Set in an ancient landscape, rich in nature and (pre-)history

Set in an ancient landscape, rich in nature and (pre-)history

Authentic farmhouse, combining exceptional beauty with modern living comforts

The village of Anloo, not far from Assen and Groningen, cherishes its status as a ‘village conservation area’. At the same time, Anloo is the most sustainable village in Drenthe. The current residents at Kerkbrink 12 made it their mission to do their bit to contribute to that. In 2006-2007, they refurbished the dilapidated farmhouse dating from 1768 in a way that shows deep respect for its history and authentic features. But they also added all the modern comforts you would expect. This farmhouse features excellent insulation and is fitted with a geothermal heating system. A property with a traditional and authentic appearance that also has energy label A(!): this is something that rarely appears on the market. Even within the building, there is a perfect combination of historic and modern elements. The impressive oak beams, the high loft-style ceiling area with roundwood roof beams and modern state-of-the-art design combine to create a surprisingly harmonious whole. Or as the residents themselves describe it: “Despite its volume, this house has a cosy and intimate atmosphere. For us, it really is a home.”

ANLOO & LOCAL AREA

Authentic ancient landscape
The picturesque village of Anloo, embedded between two traditionally-managed communal fields and the Anloër diepje stream, is part of the National ParkBeek- en Esdorpenlandschap Drentsche Aa. This is an ancient landscape, shaped in the penultimate ice age. It owes its complex variety to centuries of interplay between natural conditions and human habitation. Nature and agriculture form the perfect match here. Flowering hay meadows along the river banks are surrounded by shelter belts of natural hedging. And there is a patchwork of fields, heathland, marsh and woodlands on the higher-lying areas. It has looked like this for centuries. Long before the modern era, people were living here and already making their mark. Nowhere else in the Netherlands is so rich in ancient burial mounds and dolmen. Mediaeval cart tracks bear silent witness to early habitation here.

National Park, but with a twist
The fact that this national park also includes agricultural lands and villages is what distinguishes Beek- en Esdorpenlandschap Drentsche Aa from the rest. Even within a European context, the drainage basin of this little river is unique. It is a system of undulating streams, including the Anloër diepje, all of which meet in the same Drentsche Aa. The characteristic landscape has also remained in place: the farmhouses around the old village green, the traditionally-managed fields on the higher areas and the hay meadows in the valley of the brook. Anloo fits into the picture perfectly. The fact that this is a village conservation area is clearly no coincidence.

Highlights around Anloo
Pinetum Ter Borgh (arboretum consisting mainly of conifers). Het Strubben Kniphorstbos (the Netherlands’ largest national archaeological nature reserve). Boswachterij Anloo (woodlands, also known as Evertsbos). The Anloër diepje drainage basin. These are just some of the things you come across in the direct vicinity of Anloo. “By bike, on foot or on horse. There’s a mountain bike route too. Whatever direction you go, it’s beautiful everywhere. Nature, the ancient landscape, the water. We know all of the places round here. Leaving here will be such a wrench. It’s just so beautiful.”

Etstoel
In the Middle Ages, Anloo was one of the most important places in Drenthe. In the 17th century, there was even the court here. On the name day of St Magnus, the High Court of Justice (Etstoel), made up of the sheriff and 24 judges, would gather in the Anloo church. Every year, on the third Saturday in August, the villagers come together to recreate a court session. This fascinating, fact-based piece of theatre harks back four centuries into the past. The Etstoel is a popular attraction in Anloo and far beyond it (etstoelanloo.nl). You just don’t want to miss it!

GROCERY SHOPPING and more

Anloo has a primary school, café and a hotel. There are no shops. For daily groceries, the closest village is Annen, 2 km away. In other words, it is easy to reach by bike. In addition to a plentiful supply of basic necessities, Annen also boasts some excellent sports facilities. There is a great outdoor swimming pool.

Close to Assen and Groningen
Anyone in search of the city lights does not have to look far: the Drenthe provincial capital Assen is around 10 minutes away by car. You can be in Groningen within 15 minutes. Anloo also has a surprisingly good connection to Groningen by bus. You can be at Groningen station within half an hour.

Neighbourliness
Most of the people now living in Anloo originally came from farther afield. In this traditional farming village, all but one of the farms have now disappeared. “The old tradition of noaberschap (neighbourliness) still persists to some extent, in the sense that people look out for each other. Simply watching out, without it being imposing. It’s actually quite nice, really.”

THE HOUSE
FARMHOUSE DATING FROM 1768

Respect for history
The current residents had already settled in Anloo years before. They enjoyed life in the village. But their attention was drawn to the empty farmhouse adjoining the village square next to the Sint-Magnuskerk church. It was certainly run down at the time. But they managed to look beyond that. They could see the authentic farmhouse gables and the remains of the characteristic Drenthe ‘through-barn’. And, of course, the immediate surroundings, still exuding a mediaeval atmosphere. They took a look around. Without anyone knowing. And then came back again. “We fell in love with this house, this ruin. We knew we could make something really beautiful out of it!” That was back in 2006. The Kerkbrink 12 project then took two years to complete.

