Hi there, busy agent here—so I’ll just dive right in with this one because time is always flying and calls keep piling up from around the globe! This is one for the buyers who want something special in Belgium, especially those coming from abroad, expats, or international families seeking more space and a real taste of local Belgian life.
So, let’s talk about this detached villa at Voortjesweg 24, in Poppel, just outside Ravels, Belgium. It’s honestly a property that genuinely ticks a lot of boxes—not just for it’s size or location but also for the lifestyle it has on offer. This villa is in good condition, not some old wreck where you’d be replacing every window frame or roof tile before you move in, but of course you could bring your own style with a few updates or a light refresh here and there. Built in 1995, it’s got some years, but the bones are solid and the living space is move-in ready. That’s rare enough for this part of Belgium.
Right out front you’ve got a big private plot— about 1,314 sqm—which means a lot of green, lots of elbow room, and space for the kids (or pets or even the in-laws if you want) to run around. You can really feel the calm, because you’re located on a quiet road right next to the woods. No city noise, no traffic. With 350 sqm of living area, you really get that space you might be missing if you’re used to smaller homes or apartments in busy cities.
About the local area—Poppel is seriously relaxed. It’s a small village vibe, very safe, with friendly neighbours and a lot of nature all around. The region is also very cross-border: you’re minutes from the Netherlands, so if you work or have family connections across the border, that’s a real bonus. Antwerp isn’t too far either, maybe an hour to the city if you need a real burst of culture, shopping, or work stuff. Mostly, though, life around here is about stepping outside and breathing; cycling paths everywhere, walking trails in the woods, even horse riding or bird watching if that’s your thing. The air is clean, the countryside is open, and there’s a real sense of privacy and safety. Families love it for the schools and playgrounds, and weekends often mean family picnics or trips to nearby cafés and markets.
Now the climate—the Belgian Campine area (that’s where you are) is known for moderate seasons. Summers can get warm, but rarely too hot, and with your own pool, the kids and grown-ups both stay happy. Winters can be damp and chilly, but nothing extreme. All-year round it’s pretty green and lush, so gardening fans will have plenty to dig into. Not much hassle with wild weather conditions, no flooding issues, just normal Belgian weather.
Living in a villa like this is about having options. The house is partially open plan, lots of nice bright daylight comes in because of big windows and sliding doors—really helps you feel connected to the outdoors, even in the colder months. The kitchen is the center; lots of workspace so if you like cooking with the family or entertaining, it handles a crowd. Downstairs, there’s a proper basement “souterrain” level with more rooms—can be bedrooms, a home gym, a creative studio, even a private office or home cinema. These are flexible spaces—perfect if you’re bringing work home, or if you expect guests a lot.
Outside, the pool is heated, so you get more months out of the year enjoying it. The garden wraps all the way round so there’s shade, sun, and private corners for reading or wine with friends. There’s a covered terrace for Belgian rainy days—still get outdoors, no problem.
While the villa is in good shape, you still might want to do some gentle updating to really make it your own. Maybe a new colour splash, change the floors if you’re not a fan of natural stone, or tweak some of the bathrooms to your taste. Nothing major, but if personalisation is your goal, there’s a lot of potential without the hassle of a gut renovation.
Features at a glance:
- 4 bedrooms, flexible use downstairs and up
- 2 full bathrooms
- Spacious 350m² living area
- Plot of 1,314m², private and green
- Heated outdoor pool
- Covered terrace with open views
- Open plan living and kitchen area
- Underfloor heating in main areas
- Double garage with electric doors
- Home battery and 12 solar panels (energy bill = much lower)
- Sauna/fitness room
- Fireplace
- Double glazing and good insulation (energy label B)
- Security with privacy (quiet road on edge of forest)
- Bosch high-efficiency boiler (2024)
If you’re looking for a family base in Belgium with room to grow, work, relax—or just get away from the rush, this fits the bill. Plenty of schools nearby and connections by car or public transport to bigger towns. Sunday markets, forest cycling routes, local cheese shops—it’s a region where quality of life comes first. And for those new to the Belgian way of life, people here tend to be helpful and open—if you want to integrate, this is the style of community where you actually get to know your neighbours.
So, if you want somewhere with personality, space, and potential for even more, but don’t want a complete project, this villa in Poppel is absolutely worth a closer look. For busy international families or those wanting a peaceful countryside vibe without dropping off the grid, rarely can you get this much land and house for your money in a cross-border location. I’ve lived abroad and know what people want—a home, not just a building.
Want to see more or get detail on local schools, transport, permits? Let me know. Happy to set up a virtual viewing for overseas buyers or answer any expat questions about life in the region. It’s a busy market but this one’s a gem for the right family or couple. Ping me quick, because nice ones like this don’t hang around.
