Lookersdijk 2

Lookersdijk 2, Deventer.

The idyllic setting will strike you as soon as you drive onto the meandering dyke. The friendly and undulating landscape. Large ponds, fairytale willows, and ducks crossing the road as they please. The plot size is unrivalled, as is the tranquillity even though you are still in the dynamic city of Deventer. Lookersdijk number 2 is slightly hidden from view after a bend in the small road, behind hawthorn hedges and an elegant entrance gate. The small plaque with the name ‘t Löken is undoubtedly far too modest for what lies behind it.

Entirely in style
Commissioned by a wealthy textile entrepreneur, this thatched and now municipal listed manor house was designed in 1920 by architect W.P.C. Knuttel. The English manor house style is not unusual – many factory owners during those days found their inspiration in the homes of their suppliers in England. Garden architect Leonard Springer not only designed the Nieuwe Plantsoen development project, which comprises the entire neighbourhood, but also the garden of ‘t Löken, where classic rhododendrons play a leading part.

A warm welcome
The surprisingly large hall with its classic, high windows, open fireplace, and sightlines to the garden is nothing less but impressive. It is what the rest of the house centres around. North of the hall are the generous study and various utility rooms. The kitchen and living spaces face south. There hardly is a room that doesn’t include a fireplace with a period mantelpiece, like the one in the kitchen, where the pearly-green mantelpiece tiling reflects the sunlight streaming in. The light beautifully illuminates your eye-catching items in the specially designed cabinet.

True artisan work
Wherever you look closely, the architect – or should we say the woodworker – has left his signature. From the panelling and the monumental landing staircase to the first floor to the small unexpected cupboards and alcoves. The cosy atmosphere created by the bespoke wall cabinets with the fireplace in the sitting room will have long for cold winter days. And what about the unique feature on the first floor: an integrated desk with very cleverly rotating drawers.

Summer idyll
The living spaces and bedrooms are all of a very comfortable size and have access to or overlook the garden. The French doors in the living areas bring the outdoors inside. The sightlines, as well as the length of the garden, feel almost rural. With its length of around 150 metres, a par-3 hole from the raised terrace is not unthinkable. Halfway down the garden, a thatched gazebo surrounded by greenery beckons. And at the end of the garden, on the banks of the Klinkenbeltskolk, you will have your own private beach. Children can play here for days on end with a little boat. You can even go for a swim in winter, right from your garden.

Privacy guaranteed
The surrounding area is very popular with walkers and sports enthusiasts. With only traffic allowed, you will not be bothered by passing cars. High trees and hedges surround the entire plot and guarantee your privacy. In for some more activities? The northeast-facing part of the property offers all sorts of options for having a home office or practice, accommodating an au-pair, or perhaps even a B&B.

Deventer
Deventer is a gorgeous town. The historical city centre has many beautiful squares linked by narrow medieval streets. Amongst the many authentic shops, you will find a range of culinary hotspots and exceptional restaurants and in summer, the outdoor terraces are great for going out for a drink and meeting friends. Are you a culture lover? Make sure to visit the streets surrounding the ancient Lebuïnus Church. Apart from a public library, a reputable book shop, and interior design stores, there is the modern cinema that shows films from morning to evening.

Or do you prefer the great outdoors? The IJssel river washlands and neighbouring areas offer extensive walking and cycling trails along the beautiful river and many country estates. Keen golfers will be pleased to have Sallandse Golf Club nearby – a magnificently landscaped 18 holes golf course that welcomed its first golfers in 1934.

Special features:
Year of construction: from 1920 (various stages between 1927 - 1937)
Plot size: 11,960 m²
Net floor space: 491 m²
Other indoor spaces: 217 m2:
Outdoor space part of the house: 15 m²
External storage space: 12 m²
Volume: 2.416 m³
Construction/materials: brick façades, concrete floors, wooden window/door frames
Roofing: combined roof types
Heating: central heating system
Insulation: cavity wall insulation, partially double glazed and secondary glazing
Energy label: D