Picture yourself stepping onto your private terrace on a warm summer evening, the scent of freshly cut hay drifting across endless meadows as you sink into your outdoor jacuzzi with a glass of Belgian Trappist beer. This is the rhythm of life at your vacation home in Essen-Horendonk, where the gentle countryside of Belgium's Kempen region meets modern comfort in a fully renovated 313-square-meter villa that welcomes you with six spacious bedrooms and panoramic rural views that change with every season. This property represents more than a second home—it's your gateway to the tranquil beauty of the Belgian-Dutch borderlands, where cycling paths wind through pine forests and historic villages invite leisurely exploration.
Nestled at Postbaan 47 in one of Belgium's most peaceful residential areas, this detached villa sits on a fully fenced 858-square-meter plot that wraps you in privacy and natural beauty. The location offers something increasingly rare in modern Europe: unobstructed countryside views from multiple angles, yet with every essential amenity within walking or cycling distance. The village of Essen-Horendonk combines rural authenticity with surprising convenience—your local bakery for morning croissants sits 900 meters away, while the Dutch border and town of Roosendaal lie just minutes beyond, opening access to both Belgian charm and Dutch efficiency.
This villa underwent comprehensive renovation within the past five years, transforming it into a move-in ready vacation home that requires nothing but your arrival. The energy-efficient design achieves an impressive EPC rating of 183 kWh per square meter annually, earning a B-label that translates to lower utility costs during your stays and enhanced appeal to potential renters during periods when you're not using the property. The ground floor unfolds as a masterclass in open-concept living, with 55 square meters of flowing space connecting the living room, dining area, and designer kitchen. Here, the heart of your holiday home beats strongest—a cooking island with breakfast bar accommodates five guests on designer stools, while top-tier AEG appliances including dual ovens, oversized refrigeration, and an integrated extraction system make preparing meals effortless whether you're cooking for family or entertaining friends.
The Kempen region surrounding Essen offers vacation home owners a lifestyle defined by outdoor pursuits and cultural richness. Spring transforms the countryside into a cyclist's paradise, with hundreds of kilometers of maintained routes connecting medieval towns, nature reserves, and local breweries. The famous Kalmthoutse Heide nature reserve lies mere kilometers away, offering 6,000 hectares of heathland, shifting sand dunes, and rare wildlife—ideal for morning runs or afternoon hikes. Summer brings festivals celebrating local heritage, outdoor markets showcasing regional products, and the pleasure of dining al fresco in your private garden while children play safely within the fenced grounds. Autumn paints the surrounding forests in copper and gold, perfect for mushroom foraging and nature photography, while winter invites cozy evenings by the fire after exploring Christmas markets in nearby Antwerp, just 30 kilometers south.
The villa's configuration makes it exceptionally versatile for vacation home use. Three generously proportioned bedrooms occupy the ground floor, including a master suite with an integrated dressing room and direct laundry room access—a practical luxury when managing a second home. The ground-floor bathroom spans 12 square meters and features dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in rain shower with glass enclosure, providing spa-like comfort after active days exploring the region. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms range from 21 to 29 square meters, each pre-wired for internet and television, accommodating extended family visits or generating rental income when you're away. The second bathroom upstairs ensures morning routines flow smoothly even with a full house, while an accessible loft running the villa's 17-meter length provides storage for sports equipment, bicycles, and seasonal items.
What truly distinguishes this property is the entertainment area on the left side—a covered outdoor bar set on polished concrete with climate control for year-round use and a four-person jacuzzi that faces uninterrupted countryside views. This space creates the vacation atmosphere that guests remember and renters value highly. Imagine hosting sunset gatherings here, or unwinding after cycling the Essen-Roosendaal route, with complete privacy assured by the absence of neighbors on this side. The installation of air conditioning throughout ensures comfort during increasingly warm European summers, while preparations for heat pump connection and solar panels future-proof your investment against rising energy costs.
