1960s Arthur Degeyter modern house in Ostend, Belgium

1960s, Belgium, Modernist

1960s Arthur Degeyter modern house in Ostend, Belgium

There is something very cool and distinctly European about this 1960s Arthur Degeyter modern house in Ostend, Belgium.

I know that’s stating the obvious somewhat, but the point I’m making is that houses like this tend to appear regularly on the European mainland and rarely in the UK. Modernism that’s minimal, understated and, as a result, very stylish.

All the better when it has been barely touched to any significant degree since 1964, its year of construction to a designed by iconic Belgian architect Arthur Degeyter.

The architecture is a massive selling point, but the condition and the finish aren’t far behind. The house isn’t quite a ’time capsule’ of the era, but it isn’t far off one. Loved and maintained over the years, it retains all its key features and touches from the mid-1960s, with some functional updates to keep it relevant as a contemporary family home in the 21st century. Radiators, the odd fitting, you know the kind of thing.

And it really is that. I do labour this point a lot, but this kind of single-storey, open-plan architecture has aged very well in half a century. We want free-flowing spaces, plenty of natural light, and framed views of the greenery outside, as well as easy access to those gardens. We want houses like this. And if they come with some characterful details, all the better.

Personally, I love this kind of minimal look but I can see some people looking to add in some colour. But for now, you are looking at a house over one floor with a flat roof, white-painted brick walls, large glass areas and a striking chimney with a concrete cover. It doesn’t get much more 1960s than that.

And the layout too, is very much of its day, described as a ‘balanced, calm geometric structure’ with rationally laid out spaces for a family then and now. No ‘clutter and frills’; this is all about clean lines and practicality, with a central focal point for family and friends to gather.

Yes, maybe a little austere, but with the wood ceilings and some appealing design touches of the original era, this isn’t as clinical as many modernist houses you see on the market. There is still plenty of character sitting alongside the functionalism, courtesy of those wood ceilings, the 1960s art and some lovely retro (and possibly original) interior touches, including the lights, the sofas, the storage and the artwork.

The kitchen has a wonderful authenticity to it, and the bathroom is every bit as cool as you would expect of a house like this. A far cry from the majority of British bathrooms installed back in the 1960s.

You get something like 196 sq. metres of living space here, with the reception being at the heart of this home – large, open, with plenty of glazing for natural light and a focal point of the original fireplace. A dining area is just to the rear of this and open to it.

Beyond that, there’s a large kitchen with a rather lovely serving hatch to the dining area within the wood-clad wall, three versatile bedrooms, a large bathroom and what looks like an integrated garage.

Terraces are just beyond the main living space, which in turn leads to what looks like a sizeable garden. I think you would describe the garden as having potential. It needs a tidy-up but certainly isn’t short of space. A bit of organising here, and it’s another selling point.

Note also the green just across the road from the house for some extra greenery. Talking of location, the house is in a ‘quiet’ spot on the edge of Ostend, not far from the sea. So rather like being on holiday.