Picture yourself stepping through wrought-iron gates into a private sanctuary where century-old trees frame a historic Belgian rectory, yet cafés and train stations to Antwerp sit just minutes away on foot. This is the rare equilibrium of Essen living: a peaceful, established neighborhood where architectural heritage meets practical modern infrastructure, where 62 solar panels power your sustainable retreat, and where 2,129 square meters of private garden create an urban oasis impossible to find in Belgium's competitive property markets. Built in 1903 by architect Louis Gife as the village rectory, this eight-bedroom residence offers international buyers an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of protected Belgian heritage while enjoying the lifestyle flexibility that few European properties can match. Whether you envision multi-generational family gatherings, a home office setup with dedicated guest quarters, or a vacation rental generating consistent income from Antwerp professionals and Dutch visitors, this former rectory adapts to your vision while maintaining its dignified character.
Essen occupies a strategic position that Belgian locals treasure but international buyers often overlook: nestled against the Dutch border in the province of Antwerp, this municipality of 18,000 residents combines small-town tranquility with exceptional connectivity. Your morning routine might begin with coffee in the 75-square-meter living room overlooking the rear garden, followed by a twenty-minute cycle through Grenspark De Kalmthoutse Heide, one of Belgium's most biodiverse nature reserves spanning 6,000 hectares of heathland, dunes, and pine forests. By midday, you could be browsing Antwerp's diamond district or touring its fashion museums, thanks to the direct 40-minute train connection from Essen station. The Dutch Randstad sits within easy reach: Roosendaal is 10 minutes by car, offering designer outlet shopping, international rail connections, and the Rosada Fashion Outlet with over 100 premium brands at discount prices. The North Sea coast unfolds less than an hour westward, where Knokke-Heist and Cadzand provide beach clubs, sailing, and seafood restaurants from May through September.
This border location creates unique advantages for vacation home owners. The Netherlands' Schiphol Airport lies 90 minutes north, Brussels Airport sits 75 minutes south, and Eindhoven Airport is just 60 minutes away, giving you flexibility for international arrivals. The E19 motorway runs nearby, connecting you to Rotterdam in 75 minutes or Brussels in 45 minutes. For cycling enthusiasts, the region is crosshatched with dedicated bike paths: the Kleine AA river route winds through pastoral landscapes to Wuustwezel, the Bakkersmolen windmill in Wildert makes a scenic 8-kilometer loop, and the Karrenmuseum celebrates local cart-building heritage in nearby Essen-Hoek. Belgium's temperate maritime climate brings mild winters averaging 3°C and comfortable summers around 22°C, with the garden truly coming alive from April through October when wisteria climbs the facade and the mature trees create dappled shade for outdoor dining.
Inside, the 361-square-meter layout reveals why this property appeals to diverse buyer profiles. The ground floor establishes impressive entertaining proportions: a 53-square-meter sitting room with 3.7-meter ceilings, restored wooden shutters, bulletproof double glazing, and French doors opening to the garden terrace. The adjacent 22-square-meter dining room flows into a modern kitchen equipped with Quooker instant boiling water, dishwasher, and underfloor heating. A 12-square-meter ground-floor office with garden access creates the ideal work-from-home setup, increasingly valuable as remote work arrangements become permanent. The first floor houses four generous bedrooms ranging from 11 to 22 square meters, plus a fifth dressing room, all served by a renovated bathroom with both bathtub and separate shower. The second-floor studio apartment operates independently with its own kitchen, two bedrooms, and bathroom complete with washing machine connections, generating immediate rental appeal or housing extended family with privacy.
The 2005 renovation addressed every system with quality materials: Merbau hardwood for window frames, 90 double-glazed windows with insect screens, updated plumbing and electrical systems meeting current Belgian codes, and comprehensive insulation in the renewed roof structure. The 62 solar panels installed on the roof and outbuildings generate substantial electricity, with feed-in tariff certificates valid until 2029 creating ongoing value. Rainwater collection supplies garden irrigation, reducing utility costs, while the heat pump in the studio and dual gas-fired boilers in the basement provide flexible climate control. The 300-liter gas boiler ensures ample hot water for eight bedrooms and three bathrooms. In the basement, a 25-square-meter wine cellar with consistent cool temperatures awaits collectors, while the 30-square-meter technical room houses the water softener and heating equipment with space remaining for storage or workshop use.
