Vredeslaan 18382 CH FrederiksoordVerspreide huizen Frederiksoord

VREDESLAAN 1 FREDERIKSOORD . The Forester's House on a Generous Plot in the Heart of a World Heritage Site . On Vredeslaan in Frederiksoord, hidden amidst pristine nature in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage area, lies the former forester's house, tucked away in the greenery. A dream location for those seeking peace and space, with ample potential to combine living and working. The plot of 5,800 m² offers complete privacy and direct access to the forest—ideal for those who cherish quiet, outdoor living and the feel of a private estate. A winding driveway leads through the landscape to a yard with a residence, spacious garage, carport, garden shed and wood storage. The park-like garden is deep and wide, with mature trees, open lawns and space for animals or a vegetable garden. Inside, the layout is practical and bright, with a garden-oriented living room, closed kitchen and multiple ground-floor rooms suited for use as bedrooms, workspace or studio. Built around 1840, in modest but solid condition and with a truly exceptional setting, this is an ideal base for rural living with amenities close by. The current owners purchased the house in 2021 and have since modernised much of the interior. The living room, dining room, bathroom, toilet and entrance have been updated, offering contemporary comfort within the historic context of the property. The kitchen, utility room and upper floor remain largely in original condition, providing room for further adaptation to suit the next owner's needs. THE TOUR: GROUND FLOOR Via the long tree-lined driveway, embraced by silence, you arrive at Vredeslaan. The entrance to the house is warm and welcoming. From the hall, you enter the living room: a bright and atmospheric space where the outside greenery almost becomes part of the interior. A soapstone stove forms the heart of the room—a reliable source of warmth on cold days—while double garden doors invite long evenings outdoors. Adjacent to the living room is a quiet study with views of the garden. The house's colour palette is natural and balanced, with occasional subtle accents. The kitchen across the hall is functional and simple, with stainless steel countertops, double sink and a four-burner induction stove with oven. The space is serviceable but lends itself well to a contemporary redesign. An adjoining pantry provides practical additional storage. At the rear of the home, a hallway leads to the dining room on the left—an inviting space with French doors to the garden, ideal for long dinners and good company. Next door is the bedroom. The recently renovated bathroom is modest but functional, featuring a walk-in shower, sink and urinal. Opposite the bathroom is the updated toilet, finished with modern tiles and contemporary touches. Since purchasing the house in 2021, the current owners have thoughtfully updated several areas, including the entryway, living room, dining room, bathroom and toilet. The kitchen and utility room remain in original condition and await reinterpretation by future residents. FIRST FLOOR The upper floor exudes a nostalgic charm—pleasantly vintage, with cosy corners, wooden details and surprising layouts. There are two rooms, ideal for use as guest bedrooms, offices or creative spaces. Skylights let in ample daylight and both rooms offer beautiful views of the surrounding greenery. The larger room is currently used as a workspace and hobby area, with a washbasin and plenty of light. A passage leads to a second room with a built-in closet and a charming box bed—beloved by guests, children or visiting friends. The floor is simply finished but full of character and potential. A retreat for reading, working with a forest view, or hosting those who love this unique place as much as you do. THE PLOT The plot at Vredeslaan is a haven of calm, space and nature—secluded in greenery, yet not remote. You live here among deer, birds of prey, squirrels and countless songbirds who consider the yard their territory. The property is fully fenced; wildlife roams freely. Deer move carefully along the forest edge, hares dart across the meadow, and storks nest in the treetops. Occasionally a pheasant or hare makes an appearance. Buzzards soar above, squirrels dart through the canopy, and the early morning is filled with the tapping of woodpeckers. Everything here belongs naturally to the landscape. Johannes van den Bosch—founder of the Society of Benevolence—and the colony director lived just a house away. That historic proximity is still felt in the landscape's layout, as if you’re living on a site where history and nature intertwine. The original colony well remains intact, and this house has its own postcode. The plot spans 5,800 m² and has a park-like layout with wide lawns, mature trees and sheltered corners. At the back, the plot transitions into the "star forest," creating the feel of a private estate. There's plenty of space for keeping animals—chickens, sheep or a vegetable garden would be very much at home here. Several outbuildings are present: a spacious garage of approx. 