Essen-Horendonk positions you strategically for exploring both Belgian and Dutch attractions. Brussels Airport sits 65 kilometers away, making international arrivals convenient, while Antwerp's cultural treasures—Rubens House, the Cathedral of Our Lady, diamond district, and world-class dining—are accessible for day trips. Cross into the Netherlands and Roosendaal offers shopping, entertainment, and train connections to Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The Belgian coast with its wide beaches and Belle Époque resorts lies 80 kilometers northwest, reachable for weekend seaside escapes. This accessibility enhances both personal enjoyment and rental potential, as guests value properties that serve as bases for regional exploration.
The local lifestyle revolves around community and outdoor living. Essen's football club sits 700 meters away, the primary school 750 meters, and medical services within a kilometer—important considerations for families with children or for those seeking long-term residence potential. The village maintains that authentic Belgian character increasingly difficult to find near major cities, where neighbors greet each other, local shops know your preferences, and seasonal rhythms still govern social life. Yet you're never isolated—supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, and gas stations cluster within 1-2 kilometers, while Antwerp's international amenities remain easily accessible.
For investment-minded buyers, this villa presents multiple advantages. The property's six-bedroom capacity and unique features like the jacuzzi bar position it well for holiday rentals through platforms catering to groups and families seeking countryside retreats. The Belgian vacation rental market has grown substantially, with domestic and international travelers seeking alternatives to crowded coastal areas. The villa's move-in condition eliminates renovation concerns, while the energy-efficient systems minimize operational costs. Belgian property law welcomes international ownership with straightforward processes, and the Flemish region's stable real estate values provide security. The double garage accommodating four vehicles adds practical value for renters arriving by car, while the security camera system and fully fenced grounds address safety concerns.
The technical infrastructure deserves mention for its quality and forward-thinking design. Natural gas heating via above-ground propane ensures independence from municipal supply interruptions, while preparations for heat pump integration allow future upgrading as technology advances. The property is asbestos-free and meets current electrical standards—critical factors reducing liability and maintenance costs. The ground floor's flexible bedroom can serve as a home office, expanding the property's utility for remote workers seeking extended European stays. The 44-square-meter garage with electricity, automatic door, and natural lighting provides workshop space or secure storage for recreational vehicles.
Key Features: Six spacious bedrooms ranging 10-29 square meters | Two full bathrooms with rain showers | Four-person jacuzzi in climate-controlled outdoor bar | 55-square-meter open-concept living with designer kitchen | AEG appliance package including dual ovens | 44-square-meter double garage with automatic door | 858-square-meter fully fenced plot with wraparound garden | Panoramic countryside views with no obstructions | Energy label B with 183 kWh/m² annual rating | Air conditioning throughout with heating capability | Security camera system installed | Future-ready with heat pump and solar panel preparations | 17-meter loft for extensive storage | Ground-floor master suite with dressing room | All amenities within 1-2 kilometers walking distance
The Belgian Kempen region offers a climate characterized by mild summers averaging 20-23 degrees Celsius and moderate winters rarely dropping below freezing, allowing year-round property enjoyment. Rainfall distributes evenly across seasons, keeping the landscape lush and green—that quintessential northern European countryside that draws visitors from drier climates. The area experiences true seasonal variation, from spring's explosive bloom to autumn's harvest festivals, providing ever-changing backdrops for your vacation experiences.
This villa at Postbaan 47 represents a turnkey opportunity for international buyers seeking a second home that balances privacy with accessibility, rural beauty with urban proximity, and investment potential with personal enjoyment. Whether you envision family summers filled with cycling adventures and village festivals, rental income from discerning travelers, or eventual permanent relocation to this peaceful corner of Europe, the property adapts to your vision. The combination of recent comprehensive renovation, energy efficiency, generous proportions, and unique amenities like the jacuzzi entertainment area creates a package rarely available in this price range. Schedule your viewing and experience firsthand how this vacation home could become your personal retreat in the heart of Europe's understated countryside charm.
