Ground floor apartment with south-facing garden by the historic city wall in Zwolle

This ground floor apartment is situated in the historic center of Zwolle, specifically in the Binnenstad-Noord district on Waterstraat. The property is located directly adjacent to the old city wall, which adds a distinctive historical character to the setting. One of the notable features of this apartment is the private garden at the rear, which borders a communal garden arranged in the style of a hofje, a traditional Dutch courtyard garden. Waterstraat is regarded as one of the most attractive streets in the Zwolle city center, making this a sought-after location for those who appreciate historic urban living.

The apartment forms part of a complex consisting of twelve units, designed by the architect Aldo van Eyck. Van Eyck drew inspiration from the Dogon culture, which is reflected in the characteristic colors of the window frames throughout the complex. This architectural heritage gives the building a unique appearance that sets it apart from typical residential buildings. The property holds the status of a municipal monument and has been nominated for designation as a national monument (rijksmonument), underscoring its cultural and architectural significance.

Apartment number 16 occupies a central position within the row of twelve units. The row of apartments follows a slightly curved line, which has resulted in some of the units having irregular shapes. However, number 16 is entirely rectangular in its layout, which is considered advantageous for the interior arrangement and practical use of the available space. The apartment has neighbors above who occupy two floors with built-in balconies, but as a ground floor dwelling, this does not affect the living experience within the apartment itself.

The living room is located at the rear of the apartment and offers a view of both the private garden and the communal garden. The communal area features abundant greenery and tall mature trees that contribute to a pleasant and natural atmosphere. At the back of the living room, a large sunroom (serre) has been added, which allows significant natural light to enter the space and creates a sense of greater volume. This sunroom effectively extends the living area and provides a bright spot that can be enjoyed throughout the year. A back door in the sunroom provides direct access to the small private backyard.

The private garden faces south, which means it receives sunlight for a substantial part of the day, making it suitable for outdoor sitting and relaxation. Despite its location in the dense urban center, the garden has a park-like quality that visitors often find surprising when they see it from the street side. A narrow walking path winds through the garden, giving it a somewhat lush and overgrown character that has been compared to a jungle-like setting. The communal garden is occasionally included in city tours, and guides frequently remark on the unexpected beauty of this hidden green space.

The bedroom is situated at the front of the apartment and has a view of the historic city wall. This room is described as spacious and receives ample natural light. The windows have an unusual and playful shape, which adds character to the space. The front location means the bedroom benefits from a different perspective compared to the rear of the apartment, with the city wall providing a distinctive backdrop.

The kitchen is positioned within the same room as the living area but is separated by a partial wall, creating a degree of distinction between the cooking and living zones. From behind the kitchen counter, there is a view of the greenery in the garden outside. The kitchen is arranged in a straightforward and efficient manner and includes a gas stove and an electric oven. While the kitchen functions adequately, the listing indicates that it may benefit from updating for those who prefer a more modern aesthetic.

The bathroom facilities are contained in a single room that includes a shower, a toilet, a sink, and a connection point for a washing machine. The listing notes that this room dates from 1978 in terms of its tiling and layout and is in need of renovation. The current state of the bathroom is described as sober, suggesting a basic and functional but dated appearance.

The apartment is heated by two gas heaters, which are reported to provide pleasant warmth. Hot water is supplied by an electric boiler that is rented rather than owned. The entrance to the apartment is through a shared porch (portiek) leading to a small private hallway.

A separate stone storage shed is included with the apartment. This shed is described as being large enough to accommodate two bicycles along with a considerable amount of personal belongings, which is a practical feature for a city center property where indoor storage space is often limited.

In terms of condition, the listing is transparent about the work that will likely be required. The shower room needs renovation due to its dated tiles and layout from 1978. The kitchen may also need updating depending on the preferences of the new owner. Additionally, the entire apartment would benefit from a fresh coat of paint. These factors have been reflected in the pricing and present an opportunity for a buyer to customize the property according to their own taste and requirements.

For residents who own a car, there is the possibility to purchase or rent a parking space in a parking facility located under the houses on the opposite side of the street. The location is highly accessible by public transport, with Zwolle station reachable on foot within approximately fifteen minutes. By car, the highway can be reached within about five minutes, making this apartment suitable for those who commute or travel regularly.

The property is subject to a monthly VvE (homeowners association) contribution of 192 euros. The VvE is properly organized, with registration at the Chamber of Commerce, annual general meetings, a maintenance plan, a reserve fund, and building insurance all in place. These are positive indicators of responsible management of the shared aspects of the building.

The energy label is D, and the property benefits from double glazing, wall insulation, and secondary glazing (voorzetramen), which represent reasonable insulation measures for a building of this age and type. The total living area is 53 square meters, with an additional 2 square meters of built-in outdoor space (the sunroom) and 5 square meters of external storage. The volume of the apartment is 175 cubic meters.

The asking price is 299,000 euros, which is offered as a buyer's cost (kosten koper) transaction, meaning that transfer taxes and notary fees are payable by the buyer in addition to this amount. The price per square meter of living space is approximately 5,642 euros. The acceptance date is to be agreed upon, providing flexibility for the transition.

This apartment offers a combination of historical character, architectural interest, and a surprisingly green and private outdoor space within the heart of Zwolle. The location provides both the convenience of city center living with its amenities and cultural attractions, and the tranquility of a garden setting that one would not typically expect in such a central location.