Keppellaan 4

Keppellaan 4, Lochem.

The heads of a fox and a swine decorating both sides of the elegantly carved wooden front entrance porch remind us of the origins of this listed manor house called “Erve de Hulshorst”, located on the Keppellaan in Lochem. The property was built around 1812 as a hunting lodge belonging to the nearby castle De Cloese. Much has changed to the property over the years, but its original charm and romantic features still remain. The house sits slightly elevated and utterly private at the end of a long, tree-lined drive. What an impressive way to come home! Apart from the main residence, the magnificent and excellently maintained plot (approx. 9800 m2) also houses a comfortable and detached guesthouse with a living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Another imposing outbuilding of approx. 140 m2, to the rear of the main house – which used to be the barn and still retains the original wooden beams – has been converted into an elegant and multifunctional space with a lounge/TV area, a fully equipped bar/kitchen, a cloak area, a gym, a sauna plus bathroom, and a small but wonderful outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and an outdoor shower. The robust shed, with tongue-and-groove cladding, is divided into a spacious carport large enough to fit three cars, a garage, a bicycle shed, and a large garden shed/workshop with a water treatment installation for the groundwater pump. A bit further away from the house, the current owners had the old coach shed converted into a robust veranda with a kitchen and a fireplace. The conversion was done with oak sourced from the plot and the result is an idyllic spot for unforgettable moments as you enjoy the vast views of the surrounding pasture lands all the way to the woodlands in the distance. To the right of the main residence are an enclosed meadow, with oak fences and populated by sheep, plus a thatched sheepfold. The chickens have a very spacious chicken run all for themselves. Besides all this, the plot includes a delightful vegetable, fruit and herb garden surrounded by hedgerows and accessible via a small gate. When the current owners purchased the property in 2006, they obtained a very dated house amidst an overgrown garden. It only took them nine months to renovate the former hunting lodge from top to bottom and turn it into the amazing house it is now. Equally so, the big barn behind the house, the guest annexe, the garages, and the garden were completely overhauled to their current perfect condition. Today, the entire property is a true piece of paradise and offers ultimate privacy. The slightly run-down hunting lodge was transformed into an exceptionally luxurious and romantic manor house with a floor space of approx. 350 m2 and all the comfort and mod-cons one might need. The house was brought back into its current perfect condition with great attention to detail while retaining all the authentic features. The modern and fully equipped large kitchen and the adjacent dining room are at the front of the house. It offers a wonderful space to spend hours sitting around the table while a fire burns in the large sand-lime fireplace. An open doorway leads to the comfortable living room, which also includes a robust mantelpiece and from where doors open up to the outdoor terrace. A generously sized study, also with doors to the garden, is at the back of the house. The entrance leading to the hall is at the side of the house and also gives access to a practical utility/laundry room and a lavatory. Upstairs, you first find two bedrooms of nearly equal size and featuring beamed ceilings. These rooms share a bathroom with a bath, a shower, and a toilet. On the other side of the stairwell is the splendid master suite with a very spacious, bespoke dressing room and a luxuriously appointed bathroom with a shower, a bidet, and a toilet. The construction of this historically interesting property (a municipal listed building) has been structurally and aesthetically almost entirely renewed and, thus, is in excellent condition.

“Erve de Hulshorst” is only a five-minute cycle trip from the sociable and popular town centre of Lochem and the local train station. The history of Lochem goes back to the twelfth century and the medieval streets and listed buildings still recall its rich history. Lochem offers all the amenities you need, from a wide range of shops and boutiques, cafés and restaurants, schools at all levels, and sports facilities such as football, field hockey, etc. And let's not forget the most beautiful golf courses in the Netherlands: The Lochemse Golf & Country Club De Graafschap (18 holes), just southwest of the town.