City and Country Cross Paths in a Dutch Villa

This Netherlands home has the best of both worlds, using all the city at the very front and the lush Dutch countryside at the back. Frank and Marion’s 1931 house sits in a quiet area with a spacious back garden and swimming pool, but it still has clear opinions into The Hague, South Holland’s capital city. Over the years the couple has infused the home with their own contemporary, airy style while still preserving its charming original specifics.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Frank and Marion
Location: Voorburg, the Netherlands
Size: 180 square meters (1,937 square feet); 2 bedrooms, 1 bath

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The living space was decorated with understated luxury in mind. The subtly installed television mirrors a built-in fireplace.

The leaded glass windows are first to the house. This large front window has been left undressed for greatest light.

Sofa: Cartel Living; coffee table: Keijser & Co.; rug: Interieur Decor Delft

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The large sectional a part of a background for the couple artwork.

Table lamps: Tierenlantijn; floor lamp: Artemide

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The long and spacious main living space has a living space at the front of the home and a sitting room that leads to the backyard. A custom made shelf showing decorative items separates the dining room and living room.

Contractor and custom shelving manufacturer: Mart van Adrichem

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A modern custom lighting fixture and dramatic black dining table and chairs anchor the dining room. The couple has views to the front and back of the house out of here.

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The pantry extends into the right of the kitchen, right supporting the shelving unit. Large windows over the kitchen counters attract even more light into this open space.

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The pair have put most of the rest of their renovation plans on hold for now, but they do expect to upgrade the kitchen.

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The room’s original glass doors look out onto the garden. Together with the television, books, kitchen and scenic views all within arm’s reach, this distance is the best spot for relaxing.

Stool: Tess; couches: Cartel Living; bookcase: custom by Mart van Adrichem

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Upstairs the set decorated their master bedroom in a soothing palette of charcoal and white. Art adds lilac and fuchsia accents.

Cabinets: Interieur Decor Delft; overhead lighting fixtures: Artemide; writing desk: convention by Mart van Adrichem

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The sliding door on the left leads to the en suite toilet, and the sliding door on the right leads to the walk-in closet.

Wall paint: Off Black, Farrow & Ball; light fixtures: Artemide

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The recently renovated bathroom feels spacious and open. The new vanity is decidedly contemporary, with a bright white tile backsplash and charcoal-gray MDF cabinets. The glass spacious shower needed to be custom made on account of the large size.

Floors: natural oak

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The guest room and workplace occupy one room close to the front of the floor. Like the rest of the home, this room enjoys a very simple and understated colour palette; it has one emerald accent pillow.

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The couple shares this home office, with opinions of The Hague’s skyline in the distance. The distance has two separate work areas using a sliding door between them.

Office furniture: Keijser & Co..

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The couple fell in love with the spacious backyard in their first visit to the house.

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In addition they love their swimming pool — an uncommon feature in Dutch houses.

When they bought the house, the couple also bought an extra lot on the left side of their property from their neighbors, such as a garage space (not pictured) they gave a facelift.

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The house backs onto a small waterway, surrounded by lush vegetation.

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