They both grew up in Den Helder and started their life together in a rented flat. Their first purchased home remained their home for twenty years. Bregit: “A house from the 1930s with great sentimental value. Our children, Tom, 18, and Lieke, 16, were born there. So many memories. I didn't really need to leave yet.’

Sander wanted to make the switch to a new build one more time. “An old house like that keeps requiring maintenance and wasn't very energy-efficient. When I read about this project in the newspaper, I called the real estate agent.” Bregit: ”I wanted to take a look first, and especially to feel it. Once there, everything fell into place. It felt right.”

Energy from the sun

The house is situated just below the dike and overlooks the canal. Bregit: “It is so quiet here. Moving water right outside the door. The little boats, the coots…” Sander: “To the right, we look out onto the Mosterdbrug, and to the left, we see the entire length of the Keizersgracht.” The area is still under development. Sander explains: “The canal quay has now been completely renovated with a walking promenade. All those old jetties are gone and replaced by bollards. Trees and lampposts will be added here soon. It is becoming more and more beautiful.”

Sander's wish was an energy-efficient house. That has been achieved. The home has a heat pump and underfloor heating, it is insulated, uses no gas, and generates its own energy with solar panels. Sander: “There were eight installed as standard. We opted for sixteen. All in all, the house has an A energy label, and thanks to the insulation, you don't hear any noise from the neighbors or from outside, even when it is windy.”

Sea and city

The house consists of three bedrooms, a walk-in closet, a bathroom, a study, and the 'machine room' where the heat pump, the mechanical ventilation system, the washing machine, and the dryer are located. In the living room, the dog, Guus, lies on his throne and keeps an eye on what passes by on the canal. Bregit: ‘I am out on the dike with him around 7 o'clock in the morning. That is true wealth. That is when you come across seals. And we have seen the walrus too.’ Sander adds: “The sea is important to us. It looks different every day, and there is always a hustle and bustle of ships sailing back and forth. But it is not just the sea,’ Bregit explains: ”It is the combination. The sea and the wind, but also the amenities. We have always lived in the city center, and we wanted to keep it that way. From here, we can go to the city or to Willemsoord. Everything is close by, and after a pleasant evening, you are back home in no time.“