40 m² with water, electricity and attic storage. The garage has extensions on several sides for covered storage, tools and firewood. Additionally, there is a triple carport and a wooden garden shed. Despite its natural setting, the property is easily accessible. Havelte, Meppel and Steenwijk are just minutes away by car. A perfect balance between rural living and daily convenience—once here, it’s hard to imagine living elsewhere. THE HISTORY OF FREDERIKSOORD The birthplace of a social experiment Frederiksoord is the cradle of one of the most ambitious social reform projects in Dutch history. In 1818, General Johannes van den Bosch founded the first agricultural colony of the Society of Benevolence here. The goal was to provide urban poor with a future by housing, training and employing them in the countryside. The area, formerly known as the Westerbeeksloot estate, was first developed around 1670 with seven farms and was acquired in the early 19th century by the Society. A carefully designed landscape followed, with colony houses, schools, churches and workshops—all aimed at self-sufficiency and moral reform. The colony was named after Prince Frederik, son of King William I and long-time chairman of the Society’s board. Here, the ideals of fighting poverty through labour, order and education became reality. In 2021, the area was designated as UNESCO World Heritage, recognising the unique interaction between social vision and spatial planning. The farm at Vredeslaan dates from circa 1840 and is part of this historic layout. Its location, structure and layout are consistent with the original colony landscape where living, working and social development were intertwined. STRUCTURAL REPORT To provide prospective buyers with clear information on the property's condition, a building inspection was conducted. The report offers an objective assessment of the current state, including key points and recommendations for short- and medium-term repairs. Available on request. The house is in modest condition, with an interior largely dating from the 1970s. Heating is via a gas boiler and a soapstone stove. Partial insulation is in place, including floor insulation, secondary glazing and some double glazing. It provides a sound base for modernisation or redevelopment while retaining the original character. SUSTAINABILITY OPTIONS Redres focuses on characterful properties with a past—monuments, country homes and former agricultural or industrial buildings—such as this historic farmhouse in Frederiksoord. These properties require bespoke solutions, especially when it comes to maintenance and energy performance. Their age often means they are structurally solid and circular by nature, but not always energy efficient in use. That presents opportunities. To support future owners, a sustainability report was prepared alongside the standard energy label. It outlines realistic scenarios for reducing energy use, including recommended measures, costs and savings. The advice takes into account the property’s structure and heritage features, resulting in a tailored plan for comfortable, future-proof living without compromising the farmhouse’s character. ACCESSIBILITY Although Vredeslaan 1 is surrounded by nature, accessibility is excellent. Villages such as Havelte, Steenwijk and Meppel are just a short drive away and offer amenities like supermarkets, schools, medical care and public transport. Frederiksoord itself also surprises: restaurants, a museum (Museum De Proefkolonie), community centre, sports fields and an active social scene. As part of the Colonies of Benevolence, the area combines peace and nature with cultural and educational offerings. The A32 (Meppel–Leeuwarden) is nearby, providing access to the national road network. Public transport is also good; Steenwijk station is about 15 minutes away, offering direct train connections to Zwolle, Leeuwarden and beyond. Cities like Zwolle, Assen and Heerenveen are 30 to 50 km away, making urban amenities accessible without sacrificing the quiet and green surroundings. An ideal mix of countryside living and everyday convenience. 10 REASONS TO BUY VREDESLAAN 1 IN FREDERIKSOORD 1. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Society of Benevolence 2. Detached on a spacious 5,800 m² plot, surrounded by greenery 3. Direct access to forest and walking trails—nature at your doorstep 4. Historic farmhouse from circa 1840, part of the original colony landscape 5. Park-like garden with garage, wood storage, shed and carport 6. Ground-floor living with bedroom and bathroom 7. Flexible layout: space for guests, home office or creative use 8. Complete privacy with nearby amenities 9. Excellent base for renovation or redevelopment with character 10. Rare opportunity in a unique natural and historic setting IN SHORT Vredeslaan 1 is no ordinary house, but an estate with a story. A place for those already living well who want to choose, once more, for space, peace and meaning. In the historic heart of Frederiksoord, rooted in the Colony of Benevolence, lies a property ready for the next chapter. The farmhouse exudes the charm of a different era, set on a generous plot that blends into forest and landscape. The interior is friendly and functional, immediately liveable yet offering space for gradual refinement, expansion or reconfiguration—in your own time and at your own pace. A place to experience the seasons. Where summers linger, winters are cosy, and every space invites you to stay. Who wouldn’t want that?