Villa for sale at ENSCHEDE with reference 19307956948 Welnalaan 5, 7523 NG ENSCHEDE

—Ref. HO100058

Welna, historic estate with a soul
Comfortable living in an authentic textile villa

HISTORY
The name of this monumental country house is displayed on the facade: Welna. It was the Enschede textile manufacturer Benjamin Willem ter Kuile (1853-1926) who had it built in 1906. Initially intended as a country house, but the family enjoyed it so much that they decided to live there permanently. The wing added to the villa in 1916 served as an office. Working from home, Benjamin Willem ter Kuile was doing it long before this phenomenon was coined.

Eclectic
The distinctive design came from the mind of Karel Muller, an architect and native of the region. He had numerous textile families among his clients. He managed to integrate Villa Welna beautifully into the estate of the same name just outside Enschede, acquired by Benjamin's father in 1853. The design is characterized by what is called an eclectic architectural style. That means the architect translated beautiful elements from various architectural styles into a unique composition. In this case, a blend of an English cottage and a Swiss chalet. With the signature of Karel Muller.

RESTORATION
With genuine love for Welna, the current residents have restored both the mansion and its surrounding grounds to their former glory. According to the motto 'what we do, we do well', no expense or effort has been spared. Everything had to be just right, perfectly in line with the existing character. Welna holds the status of a national monument. The mansion features various entranceways, all with a brick staircase. Above a fairly high plinth of red brick (with snapped joints), the facade is made of plaster. The villa, with its basement, is covered with red Tuile du Nord tiles. Windows are adorned with wooden shutters. A playful ensemble, with dormer windows, covered balconies, chimneys, wide staircases, and an extensive garden. The current residents saw no obstacle in preserving the exterior shell. In fact, this was exactly what they wanted. Thus, they completely renovated the snapped joints and plasterwork. Existing woodwork has been expertly restored where necessary.

House with a soul
The same approach applied indoors: preserve everything original and build upon it. Special tile floors and walls have been restored where necessary and possible. The pattern of the solid wooden floors in the living room and adjacent dining area is an exact replica of the original. Authentic stone fireplaces with open hearths have been retained throughout, even in the bedrooms. Four of these hearths are still actively used. On the ground floor, we see several en-suite sliding doors with glass, connecting or separating rooms. Impressive stained glass windows and exceptionally beautiful tile work contribute to the allure that Welna exudes. In short, a house with a soul.

Outdoor Area
The redesign of the outdoor area belonging to the estate – garden, forest, and meadows – has also been carefully handled. Beech and hawthorn hedges have been planted, and prominent trees deliberately preserved. Regional elements such as oak land gates and split pasture posts have been added. A clogged pond has been cleared to encourage the growth of original aquatic vegetation. The surrounding vegetation has also been restored to the proper condition. An overgrown forest plot has been cleared, allowing nature to reclaim its space. Around the garden, an earth wall has been constructed and planted with native shrubs. At the front, a large natural pond has been created, complete with a fountain. Additionally, a groundwater source has been tapped. A computer-controlled irrigation system provides water to the garden and a large portion of the farmland.

Experts Onboard
When it comes to respectfully restoring a monumental building, customization is the key. Therefore, the current residents have enlisted the expertise of the best craftsmen and materials available. A construction company specializing in the renovation of monuments was contracted for the job. The interior was entrusted to ESTIDA, a leading interior designer from Amsterdam. With experts at work, the results are absolutely visible. It's admirable how contemporary materials seamlessly integrate with authentic elements. The latest climate control techniques have been subtly incorporated. Throughout, you experience the characteristic atmosphere without compromising on living comfort.

THE MANSION
Deliberate Harmony Internally, Welna comprises multiple rooms without feeling compartmentalized. A thoughtful harmony has been created, akin to an English unity, yet each room retains its own character. Panel doors, wainscoting, built-in closets, and wall units serve as common denominators, all crafted with pure artisanal precision. Executed with a sense of suitable colors, what might seem daring combinations contribute to the house's distinctive charm. This is a mansion with living space for many, whether gathering together or retreating. Thanks to its orientation along the north-south axis, you can follow the sun in and around Welna. Or choose not to…

The Living Room
The spacious living room leads to a cozy playroom and two en-suite rooms. At the front, there's a snug lounge, once a vestibule. Above the original main entrance (north facade) lies the stunning curved stained glass ensemble. The view of the natural pond never grows tiresome. At the rear (south facade), there's a generous and glass-rich conservatory, with access to the extensive garden. A terrace has been laid nearby, with four mulberry trees trained into a natural parasol. From the living room, you can also access the adjacent dining room. Both rooms feature a solid wooden floor in a unique pattern with inlay, an exact replica of the original floor.

