Architect-Designed Townhouse with River Views in Utrecht's Zijdebalen
Key Features
Upsides
- Prime location along the Vecht river in the desirable Zijdebalen neighborhood, within walking distance of Utrecht's historic city center while maintaining a peaceful, car-free residential atmosphere.
- Two private parking spaces in an enclosed garage with direct access from the home, a rare and valuable feature in this central location.
- Architect-designed property by StrandNL with high-quality finishes, custom interiors, generous ceiling heights, and an impressive double-height void creating abundant natural light and spatial feeling.
- Energy label A with comprehensive insulation, district heating, and full underfloor heating throughout the property, ensuring low energy costs and comfortable living.
- Versatile layout across five levels including a multifunctional basement space suitable for a home office, practice room, or additional bedroom, plus a top-floor private suite with hotel-like amenities.
Downsides
- The property spans five separate levels, which may be impractical for elderly residents, those with mobility concerns, or families with young children who need to navigate stairs frequently.
- Monthly service costs of nearly 139 euros combine parking and garden maintenance fees, adding to the ongoing cost of ownership beyond the mortgage.
- At 7,389 euros per square meter, the price per square meter is relatively high even for this premium location, reflecting the premium paid for the architectural design and waterfront position.
- The garden dimensions listed in the features section show only 1 square meter, which appears to be a data entry error but creates uncertainty about the actual outdoor space despite the description mentioning a surprisingly spacious city garden.
- Being part of a Homeowners Association means adherence to shared rules and regulations, and potential special assessments for future maintenance projects on the building or shared areas.
Description
This architecturally designed townhouse is situated along the Vecht river in the sought-after Zijdebalen neighborhood of Utrecht. The property was partially designed by the Utrecht-based architecture firm StrandNL and is characterized by a thoughtful layout, high-quality materials, generous ceiling heights, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The location offers a rare combination in Utrecht: living directly on the water with the vibrancy of the city within easy reach, while simultaneously enjoying the tranquility of a car-free residential environment. The historic city center is within walking distance, and residents can stroll along the Vecht towards the Bemuurde Weerd, the Weerdsluis, and the heart of Utrecht.
The basement level is accessible directly from the enclosed parking garage, which contains two private parking spaces situated right behind the house. This arrangement ensures comfortable and dry arrivals regardless of weather conditions. The basement also houses a spacious multifunctional room currently used as a home office. Thanks to the natural daylight and pleasant dimensions, this space would also be highly suitable as a home practice room, artist studio, fitness area, or additional bedroom. Several practical storage areas are also located on this level.
The ground floor entrance on the Vecht side leads to the elevated living level. The luxury kitchen forms the heart of the home and offers ample space for cooking, dining, and entertaining. The sleek custom kitchen is equipped with high-quality built-in appliances and a generous kitchen island. At the rear is the dining room, spectacularly designed beneath an impressive double-height void that provides an abundance of light and a remarkable sense of spaciousness. The large windows extend to the ceiling and reinforce the connection with the garden. Through the folding doors, one steps directly onto the sunny terrace and the attractively landscaped city garden. This surprisingly spacious outdoor area offers plenty of privacy and serves as an enjoyable spot for long summer evenings, a relaxed morning coffee in the sun, or a dinner with friends. A practical storage shed is located at the back of the garden.
The first floor features an atmospheric living room where tranquility, light, and comfort take center stage. The beautiful oak herringbone floor, custom-built interiors, and fine sightlines give this level a warm and luxurious appearance. From the living room, there are partial views over the void, maintaining the special character of the property throughout. Thanks to the large windows on both sides, this living level benefits from pleasant daylight throughout the entire day.
The second floor contains two spacious bedrooms, both of excellent size. The rooms are quietly located and offer ample possibilities for sleeping, working, or studying. Centrally positioned on this floor is the stylish bathroom, featuring a bathtub, walk-in shower, and vanity unit. Additionally, this floor has a separate toilet and a practical internal storage room currently serving as a laundry area.
