Noord-Holland, Heemstede, Netherlands

Unique estate near the village centre of Heemstede!

A unique Norwegian mansion stands on the majestic Van Merlenlaan. Its name is "De Echo", but due to its unique appearance, it has come to be known as “the blue house on Van Merlenlaan”. This robust villa, built out of wood, was built in 1919 at the behest of Mr S. van Lennep. This unique villa stands on an estate of half a hectare, bordering meadowlands at the back and water at both the side and the back. From the south-facing terrace, adjacent to the living room, you look out over a beautifully landscaped garden with pond. The views of the meadowlands and the Groenendaalse woods behind the parcel are also lovely. No structures, just nature, ensuring optimal privacy and the feeling of “living in the great outdoors”. A covered, heated pavilion was realised in 2009, wholly in line with the style of the home.
The back part of the parcel is a woody garden with lovely trees: a place where owls nest and other birds can be spotted. The wonderful location, bordering a natural area on nearly half a hectare of land, but still within walking distance of the shopping street, offers the best of both worlds. At the front, the parcel is enclosed with an electric fence, then the driveway leads to a double carport, bicycle shed and a double, heated garage, one side of which has been converted into a studio.
Three sheds are located at the back of the house, one of which used to be used as horse stables. An exceptionally well-maintained house with a perfect location: in a lovely, wooded area, within cycling distance of primary and other schools, sports facilities, shops and the Heemstede-Aerdenhout train station. The beach and the dunes are also within cycling distance, and access roads to Amsterdam, Schiphol and The Hague are easily reached.

Year built: approx. 1919. Floor area: 392m². Volume: 1484m³. Parcel: 4658m².

Ground floor
Entrance, vestibule with coat closet and access to a side room, large, welcoming hall with toilet, living room divided into sitting area and dining room, with wooden floors, open fireplace and sliding doors to the south-facing terrace. From the hall, access to an extra room, now used as a TV room, with an open (gas)fireplace. Modern dining kitchen with various built-in appliances, under-floor heating, side door leading outside and access to the souterrain, which is divided into multiple rooms: wine cellar/pantry, fitness room (heated). Utility room at the front with connections for a washing machine and a door to the front.

1st floor
Very spacious landing, a total of four bedrooms, of which the 4th bedroom is housed in the “master wing”. This wing stands at the back of the house and has a walk-in closet and private bathroom with walk-in shower, double sink and toilet. This room has access to a cosy balcony. A second, very spacious bathroom, accessible from the landing, has a bath, shower, toilet and double sink.

2nd floor
Landing with toilet and cabinet with central heating connections and storage space. Two bedrooms with dormer windows.

• Unique house in a unique location
• Outside painting: 2023!
• Energy label C
• 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Wooden floors on all levels
• Insulation: HR ++ glass throughout, wall insulation and roof insulation
• Under-floor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Fully automatic watering system
• Garden lighting in the front and back gardens
• High-quality alarm installation/burglary-proof window frames/doors
• Plenty of parking space on the premises: at least 4 cars
• A short distance from access roads, nature, schools and shops