1/8 Photo: Van der Krabben Makelaardij.
Ravenstein was confronted with a large city fire in 1606. The destroyed houses were rebuilt in the following years. One of the first houses to be rebuilt was Colonel Wilsstraat 13. A few centuries later, Mari and Ria van Roosmalen live in the same house. “We lived in this house and loved this house,” say the current residents.
Ria and Mari have lived in Ravenstein for nine years. Now that their children have left the parental nest, the couple is looking for another house. Their current house in the Colonel Wilsstraat 13 is going on sale for 915,000 euros. This is done through Van der Krabben Makelaardij in Oss.
“We are looking for a life -course -proof home or something similar that comes our way. Our house has a capacity of 1250 cubic meters. The contents of our new house must be halved at least,” laughs Mari.
About ten years ago, Ria and Mari went looking for a house in Ravenstein. “We came from a new -build house,” says Ria. “When setting up the house in Ravenstein, I quickly found out that the house had its own character and style. I had a preference for placing beautiful scales and jugs. I wanted to use it for that.”
When seeing their new house, Ria changed his mind. “The house in Ravenstein just didn’t need those things. The house was striking itself.”
“Many people who come to us for the first time are amazed,” says Mari. The house was rebuilt in the last century according to the principles of the Bossche School. “It looks. It is a wonderful combination with the monumental elements of the house. Old beams are incorporated in the house here and there. Previous residents have done fantastically.”
The house on the Colonel Wilsstraat still houses another secret. Via a hatch in the living room you end up in an authentic dry basement via a staircase. The basement is about five meters long and three meters wide. “Ravenstein has about one hundred and twenty cellars. Almost everyone has a basement. They are collected in a basement book. The cellars are dry, even in wet times.”
Ria and Mari hope that their house will be sold quickly. “It would be nice if the buyers, just like us, would love our house. We had that feeling nine years ago too. It was love at first sight. A typical home is to live in. But our house has history and character. You live in that.”
Ria has another tip for the new residents. “Through the back of our house you walk via the Maasdijk to the floodplains of the Maas. The Maas is really fantastic. You can take walks and recreate. Ravenstein is a ‘town with a village character’. There is a nice atmosphere. Everyone knows each other.”
Special Brabants Koophuis
In a special Brabants Koophuis we share a special house every Sunday that is for sale in our province. That does not only have to be the largest, smallest, oldest or most expensive owner -occupied home, but it can also be a home with a special story or a separate design.
Is your special house for sale or do you have tips for us? Mail to [email protected].
View all special Brabant owner -occupied houses here.