Charming Ground Floor Apartment with Large Garden and Scenic Views in Haarlem

This charming ground floor apartment is located at Schoterweg 106-ZW in the desirable Generaalsbuurt neighborhood of Haarlem. Listed at €425,000 kosten koper (buyer's costs), this property offers a unique combination of historical character and modern convenience.

The property is a benedenwoning, or ground floor dwelling, originally constructed in 1906 during Haarlem's architectural heyday. With 66 square meters of living space and a volume of 245 cubic meters, this home makes excellent use of its footprint thanks to high ceilings that create a wonderful sense of space and light throughout.

One of the most distinctive features of this property is its exceptional view. The front of the apartment looks out over a verdant plantsoen and the impressive former Ripperdakazerne, a historic military barracks building. This view has been described as being like a painting that residents can enjoy every day.

The layout is practical and well designed. The main entrance opens into a hall that leads through to the central corridor. Off this corridor, you will find a modern bathroom equipped with a shower and washbasin, as well as a separate toilet room for added convenience.

The living room is generously proportioned and could potentially be divided into two separate rooms if desired. It features the high ceilings typical of properties from this era, beautiful stained glass windows that add character and charm, and a decorative fireplace surround that serves as an elegant focal point. A lovely bay window at the front of the property floods the space with natural light and provides the perfect spot from which to admire the views.

The kitchen comes equipped with various appliances, making it ready for immediate use. Adjacent to the kitchen, there is a utility room that provides practical space for laundry equipment, with connections already in place for both a washing machine and dryer.

The bedroom is described as spacious and was added as an extension to the original building. It features French doors that open directly onto the garden, creating a wonderful indoor outdoor flow that is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months.

Speaking of the garden, this is another significant feature of the property. The back garden extends approximately 14.5 meters deep, providing substantial outdoor space for relaxation, gardening, or outdoor dining. There is also a front garden adding to the property's curb appeal.

The property has an energy label of C, which is quite respectable for a building of this age. Energy efficiency improvements include double glazing and wall insulation. Heating and hot water are provided by a Remeha gas fired combination boiler installed in 2018, which is owned outright rather than leased.

The location is frequently described as ideal in the listing, and it is easy to see why. Situated in the Generaalsbuurt neighborhood, the property offers true walkability. A baker, greengrocer, and butcher are literally around the corner, making daily shopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The Haarlem train station is within walking distance, providing easy access to Amsterdam and other surrounding cities. The historic center of Haarlem, with its shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions, is also easily reachable on foot.

Haarlem itself has become increasingly popular among homebuyers, particularly those who work in Amsterdam but prefer a slightly more relaxed pace of life. The city offers its own rich cultural scene, excellent dining options, and beautiful historic architecture. The proximity to both the North Sea coast and the extensive recreational areas around the Spaarne river adds to the quality of life.

The architectural features of this 1906 property tell the story of Dutch residential design from the early twentieth century. The stained glass windows are a particularly noteworthy feature, representing a craftsmanship that adds both beauty and historical authenticity to the home. These windows work in harmony with the high ceilings to create interiors that feel gracious and well proportioned.

The bay window is another classic element of Dutch residential architecture from this period. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it serves a practical purpose by extending the interior space and creating a natural niche that can be used for seating, plants, or decorative displays. Most importantly, it captures light from multiple angles, enhancing the bright and airy feel that the listing emphasizes.

The fireplace mantelpiece represents the heart of traditional Dutch homes. While it may no longer function as a primary heating source given the property has modern central heating, it remains a decorative focal point that anchors the living room and provides a sense of warmth and tradition.

The fact that the bedroom was added as an attached extension suggests that previous owners recognized the value of expanding this property's living space. The inclusion of French doors opening to the garden shows thoughtful design, allowing the bedroom to feel connected to the outdoor space and benefit from additional natural light.

For buyers concerned about the practicalities of home maintenance, the 2018 boiler represents a relatively recent investment in the property's infrastructure. Boilers of this age typically have many years of reliable service ahead, providing peace of mind and efficient heating and hot water production.

In terms of parking, the area offers several options including paid parking, a parking garage, and the possibility of obtaining a parking permit.

The property is held as full ownership under kadastrale reference SCHOTEN B 15698.

Regarding the Homeowners Association, the listing notes that there is currently a declaration of intent to activate the association. This is an important consideration for buyers, as an active association helps ensure proper maintenance and management of shared building elements. The association checklist shows that while it is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, it does not currently hold annual meetings, collect periodic contributions, maintain a reserve fund, have a maintenance plan, or carry building insurance. These are all items that would need to be addressed once the association is formally activated.

On a positive note, a quick scan of the property's foundation has been conducted and shows a low risk of foundation problems, which is reassuring given the age of the building. Many older Dutch properties suffer from foundation issues due to the country's high water table and the wooden piles traditionally used in construction. A low risk assessment suggests that this property's foundation is in good condition.

The property is being offered with acceptance by mutual agreement, allowing flexibility in timing for the successful buyer. The asking price works out to approximately €6,439 per square meter of living space.

In summary, this property offers a rare combination of historical character, practical living space, generous outdoor areas, and an exceptionally convenient location in one of Haarlem's pleasant residential neighborhoods. The views alone make this property special, while the practical aspects of daily life have been thoughtfully considered in both the home's design and its location.