1/2 The farm on the Kreijtenberg in Milheeze (photo: Van Helvoort Makelaardij).
Once the characterful farmhouse on the Kreijtenberg in Milheeze was for sale for ten years. Until Peter Valks bought the farm. He breathed new life into the municipal monument, and comes again for sale sign in the garden. “Now someone else can enjoy it.”
“For me it was a nice challenge,” says the 70-year-old owner about the big renovation. “I have always had a maintenance company. Where others mainly saw bears on the road, I thought: this monument must come back to life. It was very important that my wife Elly was one hundred percent behind it. Together we came up with this result.”
Lovingly
With the help of friends and many own craftsmanship, Valks renovated the rear part of the farm, the part that is now for sale for an asking price of 895,000 euros. “I did everything myself: laying floors, making layouts, the finish. My whole soul and salvation is in it.”
Authentic details were preserved: from niches with Maria statues to old trusses that return to the interior as a photo wall. He even collected the roof tiles throughout the Netherlands. “They had to be greenish, not standard black. It is part of the appearance.”
Old building, modern comfort
The house breathes history, but is surprisingly modern in comfort. The monument was given a completely new insulation and achieved energy label B, something that rarely succeeds in such old buildings. “I didn’t want solar panels, they don’t fit here. But with infrared floor heating it is still gasless and sustainable,” says Valk’s pride.
Alpacas in the back garden
What makes the yard extra special are the alpacas that graze in the adjacent meadow. “I am now sitting on the terrace and looking forward to it. This year there are youngsters again. Looking at the animals gives such a sense of peace. The pasture is part of a larger landscape recovery project, with new orchards and hedges that fit the monumental destination.”
Holiday feeling in your own village
Although he never lived there himself, Valks calls the place unique. “It feels like a vacation here every day. You walk into nature like this, with the excavation and forests around the corner. At the same time you live in the middle of a nice neighborhood, with contact through the neighborhood app. The best of two worlds.”
After years of restoration, it is now time to transfer the baton. “You have to feel good about this place. It is not a standard house, but a monument full of character and love. For us it was a dream project, now another person can enjoy it.”
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.