Unique property in a breathtaking location only 15 min from Amsterdam

Grand gestures on a historic estate in the water-rich backyard of Amsterdam.

Just a stone's throw away from Amsterdam lies this oasis of tranquility on the picturesque river 't Gein. In the midst of this breathtaking landscape, on a waterfront estate, stands this monumental farmhouse side by side with the characteristic family house 'Dank en Vertrouwen' (Gratitude and Trust). Here, future living is strongly connected to the charm of history.

A thatched-roof farmhouse with a camelback shape. Being a monument, the spacious upper room has remained a cozy living room, where you can forget about time while sitting on the cushions in the wide windowsill. You can enjoy a view of the pot of stew simmering on the Aga Cooker in the large kitchen or gaze outside at the winding river, the sheep in the meadow, or the pollard willows on the other side. It's no wonder that Mondrian, in his time, ran out of canvas for the windmills, cows, boats, and tree groups in the countryside of Amsterdam.

Grinding gravel path

A little further on, another still life. A gravel path leads to the former carriage house, where living is equally remarkable. An industrial look and feel compete with the enchanting play of light. Already outside, it's noticeable that the angel window under the ridge is a picture-perfect sight; inside, the sunlight is transformed into a soft blue glow on the floor of the living kitchen.

Behind the old hedge

We continue walking along the gravel path, past the beautifully restored wide side doors, behind which the entrance is located. There, hidden behind an old hedge, lies the stylish swimming pool. Here, the South of France lifestyle begins early in spring when the sun first appears. Over the beautiful steel structure, mature grapevines mingle with clematis, filtering the light onto the spacious outdoor table. The glass facade of the pool house is open, the wood in the sun-kissed fireplace burns and radiates warmth both inside and outside. This is the summer residence where you momentarily forget whether the Italian coast is around the corner or the canals of Amsterdam.

Where wealth begins

The wealth of this estate begins at the charming driveway by the river 't Gein and offers a view of the imposing cargo ships sailing to Germany on the Amsterdam-Rijn Canal from the perfectly placed bench at the very back of the property under the trees. However, the father of the current owner had no knowledge of this when he fell in love with this piece of reclaimed nature near Amsterdam.

Always on the bike

To find peace and distance himself from his busy entrepreneurial life, he enjoyed cycling to the Ronde Venen, the water-rich backyard of our capital. "He always rode his bike along 't Gein and came home with stories of how artists captured the nature or farms there." Then, almost half a century ago, he heard that the monumental farmhouse on Gein-Zuid was for sale. "The young farmer had taken over his parents' farm. He wanted to expand, but it couldn't be done at that location. So he sold the plot, with the farmhouse and the buildings on it."

Marriage in style

Her parents moved into the thatched-roof farmhouse. The current owner herself moved into the - as she calls it - carriage house. Years of renovation followed. Years in which the barn was transformed into this breathtaking home, which even interior design magazines like Residence and VT-wonen frequently discovered. "When we moved in, the old farmer's wife still lived in the back part. It was all patched together with a tarp here and a mat there." When the old woman left, the front house was already fully habitable. The full height was utilized, so the angel window now watches over both the living kitchen and the loft. "We actually built a house within a house and gradually turned it into our family home," she says.

Sheltered upbringing

She got married there, had her four sons who grew up in a sea of space. Safe and sheltered, with the pleasures of the "big city" within biking distance. "Messing around by the ditch, playing soccer in the sheep meadow, and as they got older, chilling with friends by the pool and jacuzzi." Going out in the capital, which you can naturally reach by bike, but also by boat. An hour's boat ride starts at the dock by the farmhouse. "And then you're in the heart of the city," says the current owner.

Parties and presentations

Barbecue parties with wine stored in the tall cellar beneath the spacious living room of the monumental farmhouse. Making pizzas for a summer evening around the former silo, which has transformed into a gazebo with a country-style kitchen. "Inviting friends home, and everyone can stay for dinner and sleep over." The immense outbuilding has also been fully utilized after being furnished with a picturesque steel and glass interior veranda and a large sandstone French fireplace.

Grand gestures and details

Who was the architect who gradually transformed the estate into this oasis of peace and pleasure? "We did it ourselves. We come from the fashion and home decoration industry, so we have a sense for it." Quite an understatement, because where these spacious homes call for both grand gestures and small details, even the tiniest corner has become a still life. "A table with a beautiful book, a vase with different flowers, a vintage cabinet next to the fireplace in the kitchen, or a found neon sign, we create stills everywhere."

Hidden sustainability

But even what the eye doesn't immediately see is present. A total of 160 solar panels on the roof of the pool house and the spacious outbuilding generate more electricity than the property consumes. And before the underfloor heating was installed, the cobblestones in the grand entrance of the family house were carefully removed, stone by stone, to be placed back when the foundation met all future requirements. "It's pleasantly cool here in the summer and wonderfully warm in the winter." And the heat pump? "Underground, of course. That's where the heat comes from. And you can't see or hear the pump."

Age-friendly design

But there are more "nifty" features that make life enjoyable. She points out the chute that leads from the bedrooms to the large laundry room below. "The laundry slides down, and children can't get through," she laughs. Two washing machines, two dryers, and the ironing board can stay put. Naturally, both homes are spacious enough so that sleeping and bathing can be done on the ground floor as well. You can easily walk through to the master bedroom with its well-equipped bathroom right next door. Age-friendliness takes on a new dimension here.

Taking a stroll

While her husband enjoys working with his vintage cars on one of the three "bridges" in the garage, which could easily be featured in an interior design magazine, she enjoys her running route along the river. An hour to the historic village of Abcoude and back. During winter or stormy, rainy days, she uses the indoor gym. "And then my husband can be found in the outbuilding, where his collection of self-built boats and miniature rockets is beautifully displayed."

Cooking studio, wellness?

She once dreamed of having her own cooking studio on the property, but that will no longer be the case. That may be reserved for the future residents of this heritage site. Who would she see living here? The possibilities are abundant. "Parents who would like to have their adult children nearby. Or a busy family who would enjoy having their parents live on the same plot and share in the care of the little ones." A bed and breakfast would easily fit as well. "Or people looking for space for group workshops. The possibilities are endless..." One thing is certain. Anyone who turns onto the gravel path from Gein-Zuid will instantly fall in love. With the authentic character, rural surroundings, and the spots waiting to be discovered that you will never get tired of.

Features:

• Farmhouses Gein & Veld and Dank & Vertrouwen;
• Possibility for dual occupancy with over 1300m2 of living space;
• Spacious, green, and unobstructed views;
• Poolhouse with swimming pool (infinity pool with jetstream) on a heat pump;
• Heat pump from three sources, 160 solar panels;
• Ample living space suitable for various end users;
• Gallery and/or studio space combined with ample play area and green space for children and animals;
• Delivery upon agreement;
• Very centrally located with respect to Abcoude, Weesp, and Amsterdam.

This information has been compiled by us with the necessary care. However, we do not accept any liability for any incompleteness, inaccuracy, or otherwise, or the consequences thereof. All specified dimensions and areas are indicative. The buyer has its own obligation to conduct research into all matters that are important to him or her. Regarding this property, the real estate agent is the advisor to the seller. We advise you to engage a professional (NVM) real estate agent who will assist you in the purchasing process. If you have specific wishes regarding the property, we recommend that you make them known to your purchasing agent in a timely manner and to conduct an independent investigation into them. If you do not engage a professional representative, you consider yourself sufficiently knowledgeable under the law to oversee all matters that are important.