1960s Marc Dessauvage modernist house in Brasschaat, Belgium
The dream renovation project. In fact, this 1960s Marc Dessauvage modernist house in Brasschaat, Belgium already looks perfect to me.
But this is being sold as a renovation project. A house that looks to have been more of a preservation project since it was constructed in 1964 to a design by the noted architect. A design described by the agent as midway between abstract and brutalist architecture.
From the front, it hints at something interesting without screaming it. Yes, the angular architecture catches the eye, as does that butterfly roof. But houses like this can go either way. Thankfully this one goes the right way.
In fact, on the face of it, this is the dream 1960s time capsule. Everything you hope would still be in place probably is.
But is it actually a time capsule? I’m not sure. Some areas look to have been updated, although that could just be a case of dressing for sale. I see computers on desks and some chairs that are more modern than midcentury modern.
But that really is nit-picking. Outside of a few design details, much of this place is pretty much as the builders left it when they walked out back in the mid-1960s.
You would have to look long and hard to find a kitchen as authentic as the one in place here. The open-tread staircase is another lovely feature, as are the vintage radiators, the built-in storage and a bathroom that looks to have barely changed over the decades.
Then there are the finishes. The tiles flooring, the exposed brick walls, the wood-clad ceilings and wood panels on the living room walls for example. The open-plan feel of the place is obviously appealing too, as are the large, often floor-to-ceiling windows.
Check out the agent’s site for some close-up details too. So much to appreciate here, right down to the bathroom signs and door handles. Even the house number has some style about it.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone to create their 1960s dream home without (on the face of it) doing a great deal. Some updates to the finish here and there, your own furnishings and you have a forever home. Forever trapped in the 1960s. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The house is central to the plot, with equally-sized front and back gardens, Symmetry was apparently a key concern when designing the house.
Once inside, a ‘spacious’ hall cuts the house in two. On one side you will find the large retro kitchen, dining room and substantial sitting room at a slightly lower level.
On the other side, you have access to the garage and office plus secondary and large living room areas. The large living room was apparently later divided into rooms to serve as a practice.
Via a staircase in concrete and wood, you enter the first floor with high wooden cupboards in the hallway, a wooden ceiling and carpeted floor. as far as I can see, there is a large master bedroom here a bathroom with separate toilet, three children’s bedrooms (or simply bedrooms) and a smaller (guest) room. Each has a sink.
Quite a lot of land outside front and back, with the plot covering something like 1,090 sq. metres in total.
The owner is looking for a ‘passionate soul’ to bring it back to its best and if you think that might be you, then you will have to find something in the region of €595,000.
Images and details courtesy of Immodome. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