The top floor functions as a luxurious private suite. At the front is a generous bedroom with custom-built wardrobes. The open connection to the bathroom creates an exclusive, hotel-like atmosphere. The luxury bathroom is finished with a freestanding bathtub, a spacious walk-in shower, a vanity unit, toilet, and bidet. Large windows provide pleasant daylight on this level as well. At the rear is a second spacious room currently used as a dressing room, but naturally also highly suitable as an additional bedroom, home office, or studio.
Zijdebalen is one of the most beloved residential locations in Utrecht. The architecture of this property seamlessly connects with the historic character of the surroundings, while the living comfort is entirely contemporary. Restaurants, terraces, specialty shops, sports facilities, and daily amenities are all within close proximity. Utrecht Central Station, various highways, and public transportation are also easily accessible. The view over the water, the peacefulness of the residential environment, and the proximity to the city center make this location exceptionally attractive.
The property is part of a Homeowners Association. Service costs are payable for garden maintenance and garage maintenance, among other things. The service costs for the parking spaces amount to 91.82 euros per month for both spaces, and the service costs for the inner garden amount to 47.02 euros per month.
The townhouse was built in 2017 and features a flat roof covered with bituminous roofing material. The property has an energy label A, with roof insulation, double glazing, wall insulation, floor insulation, and full insulation throughout. Heating is provided by district heating and full underfloor heating, while hot water comes from a flow-through boiler and district heating. The property includes fiber optic cable, mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, and TV cable connections. A French balcony is present on the facade.
The purchase agreement will be concluded on the basis of an NVM purchase agreement, which may include additional clauses where applicable, such as an age clause, financing reservation, and notary costs. The text of the NVM purchase agreement and any additional clauses are available upon request. Delivery is by mutual agreement.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions two walk-in showers (inloopdouches) on the second and third floors.
Bathtub
The listing explicitly mentions two bathtubs (ligbaden) in the bathrooms on the second and third floors.
Ensuite Bathroom
The third-floor description mentions a bedroom with an open connection to the bathroom, indicating an en-suite layout.
Guest Toilet
The property has two separate toilets, meaning there is at least one available for guests.
Bidet
The listing explicitly includes a bidet in the list of bathroom features.
Shared Shower
This is a single-family townhouse, so there are no shared showers with other households.
Shared Toilet
This is a single-family townhouse, so there are no shared toilets with other households.
His And Hers Sinks
The features list explicitly includes a double sink (dubbele wastafel).
Bathroom Heated Floor
The listing specifies that the entire property has underfloor heating (gehele vloerverwarming), which includes the bathrooms.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The features list explicitly states 'Frans balkon aanwezig' (French balcony present).
Rear Garden
The description mentions a 'stadstuin' (city garden) at the rear, and the features list specifies an 'Achtertuin'.
Front Garden
There is no mention of a front garden in the description or features; the front is at the water side.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned in the listing.
Terrace
The description explicitly mentions walking out onto a 'zonnige terras' (sunny terrace).
Rooftop Terrace
No rooftop terrace is mentioned; the roof is described as a flat roof with bituminous covering.
Barbecue Area
While the garden is suitable for dining, no specific barbecue area is mentioned.
Patio
A terrace is mentioned, but the term patio is not used.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the description.
Guest House
There is no mention of a separate guest house.
Waterfront
The listing repeatedly states the property is located on the water ('aan de Vecht', 'aan vaarwater', 'uitzicht over het water').
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden is mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are present in this urban location.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities are present.
Private Outdoor Pool
No outdoor pool is mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No outdoor jacuzzi is mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court is mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
Utrecht is completely flat and has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
Located near the historic inner city of Utrecht, but the primary view emphasized is the water.
Remarkable Garden View
Large windows provide views of the city garden, but it is not described as a 'remarkable' panoramic garden view.
Remarkable Sea View
Utrecht is inland and has no sea view.
Remarkable Harbour View
The property overlooks the river Vecht, not a harbour.