The grounds deserve particular attention for international buyers accustomed to compromising on outdoor space in European cities. The front garden creates an impressive approach with original ornamental ironwork fencing, establishing privacy from Nieuwstraat while showcasing the architectural facade. The side driveway accesses the double stone garage with additional storage, accommodating two vehicles plus bicycles, garden equipment, and seasonal items. The expansive rear garden spans approximately 1,800 square meters of level lawn, mature deciduous trees, established shrubs, and sunny terraces for dining or lounging. This is not a garden requiring professional maintenance; rather, it's a manageable space where weekend owners can easily keep lawns trimmed and borders tidy, or where full-time residents might install a swimming pool, create vegetable beds, or add a garden studio given the generous dimensions.
Essen's village center surrounds you with daily conveniences: two supermarkets within 400 meters, bakeries producing Belgian specialties like cougnou and speculoos, butchers preparing local Mechelse koekoek chicken, and family restaurants serving Flemish classics like waterzooi and stoverij. The weekly market on Marktplein brings regional produce, cheeses from neighboring Limburg, and Dutch stroopwafels from across the border. Schools include primary and secondary options within walking distance, valuable for families relocating or those with grandchildren visiting regularly. Medical facilities, pharmacies, and municipal services cluster in the compact center, while Antwerp's university hospitals and international schools remain accessible for those requiring specialized services.
For investors, Essen presents compelling fundamentals. The Belgian vacation rental market has strengthened considerably, with Antwerp-area properties commanding €800-1,200 weekly during summer months and €600-900 for weekend breaks year-round. The proximity to Dutch borders attracts weekend visitors from Randstad cities where property prices run double Belgium's rates. Corporate rentals to executives working in Antwerp's port or chemical sectors provide steady mid-term income. The property's eight-bedroom, three-bathroom configuration suits both large family groups and multiple couples sharing costs. At €849,000 for 361 square meters on 2,129 square meters of land, the per-square-meter price of €2,352 significantly undercuts Antwerp's €3,500-4,500 range while offering substantially more land and heritage character than urban alternatives.
Belgium offers straightforward property acquisition for international buyers: no restrictions on EU citizens purchasing, non-EU buyers face minimal additional requirements, and the notary system ensures transparent transactions. Registration duties in Flanders currently stand at 3% for primary residences or 12% for second homes, with the purchase price determining exact costs. Annual property taxes in Essen average €2,500-3,500 for properties of this size, while the solar panels reduce electricity expenses substantially. Belgium's inheritance laws warrant consideration for estate planning, though international tax treaties with most countries prevent double taxation. Legal ownership can structure through personal names, Belgian companies, or foreign entities depending on your residence and tax situation.
Key features for discerning buyers include: Eight bedrooms across three floors accommodating 12-16 guests comfortably; Two full bathrooms plus one additional toilet serving the ground floor; Independent second-floor studio with kitchen and bathroom ideal for rental or family; 62 solar panels generating sustainable electricity with certificates valid through 2029; Rainwater collection system with garden irrigation reducing environmental impact; Double garage plus additional parking on gated private grounds; 2,129 square meters of mature gardens with complete privacy in village center; Protected architectural heritage status recognizing historical significance; Comprehensive 2005 renovation including roof, windows, insulation, and systems; Heat pump in studio and dual central heating boilers for flexible climate control; 25-square-meter wine cellar with natural cool temperatures in basement; Ground-floor office with garden access perfect for remote work; 3.7-meter ceiling heights creating volume and light throughout reception rooms; Walking distance to shops, restaurants, schools, and Essen train station; 40-minute direct train to Antwerp, under one hour to North Sea coast.
This former rectory invites you to author your own Belgian story: perhaps summer weeks when extended family gathers for cycling expeditions and garden barbecues, autumn weekends exploring Antwerp's art scene and Michelin-starred restaurants, or year-round residence blending work-from-home flexibility with small-town community life. The sustainable systems and recent renovations mean you can move in immediately, focusing energy on creating memories rather than managing contractors. Contact Homestra today to arrange your private viewing of this exceptional eight-bedroom vacation home in Essen, where Belgian heritage, modern sustainability, and international accessibility converge in one remarkable property.
