Key Features
Description
Located in the peaceful De Ziep neighborhood of Didam, Thorbeckestraat 3 offers a unique and architecturally designed bungalow that blends spacious living with distinctive character. Built in 1974, this residence spans an impressive 341 square meters of living space situated on a 631 square meter plot. The property is designed to provide privacy and comfort while maintaining a connection with the outdoors through its extensive use of glass and garden views. The home has been meticulously maintained and updated over the years, featuring new roofing in 2010, wall insulation, and approximately 95 percent insulating glazing. In 2024, the exterior hardwood frames and walls were professionally painted, ensuring the property remains in excellent condition. The energy performance is rated with a C label, reflecting these improvements.
Upon entering the home, visitors are welcomed into a hall featuring a luxurious marble floor sourced from Carrara in Tuscany. This entrance area is practical and includes a cloakroom, a toilet, and a meter cupboard. From the hall, the layout flows into an dining room. A notable feature of the dining area is the ceiling, which is decorated with a starry sky motif. The design creates open sightlines towards the living area, which is situated on a lower level, fostering a sense of connection between the different living spaces. Returning from the kitchen and dining area past the balcony, one finds a dedicated sleeping wing comprising three bedrooms and a separate bathroom equipped with a shower and toilet.
The living room possesses a distinct atmosphere characterized by custom craftsmanship and a designer hanging lamp by Ingo Maurer. From the seating area, residents can enjoy views of one of the property's two ponds, creating a seamless transition between the interior and the garden. The room is kept warm and inviting by a wood burning open hearth. Adjacent to the dining area is the kitchen, a space designed for cooking enthusiasts. It includes a gas fired AGA, a renowned English cooking concept known for its versatility in baking, roasting, and slow cooking. The handmade kitchen setup complements the architectural style of the house. This part of the home was renovated in 1996. The design inspiration for this renovation came from a French artist, resulting in a unique steel open fireplace where the fire is visible through a circular opening in the wall, resembling a cannonball impact.
The garden functions as an extension of the living space, featuring multiple terraces and seating areas that allow residents to enjoy the sun or shade at any time of day. The landscape includes several water features, including ponds suitable for koi carp, which contribute to the tranquil atmosphere. A notable architectural aspect of this property is its surprising lower ground floor. While the exterior presents the appearance of a standard bungalow, the house actually extends approximately three meters into the ground. This design creates a serene and cool environment during the summer months. This level hosts a second seating area with views of the main pond and water features. It also contains a unique room built in the shape of a stone igloo, currently used as a television room. This level also features a third open fireplace, emphasizing the home's focus on warmth and ambiance. The master bedroom is located on this lower floor and includes a private bathroom finished with Carrara marble and indirect lighting, complete with a bathtub and a separate shower cabin.
Practical aspects of the property have been well managed. The central heating boiler (ATAG) runs on gas and was renewed in June 2016. Maintenance was performed on the heating installation in 2024, and the meter cupboard is scheduled for a complete renewal and modernization in 2026. The utility room also houses connections for a washing machine and a separate dryer. The property includes a garage accessible via a driveway with space for one car. The garage features a maintenance pit for working on vehicles and a fixed workbench. Additionally, the side of the house includes a bicycle storage area also accessible via the driveway. The home offers a layout suitable for families, with the parents' domain located on the lower level and the children having their own section on the main floor with its own bathroom. Thorbeckestraat 3 presents a robust build from the 1970s combined with modern insulation, maintenance, and installations, distinguished by its unique architectural choices and high quality materials.