The Kitchen
The former kitchen and maid's room have been combined into a spacious country-style living kitchen. However, it comes with all the conveniences of today. There are two ceramic sinks, both equipped with Quooker taps. Dishwasher and refrigeration are provided in duplicate. A combination steam oven and coffee machine (with warming drawer) are available. And last but not least: a black La Cornue stove, Chateau model. The undisputed top of the line in the culinary world. The kitchen is equipped with underfloor heating and finished with wide solid oak floorboards. The preservation of details such as the original pass-through window to the dining room and the laundry chute adds to the atmosphere. And let's not forget the beautiful view over the estate. In short: a delightful living kitchen that entices one to indulge in boundless cooking.

Entrance & Wardrobe
From the vestibule of the main entrance, you enter a long corridor through double paneled doors. Notice the original wainscoting and ox-blood tile floor. For guests, there's a cloakroom area here, with a toilet, washbasin, and wardrobe. Elsewhere on the ground floor is a second toilet room. And a spacious utility room where the washing machine and dryer are located. The kitchen unit (with sink) is designed in the style of the living kitchen.

The Bar
Next, the professional bar, located on the ground floor, with all the bells and whistles. This is entirely inspired by the bar at Soho House Istanbul. A sight to behold! With that same wide plank solid oak floor. Featuring the original fireplace and underfloor heating. A spacious, tastefully decorated space for social gatherings with family, guests, or business associates. And all this in what was once the 'home office' of a textile manufacturer.

THE UPPER FLOOR
Sleeping & Bathing
From the hall (with cozy seating area), the original staircase (with balustrade) leads to the landing of the first floor. Here too, wall units and built-in closets, all meticulously crafted bespoke pieces. This floor boasts four generous bedrooms, each with a covered balcony or loggia. Here, you can enjoy peace, space, and privacy. Once again, we encounter the wide oak floorboards throughout. The entire floor is equipped with underfloor heating, individually adjustable for each room, including the tastefully tiled bathroom. The bathroom consists of two separate areas and can be accessed from the master bedroom and the landing. The first part features a walk-in shower and washbasin, while the other part has a freestanding bathtub and another washbasin. It's a delightful place to relax while gazing out over the estate. Additionally, this floor has a separate toilet room.

A Magnificent (Master) Plan
A staircase leads from the landing to the highest floor of the villa. This very spacious attic houses the technical installation for air handling, leaving plenty of storage space. Another generous attic, situated above the transverse wing, is accessible from the landing of the aforementioned staircase. Designed with this space in mind, ESTIDA has created a magnificent plan for a luxury master suite. Some parts of this plan have already been implemented. The roof has been insulated, a sturdy floor laid, and plumbing connections prepared. The original ceiling with its roof structure has intentionally been left visible. Dormer windows provide lovely natural light. It's a fantastic atmosphere up here and a plan that deserves to be realized.
LASTLY
Technology
During the restoration period, the electrical, plumbing, and drainage networks were completely renewed. A sustainable heat pump provides heating and cooling, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate year-round. The grilles of the air handling system are subtly integrated into walls and ceilings. The mansion is 'off the gas grid,' although existing gas pipelines have been retained. However, there's one item that requires gas: the aforementioned La Cornue stove. It is fueled by a gas cylinder. The advanced Gira home automation system makes Welna an intelligent home. All rooms are connected to a central audio system and central lighting. And when it comes to security, nothing is left to chance! The villa has a generator that, in case of a power outage, provides electricity to the house. In multiple aspects, life can continue seamlessly in the former residence of the Ter Kuile family.

A Pleasant Living Home
Welna is a warm family home. Fantastic for children, from small to big, when you have space indoors and outdoors. In the playroom, but also in your own spacious room. Or in the garden where a separate play area has been created. The woodland on the estate invites exploration. Cycling, scootering, skating, all can be done right next door, on the property's own grounds. With a large paved yard and winding paths. There's plenty of space for chilling out too. Welna offers living in a spacious green environment with all urban amenities nearby. Moreover, the grounds offer plenty of space for realizing other desires, such as a greenhouse, garden house, garage, or (horse) stable.

Accessibility
Enschede is the largest city in the province. Education, sports, culture, healthcare, shopping, dining, and public transportation are all well-established here. From Welna, it's about an eight-minute bike ride to the bustling city center. And you can reach the supermarket and bakery within five minutes by bike. For those who enjoy walking, cycling, or horse riding, this area is perfect. Enschede has good road connections to the rest of the Netherlands (via A35 and A1) and Germany (A1). Additionally, Enschede has a train station, with intercity trains, sprinters, and an international train.

TASTE THE ATMOSPHERE
Do you feel at home in an English ambiance? Do you value coziness and contemporary living comfort? Do you love outdoor living but prefer urban facilities within reach? Then you are cordially invited to experience the atmosphere on-site.