Waaldijk 25305 CE ZuilichemZuilichem

Living in harmony with the seasons in its purest form. This idyllic 18th-century former village blacksmith’s house is located in a stunning location, directly on the floodplains of the River Waal and the nature reserve 'De Breemwaard'. From both the house and the property, you can enjoy expansive views of the river, garden, and surrounding nature. Ground floor layout: Garden-oriented kitchen with elevated dining area, garden/office room, bedroom, luxurious bathroom, toilet, and a spacious utility room on the ground floor. First floor layout: A large river-facing living space, second living room/bedroom with frontal river views, bedroom with walk-in closet, and a second bathroom. About Zuilichem: Zuilichem (municipality of Zaltbommel) is a quiet village in the Bommelerwaard, centrally located and less than 10 km west of Zaltbommel. The village boasts excellent connections via the A2, A15, and A27 highways, and Zaltbommel station ensures convenient access to public transport. Den Bosch, Utrecht, and Tilburg are all easily accessible. Within walking distance, you’ll find a primary school and a bakery/supermarket for daily shopping. The village lies along the River Waal, where the Waaldijk offers a perfect starting point for stunning cycling and walking routes through the river region. The Bommelerwaard, surrounded by the Maas and Waal rivers, is renowned for its beautiful river landscape and unique floodplains. From the property, you can walk directly into the De Breemwaard nature reserve, a fantastic spot to enjoy nature and take your dog for a walk. This nature reserve spans an impressive 130 hectares and offers an oasis of peace and space. Key features: Municipal monument Gross volume: approx. 685 m³ Living area: 202 m² Plot area: 1,370 m² Year of construction: 1740 Energy label: B Ground floor details: The entrance, through a shared Dutch door on the side of the house, provides direct access to the spacious kitchen. On the dike side, there is an elevated dining area that seamlessly blends with the handcrafted kitchen. The kitchen features a beautiful Belgian bluestone countertop with an authentic pump basin. From the kitchen, you have direct access to the river-facing terrace. Adjacent to the dining room is a spacious utility room with laundry connections, where the inverter and home battery are also located. The lower section leads to the garden/office room, a bedroom, a toilet, and a new (guest) bathroom with a walk-in shower and vanity. The garden room is located in the extension of the property and has French doors with six-pane division opening to a second terrace. The current owner uses this room as an office, but it could also serve as a cozy TV or playroom. The floor is largely laid with antique red abbey tiles and features underfloor heating. The bedroom, accessible via a second dike staircase on the west side of the house, is ideal as a practice space or guest room due to its private entrance. First floor details: Upon reaching the first floor, you are greeted by a surprising amount of space, light, and breathtaking views. The area in the original dike house is designed as a work/lounge space, with the exposed beams remaining visible. French doors with six-pane division open onto the river-facing roof terrace. At the rear, in the 2003 extension, there is a second living space with additional French doors and numerous windows, offering stunning views of the River Waal. This inspiring space is perfect as an atelier or additional bedroom. The floors on this level are finished with beautiful oak planks. On the west side of the original dike house is a spacious bedroom with a walk-in closet and a second bathroom. This bathroom features a walk-in shower, toilet, double vanity, and a natural stone floor. Additional details: The property is in excellent condition. In 2023, the house was professionally painted. The insulated roof was completely renovated, and in 2022, the thatched roof was converted into a screw-down roof. Most windows are fitted with HR glazing, and the original dike house features insulated interior walls and underfloor insulation. In 2003, the house was expanded with a fully insulated extension. The property is heated by a gas-fired high-efficiency boiler (2022) in combination with a hybrid heat pump (2024). The barn is equipped with six solar panels (2,610 kWh capacity) with energy storage via a 3.5 kWh home battery. A unique location: This property is known locally as “The Old Smithy,” as it was the village blacksmith’s house until 1964. From the dike, the house resembles a classic dike house commonly found along the River Waal. However, the rear boasts the appearance of a luxury villa, thanks to the clapboard extension, thatched roof, and French doors. The garden, with various terraces, a wood storage area, lovely beech hedges, and an old high-stem fruit tree, is planted to withstand potential river flooding in winter. The solid retaining wall installed by the owners ensures safety while living near the water. A wooden shed is located on the dike, and the property offers parking space for three cars. This is the perfect home for those who love outdoor living and value space, water, and privacy. From the property, you can walk directly to the river and enjoy your own private beach.