1950s Herman Haan midcentury modern house in Rotterdam, Holland
The top shot is from when it was constructed. But this 1950s Herman Haan midcentury modern house in Rotterdam, Holland hasn’t changed since.
The problem with photographing it now from the outside is the amount of greenery that has been planted and grown since construction. Over time, it has created a wall around the house that hides many of its key features.
That’s hardly surprising. This house dates from 1956, so we are talking over 60 years of growth around the place. But look closely and through the gaps. Not a great deal has changed over the decades. Cut it back (if you get the chance to own it) and you can show off this masterful piece of architecture once more.
Listed as a ‘municipal monument’, this is midcentury modern from a European perspective. Yes, in some places it looks like the US version of the style. But there are a few more hard edges to this one, slightly more angular and austere perhaps. But still every bit as desirable.
I love that old image as it shows off the house fresh from construction, highlighting many of the exterior details that are mostly still in place today. The brickwork, the double-height wall of glass and the cantilever that creates a sheltered entertaining space below.
Everything from there external staircase to the balcony rails seems to be still in place, although I do wonder if space under there cantilever has been partly filled up since the house was built? Hard to tell, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me personally. This is still an amazing house.
The inside is worth talking about too. The double-height void with wall of glass, exposed brick and open-tread staircase is the ‘wow’ factor here, but there is plenty more to see beyond that.
The accommodation is largely unchanged, although it might look a little cluttered to some people. But at the end of the day, it is furniture that will not be staying. So look beyond it and look at the huge reception room with the balcony running alongside it, a distinctly retro kitchen, that gallery area with marble flooring looking down at the void and beyond, and the retro bathroom for example.
Ok, some of the rooms might need an update. The kitchen probably needs a makeover and the bedrooms need updating for a start. But clear this one out, give it a bit of a lift and it could be a very special house indeed. Did I mention it also has an underground garage? Well, it does and it only adds to the appeal.
As for the layout, that has been designed to give the reception space the better views. Or in other words, the living room is upstairs and the bedrooms down below.
So the ground floor has the entrance and its double-height hall space with a pond and sliding doors to the terrace and garden, along with access to the basement with boiler room and storage room.
Beyond that is a study with fitted wardrobes, a ‘spacious’ master bedroom with adjoining bathroom, three further bedrooms and a second bathroom.
Head up the feature staircase and you get the spacious living/dining room over the entire width of the house with a fireplace and sliding doors to the south-facing terrace that offers some great views. The kitchen is here too, complete with appliances, utility room and oddly, a fountain.
900 sq. metres of land outside described as a ‘green oasis’ plus that underground garage with room for two cars.
€1,595,000 is the asking price if this house and Rotterdam appeal.
Images and details courtesy of Funda. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
