Thorbeckelaan 20, 7521 AV Enschede, Netherlands, Enschede, Overijssel

Monumental villas with contemporary interiors are true gems, often featured in TV programs. This villa on Thorbeckelaan, built in 1926 as a rectory, is such a rare dream home. Designed in the Um 1800 style by architect Huijgens, the property offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern comfort. Surrounded by greenery, the villa provides ample privacy while being close to the center of Enschede. The house exudes exclusivity and retains many authentic elements, such as the staircase and wood carvings. The spacious, high-ceilinged rooms with parquet floors are full of character. Recent renovations have added modern, sleek elements, such as an extension with wooden panels, all done in consultation with Monumentenzorg. Over its more than 100-year history, this villa has witnessed much. The grande dame has survived two world wars, narrowly escaping the last. Bombings completely destroyed the nearby elementary school. To continue providing education to the children, a temporary classroom was set up in the rectory. During air raids, they would rush to a safe shelter in the basement. At that time, Reverend Nanne Zwiep lived in the rectory with his family. In church, he preached against the persecution of Jews, which cost him dearly. Reverend Zwiep was arrested and transported to Dachau, where he died in 1942. In his memory, a Stolperstein was placed in the floor in front of the villas front door. The rectory also served as a hiding place for refugees, revealed by a removable plank in a closet on the second floor. Behind the wall, the residents found a childs shoe and old newspapers. Out of respect for the past, the space has been preserved. The history also brought beautiful moments: former residents, often children of pastors, would leave notes or ring the doorbell to visit their old home once more. During those visits, heartwarming stories were shared. The positive atmosphere of the rectory, always palpable, ensures that visitors feel right at home. The villa, shielded with a distinguished fence, is built on a mound. The terrace with the impressive double front door is reached via a stone staircase. Above it is a graceful balcony. In the entrance hall, featuring a small radiator and a new meter cupboard, begins the beautiful terrazzo floor. Through a glass swing door, you enter the large, bright hallway with the same terrazzo floor. Immediately, you are struck by the seamless blend of then and now. Particularly impressive are the extensive door frames with artisanal wood carvings from the past. A large, round designer lamp on the ceilingrepeated elsewhere in the villarepresents the present. When lit, the pattern of the lamp is reflected on the walls, creating a magical effect. On the right, you find the first room with three tall windows. The former study now serves as a chill room, but it is also perfectly suitable as a bedroom. In addition to the two monumental built-in closets, there is a third closet that houses the water softener. If you go straight right down the hallway, you enter a small hallway with two doors. The left door leads to a spacious, underground cellar with two windows. There are plenty of closets on both sides. The floor has recently been replaced with tiles in an old style. Behind the second door is a restroom, equipped with a window, toilet, sink, and radiator. Returning to the hallway, you walk diagonally straight into the living room en suite. Furniture is almost redundant here; the living space itself exudes atmosphere. The area is divided into a front room and a dining room. The beautiful, glass suite sliding doors with built-in storage on either side allow the rooms to be separated. To maintain the symmetry of the monumental building in the windows as well, an extra window has been added to the outer wall of the front room. In that same wall, a flue is present in the middle, under which stands a wood stove as an elegant addition to the cozy ambiance. Warmth is also provided by radiators under the windowsi