Villa De Dennenhoev: Characteristic 1920s Forest Villa with Modern Sustainability

Villa De Dennenhoev is a characteristic and sustainable family villa situated in the wooded surroundings of Ermelo. The property is located in the beloved Dichtersbuurt, a neighborhood known for its leafy streets and proximity to nature. The villa dates from 1921 and is recognized as part of a protected village scene, which adds to its historical significance and charm. The home combines original period details with contemporary comfort and energy efficiency.

The villa is set on a substantial plot of 2,892 square meters, offering a generous buffer of green space and privacy. The total living area measured according to NEN2580 standards is 221 square meters, while the total gross floor area is approximately 360 square meters. This additional space is found in areas such as the upper floors with sloped ceilings and the cellar, which do not fully count toward the official measurement but provide practical usable space. The property features five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a home office, and multiple living areas spread across three levels.

Upon entering through the characteristic front door, the hallway immediately sets the tone with its authentic staircase and a wood-burning stove. Floor heating is installed here, as it is throughout much of the ground floor. A guest toilet with a period-style window is also located in the hall. The living kitchen, renovated in 2011, serves as the heart of the home. It includes a cooking island that doubles as a breakfast bar, a six-burner Borretti stove, and built-in appliances from Siemens including a coffee machine, oven/microwave combination, dishwasher, and refrigerator. The kitchen provides ample storage and a warm, practical workspace for daily family life.

Sliding doors connect the kitchen to the living room, which features a wooden ceiling, wooden flooring, a fireplace, and custom lighting by Van den Bosch from Harderwijk. Two sets of double French doors open directly onto the garden, allowing natural light and fresh air to flow through the space. Also on the ground floor is a spacious home office overlooking the garden, a utility room with connections for a washing machine and dryer, a storage closet, and a wine cellar suitable for storing provisions.

The first floor is accessed via the original staircase and features solid wood flooring throughout. This level contains four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The two larger bedrooms include built-in wardrobes and stylish shutters, with views of the surrounding greenery. The master bedroom benefits from a custom walk-in closet designed and built by a professional interior builder, along with an en-suite bathroom equipped with floor heating, a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in rain shower, toilet, vanity unit, and designer radiator. The second bathroom on this floor also includes floor heating, a walk-in rain shower, toilet, vanity unit, and designer radiator. A fourth, smaller bedroom completes this level.

The second floor is reached by a space-saving designer staircase and offers a surprisingly practical attic room. This space can serve as an additional bedroom or workspace and includes a Velux skylight, clever built-in storage, and a fixed desk arrangement. The technical room on this level houses the central heating boiler and a 180-liter boiler, ensuring ample hot water for the household. The room is large enough to accommodate a double bed, making it a realistic option for a teenager or guest.

The villa has been extensively updated with sustainability in mind and now holds an energy label A. In 2024, all window frames were replaced and new HR++ double glazing was installed throughout. Floor insulation using ball insulation, wall insulation, and roof insulation have all been added to reduce heat loss and improve comfort. The thatched roof was renewed in 2022 using a screw-down system. Interior and exterior painting of the frames is scheduled for completion in April 2025. Fourteen solar panels contribute to the energy efficiency of the home, generating a significant portion of the electricity used on site.

The garden is a defining feature of the property, designed to feel like a natural extension of the surrounding forest. Rhododendrons, oak trees, and Scots pines create a wooded atmosphere around a central clearing. Multiple terraces and covered verandas provide a variety of seating areas for different times of day and seasons. The garden is fully fenced and well maintained, offering both privacy and a wonderful setting for outdoor gatherings.

Outbuildings include a wooden garage with double doors and a large storage loft, a carport accommodating two vehicles, a wood shed for fireplace fuel, and an additional shed for garden tools. In total, there is parking space for up to four cars on the premises.

The location is quiet yet conveniently close to amenities. Forest, heathland, and the center of Ermelo are all within walking distance. The nearby Randmeer lake and the historic center of Harderwijk are reachable by bicycle. Ermelo offers a good selection of restaurants, specialty shops, and hotels, and benefits from excellent train connections to the Randstad area, making it a practical base for commuters.

The current owners have lived in the home with great pleasure and have chosen to remain in Ermelo due to its central location, natural beauty, and strong community. The property is being offered as the family has outgrown the space, with the hope that another family will enjoy it as much as they have.