Exacting demands
They heard about architects’ firm Noach Architecten in Amsterdam on the grapevine. “They had plenty of experience restoring historic buildings. We had quite exacting demands. We wanted a house and a barn with an authentic look and feel. Everything had to be right, as if it had always been there. We also wanted a sustainable, energy-efficient home. A genuine family home, with atmosphere and comfort.”

Out of plumb
Armed with a case full of old bricks, they set out in search. They eventually found the right type of second-hand bricks in Friesland. Their stubborn insistence that the masonry on the outside walls had to be lopsided caused some raised eyebrows among the workmen. “After all, the existing outer walls were always out of plumb. It needed a rethink, but the bricklayers did exactly what we had in mind. They also used lime mortar, another of our key requirements.” Only some of the existing oak beams could be used. “Most of the old beams had to be bought. And expertly restored. The difference between the old and new wood is hardly noticeable at all. There was no need for screws. Just like in the past, all of the beams are connected together by means of mortice and tenon joints. For the opened oak doors on the barn, old nails were used. We put quite a lot of work into it.” The window frames and tilting windows (with panelling) were exactly replicated, based on the monumental standard. However, they have been double-glazed. Even the paving in the yard (traditional cobbles and antique brick slabs) and garden completely match the atmosphere of this striking property.

Another world
Walking inside Kerkbrink 12 is like entering another world. The interior is just perfect. So carefully considered, so beautifully matched and so very NOW. With deep respect for the spirit of this farmhouse dating from 1768, sustainable modern comfort has been added. A home for the couple who were still young when they started living here in 2008. “Almost anything could happen inside here then. Roller-skating, cycling, football. Obviously not too wildly, of course. We had a baby’s cradle hanging from a beam.” Interior expert Vos Interieur Maupertuus from Groningen translated the owner’s wishes into a bespoke interior design. A lighting architect came up with a sophisticated lighting plan. Just like everything else, it fits perfectly.

GROUND FLOOR

Hallway & toilet area
When you ring the doorbell at Kerkbrink 12, it feels like you are entering a different age. The gables just exude a centuries-old atmosphere. The front door fanlight is decorated with a tree of life, the symbol of eternity. The panelled windows, the old stable windows, the thatched roof, complete with an authentic ‘owl board’. As the front door opens, there is a look of surprise. “Oh, everyone usually comes in at the back. But welcome!” You enter the bright and airy hallway with mezzanine area. There is a large toilet area, with wall-hung toilet and hand basin. Your attention is immediately drawn to the adjoining open kitchen, separated from the hallway by a transparent wall with wide glass doors. A very pleasant welcome.

The open kitchen
The large open kitchen is the very heart of the house. Not only impressive in size, it also has an amazing atmosphere. Just look at the imposing oak beam structure. The impressively high ceiling with roundwood roof beams. And the beautifully polished concrete floor. “Why choose concrete? Well, this is where the cows used to live, also on concrete. The place we’re now sitting used to be a barn.” To match this decor, a Boffi designer Italian kitchen was chosen. The sleek and modern handle-free kitchen features a huge island and a wall unit. The sink area boasts a ceramic counter with a concrete look. Across from it is the cooking area, with a cold-worked stainless-steel counter. For cooking, there is an extraordinary gas hob with four burners. The smart extractor hood hangs down from the ceiling. The fronts of the island are finished in off-white and the wall unit is made of dark oak. A stunning combination! The Boffi kitchen features Gaggenau fitted appliances, including a steamer, an oven and a hotplate. There is an additional fridge-freezer, useful for a family with four children. Of course, there is also a dishwasher. A striking feature of this open kitchen is the beautiful open staircase leading to the first floor. Robust in design and with an industrial look, it is made of black steel and has solid oak steps. The side of the kitchen, featuring a lot of glass and a wide sliding door, connects to the yard and garden. But first we take a look in the living room, separated from the kitchen by a wide counter and sliding doors.

The living room
The living room was created by merging the old living room with the old reception room next to it. At the same time, the reception room was raised by three steps to its previous level. Doing this also restored the cellar below it to its original height. This light and airy living room is beautiful in its simplicity. The magnificent oak beams take centre stage. And the rare historic views glimpsed through the tall panelled windows: the green church square and the Romanesque Sint-Magnuskerk church built in around 1100. Another key feature of the living room is the fireplace with wood burner designed by Dick van Hoff. The solid oak floor perfectly matches this atmosphere.

The cellar/utility room
The cellar is accessed from the open kitchen. It is reached via an old brick staircase. “Do you like the stairs? We’re really proud of them.” The cellar, where it is easily possible to stand up straight, is used as a utility room and storage area. It has a useful counter with sink and ceramic top with a concrete look. The washing machine and dryer are also here, together with the central vacuuming system. There are also deluxe storage areas for wine, groceries and so on. A window and whitewashed walls ensure that the cellar is pleasantly bright and airy. We now return to the open kitchen and head towards the rear entrance.

