








Unique 1930s Character Home with Full Basement and Sunny South-Facing Garden
Key Features
Description
Located in the prestigious and highly sought after Gulden Bodem district of Arnhem, this characteristic residence at Van Heemstralaan 31 presents a unique opportunity for those seeking a spacious family home with potential. Situated on arguably the most beautiful and beloved avenue in the neighborhood, the property enjoys a prime position at the edge of the Gravinnenbos and Park Zypendaal. This location offers a rare and harmonious combination of the conveniences of city living and the tranquility of nature. Built in 1936, this semi detached home exudes the charm of the 1930s era while providing the structural foundation for a modern comfortable lifestyle.
The property is a two under one kap dwelling, which means it shares one wall with a neighbor but maintains a distinct and individual character. It features a generous total surface area of approximately 270 square meters, encompassing the main living quarters, a full basement, and a detached garage. The house sits on a substantial plot of 618 square meters, which includes a deep south facing garden of about 450 square meters. This outdoor space is not only sunny but also offers a high degree of privacy due to its depth and the surrounding greenery. The garden is accessible via a back entrance and features a detached stone garage, ideal for parking a vehicle or storing bicycles and garden equipment.
Upon entering the property, one is welcomed into a spacious hall that sets the tone for the rest of the house. The hall provides access to the toilet, the staircase to the upper floors, and the staircase leading down to the basement. The ground floor is home to an impressive L shaped living room. This space is remarkably royal and light, thanks to large window sections and a charming bay window that invites plenty of natural sunlight inside. The layout offers excellent flexibility to create distinct zones for a formal sitting area and a large dining table. At the rear of the ground floor lies a simple kitchen. While the current kitchen is functional, it offers a blank canvas for renovation, allowing new owners to design a modern culinary space that opens up to the garden, perfect for those who love to cook and entertain.
One of the most exceptional features of this home is the full basement. Spanning an impressive 84 square meters, the basement is divided into several full value rooms and boasts a comfortable standing height of approximately 2.5 meters. This is not a dark storage cellar but a genuine extra floor that can be utilized in countless ways. It is ideally suited for creating a home office, a gym, a hobby room, or extra guest bedrooms. For families, it serves as an excellent playroom for children. For professionals working from home, it provides a quiet and separate workspace away from the main living areas. The sheer size and versatility of this basement are a significant asset to the property.
The first floor of the house accommodates three well proportioned bedrooms. These rooms are all of a good size and feature fixed closets, providing ample storage space. One of the bedrooms on this floor has the added benefit of access to a balcony, offering a lovely spot to enjoy the morning air or an evening sunset. The bathroom on this floor is spacious but requires modernization. It currently offers opportunities to be updated to a contemporary standard with a walk in shower, double vanity, and modern fixtures, transforming it into a luxurious wellness space.
Moving up to the second floor, there is a landing that provides access to two additional bedrooms. These rooms feature a charming roof construction with dormer windows, adding character to the interior. Like the rest of the house, these bedrooms provide practical storage space within the eaves. This floor also presents excellent possibilities for reconfiguration and modernization. There is sufficient space to install a second bathroom, which would greatly enhance the functionality of the home for a large family. Furthermore, there is potential to realize a fixed staircase to the third floor, improving access to the uppermost level.
The third floor is currently an attic storage space, accessible via a loft ladder. This area is ideal for storing seasonal items, luggage, and other belongings, helping to keep the main living areas organized and clutter free. With the right renovation, this space could potentially be converted into additional living space, subject to the necessary planning permissions and structural considerations.
Throughout the property, authentic details from the 1930s are still present, adding to the character and charm of the home. However, it is important to note that the property is in need of modernization. This requirement is actually an advantage for buyers who wish to customize their home to their own specific taste and needs. It allows for the installation of modern insulation, updated heating systems, and a new interior layout while preserving the classic architectural elements such as the window frames and ceiling heights.
The technical specifications of the house include an energy label E. The property is partially equipped with insulating glazing and has cavity wall insulation. Heating and hot water are provided by a Nefit HR central heating combi boiler from 2003. While the boiler is functional, the installation is older, and an update to a more sustainable heating system could be part of the modernization process. The sale is subject to standard clauses including a non owner occupation clause and an age and asbestos clause, which is typical for buildings of this age.
The location of Van Heemstralaan offers an exceptional quality of life. The Gulden Bodem district is known for its spacious layout and green surroundings. The immediate vicinity offers a wide range of amenities, including excellent primary and secondary schools, local shops for daily groceries, and various sports facilities. Arnhem Central Station is easily reachable, as is the vibrant city center of Arnhem with its shops, restaurants, and cultural offerings. For nature lovers, the proximity to the Netherlands Open Air Museum, Burgers Zoo, and the Hoge Veluwe National Park is a major benefit. Additionally, the property is conveniently located near the on and off ramps of the A12 and A50 motorways, making it an excellent base for commuters.
In summary, Van Heemstralaan 31 is a unique and versatile property in a fantastic location. With its five bedrooms, large basement, sunny garden, and detached garage, it offers ample space for a family. The need for renovation is an invitation to create a personalized dream home that combines the best of 1930s architecture with modern comfort. The combination of the quiet, green surroundings and the proximity to the city makes this a rare opportunity in the Arnhem housing market. This residence awaits a new owner who can appreciate its potential and transform it into a wonderful place to live for years to come.

