Description
'Huize Joosen' or 'Merula' is one of the most unique and iconic monumental villas in Breda, located on the stately Baronielaan in Breda-Zuid. The villa is built in Neo-Renaissance style, featuring numerous classicist elements.
The property (with 14 rooms and situated on a plot of over 2400 m²) holds cultural and architectural significance. The original layout and detailing have been largely preserved both inside and outside; among other features, the entrance hall, the green salon, and the rear hall are richly decorated with authentic elements. The entire property is surrounded by a park-like garden.
Huize Joosen has a rich history, initially serving as a private residence, and for decades, it has welcomed various groups for a wide range of gatherings, parties, dinners, receptions, etc. A new chapter is now beginning, and we are pleased to offer this exceptional property for sale. In addition to the villa's unique character, we also emphasize its excellent and central location. The Mastbos, Markdal, and the shopping area 'Ginnekenweg/Wilhelminastraat' are within walking distance. The center of Breda and Ginnekenmarkt can also be reached in just a few minutes by bike.
ENTRANCE
Grand entrance/vestibule with a wardrobe featuring a mirror wall with facet-cut mirrors and an authentic wardrobe unit. Double doors (with so-called bomber hinges) lead into the central hall.
The hall forms the heart of the villa. The impressive staircase (with beautiful wood carvings) leads you to the upper floors.
From this space, access is provided to the following rooms:
FRONT ROOM
The front room features beautiful light through the large bay window (with sliding windows). The fireplace, previously used for heating, is tiled with antique tiles.
FRONT SALON
The fore salon connects to the hall and the green salon. This space is adorned with stunning ornaments on several walls and ceilings. The walls feature authentic paneling and upholstery, all richly decorated. The floor is laid with herringbone parquet. The fireplace (with a large mirror above) includes a classic gas fireplace.
GREEN SALON
The green salon is located in the center of the left side of the villa and connects to the hall, the rear hall, and a side room, recently used as a bar/service area. In the green salon, both the paneling/wood carvings and the ornaments are finished in classic green and gold lacquer. Next to the double doors (with facet-cut glass), the original (dining) cabinets are still present. This room also features a classic herringbone parquet floor.
REAR HALL
The rear hall showcases a different character; this spacious garden-facing area is decorated all around—and on the ceiling—with unique ambiance and style elements, crafted from beautifully preserved wood. The large fireplace (originally from 1643) is partly in stone and partly in wood, while the rear and side walls are adorned with authentic white and burgundy-red tiles.
Various doors connect this space to the side and rear garden.
The floor is laid with an oak parquet floor in strip pattern.
KITCHEN
The kitchen is located next to the previously mentioned service area at the rear of the building. Currently, it is equipped with a professional kitchen including a large commercial stove with ovens, a large extraction hood, and a washing kitchen, among other amenities.
This space also features many original and authentic elements, such as wall tiles, the original fireplace, a granito floor, stained-glass windows, and various cabinets.
SIDE ENTRANCE
From the kitchen, you can access the side entrance/utility room, a separate space that includes a cold storage room, an extra work surface, and a slop sink. A door provides access to the front and back of the property and the garden.
BASEMENT
The basement can be accessed from the kitchen and consists of two compartments.
From the previously mentioned central hall, access to:
PORTAL
Portal (with granito floor featuring a mosaic border) leading to:
TOILET AREA
Urinal and washbasin, plus a separately lockable toilet.
The entrance and central hall feature an antique marble floor.
FIRST FLOOR
Via the grand, wide staircase with carpet, you enter the first floor.
The open landing is finished with an oak parquet floor in herringbone pattern.
Between the landing is a large walk-in closet leading to:
FRONT ROOM
Front room with a view of the Baronielaan and front garden. This space features a classic radiator and an authentic zinc ceiling.
INTERMEDIATE ROOM/OFFICE
An intermediate room/office, located on the side, with a plaster ceiling featuring decorative moldings.
BACK ROOM/BEDROOM
A back room/bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
BATHROOM
Bathroom with two sinks, a bathtub, and a toilet.
SIDE ROOM
The side room is currently used as a laundry/ironing room and can also be accessed from the landing.
BACK BEDROOM
Back bedroom with a sliding door leading to the balcony. This room is equipped with a washbasin. Here, you will also find a ceiling finished in zinc (with ornaments). This room also has an original radiator.
PORTAL
Portal with sink and (service) staircase to the previously mentioned side entrance/utility room.
TOILET AREA
Former shower/toilet area.
SANITARY SPACE
Sanitary space with two sinks and three toilets. The ceiling is finished in zinc.
LIVING ROOM
The living room is centrally located at the front. In this room, you will find a fireplace and double doors leading to the balcony above the bay window. The original zinc ceiling is also present here.
SECOND FLOOR
LANDING
Landing (with beautiful stained-glass windows that provide enchanting light throughout the stairwell) gives access to the following rooms:
ATTIC SPACE
Spacious attic space, located on the side of the property, with mezzanine/storage areas at both the front and back.
FRONT ROOM
Front room with two sinks and two large built-in closets.
FRONT ROOM
Front room with a built-in closet.
FRONT ROOM
Front room currently used as storage.
TOILET AREA
BATHING AREA
Bathing area with a bathtub.
BACK ROOM
Back room with two large built-in closets.
BACK ROOM
Back room with a washbasin.
GARDEN
The beautiful, mature garden is unique for the city, providing optimal privacy. In the garden, you will find:
• A garden house with a veranda;
• A greenhouse;
• Various storage areas;
• A central heating room.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Huize Merula consists of three building levels with a rear extension from 1912 that closely connects to the older residence.
• A three-story tower stands against the northern facade, covered with traditional Dutch tiles.
• The building has a flat roof with gables covered in traditional Dutch tiles.
• The facade is topped with a substantial, profiled cornice featuring dentil and egg molding.
• The property contains 22 solar panels.
• The stairwell features an encircling staircase with carved wooden balustrades and a skylight with figurative representations in stained glass (including family crests).
• Asbestos Notice: Asbestos-containing materials may be present in the property, which is common in homes of this type or age. Special precautions must be taken for removal according to environmental legislation. The buyer acknowledges this and indemnifies the seller from any liability.
• Age Clause: The buyer is aware that the property is over 115 years old, meaning that the requirements for construction quality are significantly lower than for new homes. In deviation from Article 6.3 of this purchase agreement, the complete or partial absence of one or more characteristics of the property for normal use due to age is the responsibility and risk of the buyer. An overall indemnity clause will be included in the purchase agreement for the benefit of the sellers.
The current zoning is for hospitality. The process for changing it to office and/or residential use is already underway.