Bedroom & ensuite bathroom
The rear entrance area is also bathed in plenty of natural daylight. By cleverly partitioning an internal wall, two smart alcoves have been created for the wardrobe. The entrance first leads into a spacious master bedroom. It features a large and well-designed walk-in wardrobe. A bespoke design by Poliform, providing space for an extensive wardrobe. There is also a luxury ensuite bathroom. Another Italian design by Boffi, from the Marcel Wanders design studio. The stylish bathroom features a large bath tub, walk-in shower, bathroom unit with two wash basins and wall-hung toilet. An infrared sauna makes this stunning bathroom into a wonderful wellness room. Of course, the original stable windows have been retained in the sleeping area. There are useful wooden blinds (red cedar) on the inside for privacy. We now move across to the study.

The study
The study, also quite spacious, has had various functions over the years. In 2009, it served as the nursery for the family’s twins. It then became a study/office, complete with library and stairs. The special wall partition in the rear entrance has also resulted in two large alcoves in the study: bookshelves, made from fair-trade oak. A bespoke design by the interior designer, providing space for the extensive collection of books. This room was originally where livestock was kept. The stable door has been opened up against the outer gable, and the opening filled with glass. This creates a beautiful view across the yard and the replica of the old barn.

THE UPPER FLOOR

Three bedrooms, two attic rooms and a bathroom
As mentioned earlier, an industrial open staircase connects the open kitchen to the upper floor. Making use of the mezzanine, the landing offers a transparent view through to the kitchen, accentuating the open character of the farmhouse. Both the landing (with attractive black steel railings) and three adjoining cosy yet spacious bedrooms are fitted with the same oak flooring as the living room. All rooms feature tilting windows with insect screen, sunblind and a blackout roller blind. Two of the bedrooms have a sleeping loft area with 1.2 m wide beds. That leaves plenty of room on the bedroom floor to study, chill or entertain friends. One of the bedrooms features a fitted wardrobe with sliding doors behind the modesty screens. The third bedroom is also spacious and features a large walk-in wardrobe. Just like on the ground floor, this floor also enjoys a range of views that accentuate the height of the property and provide a glimpse of the roundwood roof beams. All bedrooms are also fitted with radiators. “They’re actually never on. It’s always comfortable up here, because the house is so well insulated.” The landing leads to the bathroom, fitted with underfloor heating. It features a spacious walk-in shower with glass panelling, a wide wash basin with bathroom unit and wall-hung toilet. A playful alcove provides space for all kinds of toiletries, etc. There is also a large walk-in wardrobe on the landing. On the street side, you can again enjoy views of the Sint-Magnuskerk church, this time from higher up. “We’ve taken some amazing photos of the church from here. Across all the seasons. It just looks lovely all the time.”

THE OUTBUILDINGS

A massive Drenthe barn
This dilapidated old barn has been restored to its former glory. Authentic in style, it has become a replica of the characteristic ‘through-barn’ for which Drenthe is acclaimed. It has three partially half-timbered walls and a front gable made of oak. It has been decorated with original wickerwork made from knotted straw. Like the main property, the roof is also thatched (and beautifully maintained). The courtyard in front of the barn features fieldstone cobbles and a fantastic chestnut tree. Just as you would expect... The barn consists of a double garage on the right, paved with traditional brick slabs. This has remote-controlled electric doors and a charging point for electric vehicles. The space in the middle (where horse and cart used to enter) is used for storage. There is also a staircase leading to the equally large hayloft. Finally, this barn also includes an extraordinarily large workshop, fully insulated and heated. At the rear, next to the house, there is a small shed with room for gardening clothes and a handy sink.

The open summerhouse
The barn-style open summerhouse right behind the main house is also made of oak and covered with roof panels. The characterful lounge area is a great place to sit almost all year round. It was built in this position in order to capture the beautiful views of the Sint-Magnuskerk church.

The boiler room
The old boiler room, lovingly restored, serves as a technical area. The heat pump has been fitted in this charming little shed. This geothermal heating system provides heating in the winter and cooling in the summer for the whole of the ground floor of the house, fitted with underfloor heating. “We have a constant temperature indoors of 21°. Very pleasant indeed! There is also plenty of extra space on the plot for fitting solar panels. By doing that, you could even make the house completely energy-neutral.”

THE GARDEN

Changes over the years have created a playfully-shaped plot, but the result is anything but problematic. The different shapes have been used to create a series of garden rooms. Perhaps equally importantly, they offer all-round privacy. The vegetable plot, separated by chestnut hedging, is perfect for growing vegetables. There is also a compost heap and a large glass greenhouse. “We’ve successfully grown plenty of tomatoes and cucumbers there.” The garden also features an extensive lawn and an orchard with heritage varieties of apples, pears and plums. Plants native to the area have been deliberately chosen, both for the borders and hedging. “That includes some hawthorn hedges. In the past, the thorns helped to keep the livestock in. The beech hedging has been interplanted with holly, which the birds just love. This courtyard just has to have a walnut tree, of course. And a little chestnut tree.”

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