Remarkable Landmark View
Nearby landmarks like the Weerdsluis are mentioned as walkable, but not specifically as views from the house.
Interior Comfort
Central Heating
Explicitly stated: 'Stadsverwarming' (district/city heating) is listed as the heating system.
Fireplace
No fireplace mentioned in this detailed listing which covers all levels of the property.
Hardwood Floors
Explicitly stated: 'De prachtige eikenhouten vloer in Hongaarse punt' (beautiful oak floor in Hungarian point pattern) on the first floor.
Laminate Flooring
Hardwood floors are specifically mentioned; no laminate flooring is referenced.
Carpeted Floors
Hardwood floors mentioned; no carpeting referenced in the description.
Underfloor Heating
Explicitly stated: 'gehele vloerverwarming' (full underfloor heating) throughout the property.
Walk In Closet
A 'kleedkamer' (dressing room) is mentioned on the third floor, functioning as a walk-in closet, plus 'maatwerk kasten' (custom cabinets).
Home Office
Explicitly stated: 'multifunctionele ruimte die momenteel in gebruik is als werkkamer' (multifunctional space currently used as home office) in the basement.
Exposed Beams
Not mentioned. The design is described as modern with 'strakke' (clean/sleek) lines, not featuring exposed beams.
Bay Window
No bay window mentioned. Large window panels are described but not bay windows specifically.
Private Indoor Pool
No indoor pool mentioned or implied in this listing.
Private Indoor Sauna
No sauna mentioned or implied in this listing.
Built-In Wardrobes
Explicitly stated: 'maatwerk kasten' (custom-built cabinets) on the third floor and 'maatwerkinterieurs' (custom interiors) throughout.
French Doors
Explicitly stated: 'openslaande deuren' (Dutch term for French/folding doors) leading to the terrace and garden from the ground floor.
Ornamental Plasterwork
Not mentioned. The design is described as modern and 'strak' (clean-lined), not featuring ornamental plasterwork.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing mentions natural light, oak floors, and a focus on comfort, but the overall style is described as architecturally modern rather than specifically Scandinavian.
Modern
Built in 2017, architect-designed by StrandNL, custom kitchen, high-end materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, and contemporary finishes throughout.
Industrial
No mention of exposed brick, metal elements, raw concrete, or other industrial design features. The style is refined and contemporary.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean elements mentioned such as terracotta, warm colors, arched windows, or Mediterranean-style outdoor spaces.
Classic
Described as a 'herenhuis' (townhouse) in a historic area, but it's a 2017 modern build that fits the historic character rather than being classically styled.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Although it fits the historical character of the area, the building itself is a modern architectural design from 2017.
Early 20th Century
The building was constructed in 2017.
Post War Functional
The building was constructed in 2017, long after the post-war functional period.
Modernist
Designed by an architecture firm (StrandNL), featuring a flat roof, high-quality modern materials, custom modern interiors, and an open spatial layout.
Newly Build
Built in 2017, it is relatively new but not brand new construction.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
The listing explicitly states 'een royaal kookeiland' (a spacious kitchen island).
Open Plan Kitchen
Described as a 'leefkeuken' (living kitchen) forming the heart of the house, with a dining area and large windows connecting to the garden, suggesting an open layout.
Pantry
No mention of a pantry in the description or features.
Build In Coffee Maker
Not mentioned among the high-quality built-in appliances.
Boiling Water Tap
Not mentioned in the kitchen description.
Downdraft Extractor
Not mentioned in the kitchen description.
Shared Kitchen
The property is a private townhouse ('eigen woning'), not an apartment with shared facilities.
Design Kitchen
Described as a 'strakke maatwerkkeuken' ( sleek custom kitchen) designed by an architectural firm with high-quality built-in appliances.
New Kitchen
The house was built in 2017. While the kitchen is custom and high-end, it is not brand new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing explicitly states 'twee privéparkeerplaatsen' (two private parking spaces).
