sustainable energy systems mentioned and the need for modernization, a home battery is extremely unlikely.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The listing explicitly states the property requires 'modernisering en verduurzaming' (modernization and sustainability improvements). The G energy label confirms no significant energy efficiency measures are in place. No mentions of EV charging, smart home systems, or other modern efficiency features.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.