My Houzz: City and Country Cross Paths in a Dutch Villa
It backs onto a lushly planted waterway and even has a pool, but this Netherlands home never loses sight of its capital skyline
This Netherlands home has the best of both worlds, with the city at the front and the lush Dutch countryside at the back. Frank and Marion's 1931 house sits in a quiet neighborhood with a spacious back garden and pool, but it still has clear views to The Hague, South Holland's capital city. Over the years the couple has infused the home with their own contemporary, airy style while still maintaining its charming original details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Frank and Marion
Location: Voorburg, the Netherlands
Size: 180 square meters (1,937 square feet); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Frank and Marion
Location: Voorburg, the Netherlands
Size: 180 square meters (1,937 square feet); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
The large sectional is part of a neutral backdrop for the couple's eclectic artwork.
Table lamps: Tierenlantijn; floor lamp: Artemide
Table lamps: Tierenlantijn; floor lamp: Artemide
The long and open main living space has a living room at the front end of the home and a sitting room that leads to the backyard. A custom shelf displaying decorative items separates the dining room and living room.
Contractor and custom shelving maker: Mart van Adrichem
Contractor and custom shelving maker: Mart van Adrichem
A modern custom light fixture and dramatic black table and chairs anchor the dining area. The couple has views to both the front and back of the house from here.
The pantry extends to the right of the kitchen, directly behind the shelving unit. Large windows above the kitchen counters bring even more light into this open space.
The pair have put most of the rest of their renovation plans on hold for now, but they do hope to update the kitchen eventually.
The sitting room's original leaded glass French doors look out onto the back garden. With the television, books, kitchen and picturesque views all within arm's reach, this space is the perfect spot for relaxing.
Stool: Tess; sofas: Cartel Living; bookcase: custom by Mart van Adrichem
Stool: Tess; sofas: Cartel Living; bookcase: custom by Mart van Adrichem
Upstairs the pair decorated their master bedroom in a soothing palette of white and charcoal. Artwork adds lilac and fuchsia accents.
Curtains: Interieur Decor Delft; overhead light fixtures: Artemide; writing desk: custom by Mart van Adrichem
Curtains: Interieur Decor Delft; overhead light fixtures: Artemide; writing desk: custom by Mart van Adrichem
The sliding door on the left leads to the en suite bathroom, and the sliding door on the right leads to the walk-in closet.
Wall paint: Off Black, Farrow & Ball; light fixtures: Artemide
Wall paint: Off Black, Farrow & Ball; light fixtures: Artemide
The newly renovated bathroom feels open and spacious. The new vanity is decidedly contemporary, with a bright white tile backsplash and charcoal-gray MDF cabinets. The glass open shower had to be custom made due to the large size.
Flooring: natural oak
Flooring: natural oak
The guest room and office occupy a single room near the front of the first floor. Like the rest of the home, this room enjoys a simple and understated color palette; it has a single emerald accent pillow.
The couple shares this home office, with views of The Hague's skyline in the distance. The space has two separate work areas with a sliding door between them.
Office furniture: Keijser & Co.
Office furniture: Keijser & Co.
The couple fell in love with the spacious garden on their first visit to the house.
They also love their swimming pool — an uncommon feature in Dutch homes.
When they purchased the house, the couple also bought an extra lot on the left side of the property from their neighbors, including a garage space (not pictured) that they gave a facelift.
When they purchased the house, the couple also bought an extra lot on the left side of the property from their neighbors, including a garage space (not pictured) that they gave a facelift.
The house backs onto a small waterway, surrounded by lush vegetation.
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See more photos of this house | Share your home with us!
The leaded glass windows throughout are original to the house. This large front window has been left undressed for maximum light.
Sofa: Cartel Living; coffee table: Keijser & Co.; rug: Interieur Decor Delft