Storage Room
The description mentions 'diverse praktische bergruimten' in the basement, a 'praktische berging' on the ground floor, and a 'praktische inpandige berging' on the second floor.
Garage
The text mentions an 'afgesloten parkeergarage' (closed parking garage) and the features list 'Soort garage: Inpandig, parkeerkelder en souterrain'.
Attic
The top floor (derde verdieping) is described as a 'luxe privésuite' with bedrooms and a bathroom. There is no mention of an attic.
Cellar
The lowest level is explicitly called a 'souterrain' (basement/cellar) and the features list it as a 'parkeerkelder'.
Covered Parking
The parking spaces are located inside a 'parkeergarage' and 'souterrain', which are covered structures.
Underground Parking
The parking is located in a 'parkeerkelder' (parking cellar) and 'souterrain' (basement), indicating it is underground or below ground level.
Shed
The features section lists 'Vrijstaande houten berging' (freestanding wooden shed) and the description mentions a 'praktische berging' in the garden.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
The €91.82 per month mentioned is a VvE service cost for maintenance, not a rental price for the parking spots, which are privately owned.
Parkspot Sale Price
The parking spots are included in the total asking price of €1,500,000 and no separate sale price for the parking spots is listed.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly states that the property is part of a Vereniging van Eigenaren (VvE / Owners Association).
Leasehold
The cadastral data explicitly states 'Volle eigendom', meaning it is freehold and not leasehold.
Oa Fees
The listing details specific monthly service costs: €91.82 for parking and €47.02 for the inner garden.
Other Rules
The seller explicitly reserves the right of allocation ('recht van gunning').
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing describes 5 living levels with stairs mentioned ('De trap leidt naar een sfeervolle woonkamer') and no elevator is mentioned in a 2017 property where such a feature would be highlighted.
Private Entrance
The listing mentions 'De entree aan de Vechtzijde' (entrance on the Vecht side) and describes it as a townhouse with its own entrance and direct access to private parking from the souterrain.
Gated Community
The property is part of a VvE (Homeowners Association) with shared parking garage and garden, but the area is described as 'autoluwe woonomgeving' (car-free living environment) rather than a gated community with controlled access.
Wheelchair Accessible
The property has 5 levels connected by stairs with no elevator, multiple floor levels, and no mention of accessibility features such as ramps, accessible bathrooms, or widened doorways.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The presence of a dedicated 'wasruimte' implies the necessary plumbing and connections for a washing machine are available.
Laundry Room
The listing explicitly mentions a 'praktische inpandige berging die momenteel dienstdoet als wasruimte' (practical built-in storage currently serving as a laundry room) on the second floor.
High Speed Internet
The property is equipped with a fiber optic connection, which inherently provides high-speed internet capabilities.
Fibre Internet
The features list explicitly includes 'glasvezelkabel' (fiber optic cable).
Ventilation System
The features list explicitly states 'mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation).
Cable Tv
The features list explicitly includes 'TV kabel' (TV cable).
Energy Efficiency
Double Glazing
Explicitly listed under the 'Isolatie' (Insulation) section as 'dubbel glas'.
Wall Insulation
Explicitly listed under the 'Isolatie' (Insulation) section as 'muurisolatie'.
Floor Insulation
Explicitly listed under the 'Isolatie' (Insulation) section as 'vloerisolatie'.
Roof Insulation
Explicitly listed under the 'Isolatie' (Insulation) section as 'dakisolatie'.
Heat Pump
The listing specifies that the property is heated by 'stadsverwarming' (district heating) and underfloor heating. There is no mention of a heat pump.
Home Battery
Not mentioned in the listing. Given that no solar panels are listed, the presence of a home battery is highly unlikely.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property has an Energy Label A, is described as 'volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated), utilizes 'stadsverwarming' (district heating) which is a highly efficient system, features 'mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation), and is equipped with 'gehele vloerverwarming' (entire underfloor heating) which operates efficiently at lower temperatures typical of district heating.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.