Sometimes the desire to move doesn’t start with a major decision, but with a (small) sense of something missing. In this case: a garden. From their home in the Ebbingekwartier, the feeling gradually grew that the house was a bit small and the city was getting busier. The neighborhood was nice, the neighbors were great, but it felt less convivial than before.
\nIneke and Henk therefore started looking for something else. They even placed a bid on a house. Until they were outbid by too much. \u201cMaybe new construction is smarter after all,\u201d was the conclusion. But where in the city can you find a new-build home with both space and a garden? <\/p>\n
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\u201cWe never actually expected that we would leave the city.\u201d<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n And then Meerstad entered the picture<\/strong> First a bike ride. Another look around. And slowly, \u201cwe hadn’t thought of this before\u201d turned into \u201chey, it\u2019s nice here!\u201d A house that suddenly became possible \u201cWe never actually expected that we would leave the city center.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Choosing a new-build also turned out not to be entirely new for Ineke and Henk. They had bought a new-build home before and therefore knew that a construction process involves many choices: where will a light point be placed, how should the kitchen be designed, which materials do you choose, and what do you only discover once you actually live there? \u201cIt really is a village in the city\u201d According to them, that village character is not only in the space, the water, and the greenery, but also in the way people interact with each other. New neighbors are all busy with their gardens, borrow things from each other, and help each other when necessary. No mandatory community life, but a natural willingness to do something for one another. From bustle to peace and quiet In addition, Meerstad naturally offers you tranquility, the beach, the Woldmeer, the forest, Park Meerstad, and much more. And for your daily groceries, you can visit the Jumbo, located in the heart of Meerstad. <\/p>\n At the same time, they see that Meerstad is in full development. There are more and more activities and initiatives. The StrandHuis organizes events, there are activities for children, and residents themselves take initiatives to make the neighborhood lively. Ineke: \u201cA beautiful example: a neighbor who bakes pizzas for the neighborhood himself on Friday evenings. It is exactly those kinds of small initiatives that I believe contribute to the feeling that people are working together to make Meerstad so great.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cI enjoy my garden\u201d And their favorite spot in Meerstad? That ultimately turns out to be their own home. They are very happy with how it turned out and especially with the space they now have. But the StrandHuis, the water, and the forest behind the house have also become regular favorite spots. <\/p>\n
\nNot as a long-held dream. In fact, we had never really specifically thought about Meerstad. Ten years ago, it felt like a completely different world to Ineke and Henk. But thanks to their daughter and son-in-law, who also bought a new-build home in Meerstad, they decided to take a look after all. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cOn a summer afternoon, we cycled from the city to Meerstad. We had a drink at the StrandHuis and it felt a bit like being on holiday. It was relaxed, spacious, and green. The seed had been sown,\u201d says Ineke. <\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Through a new construction project, a house subsequently came along that fit within their budget. At first, they were still cautious. But when a property unexpectedly became available, they seized their chance. An email, a phone call, and suddenly there was the message: congratulations, you have been selected in the draw. Thus, an idea became reality.<\/p>\n
\nThis time, however, they were much more closely involved in the process. That sometimes meant looking critically, adjusting, and consulting again. But it was precisely because of this that they were able to make their house increasingly their own. <\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>What perhaps surprised them most was not the house, but the atmosphere in Meerstad.
\nIn the city center, they were used to the hustle and bustle, traffic, and lots of activity. In Meerstad, they soon noticed how different daily life feels. At a pedestrian crossing, cars stop well before you have crossed. People have a chat. The streets feel spacious. And where they initially thought Meerstad was mainly a new neighborhood of Groningen, they discovered: it really is a complete village! <\/p>\n
\nAnd that suits them well. They didn’t move for a life where everyone maintains the garden together every day, but they appreciate that there is a kind of natural involvement. <\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>What is the biggest difference compared to living in the city center?
\n“Not everything is within immediate walking distance, but in return, Meerstad is very accessible and easy to reach. There is a P+R if you want to go by car, a good bus connection, and you can be at the Grote Markt in 20 minutes by bike,” says Ineke.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>When you ask about the moment they think that’s why we moved here, the answer is actually very simple.
\nThe garden.
\nThe space.
\nThe house.
\nComing downstairs every morning and thinking: wonderful!
\nThe garden has now been designed so that there is plenty of room for pleasant dining, drinks, and playing games with family and friends. An image that fits perfectly with the reason they once started looking for another place: more room to live. <\/p>\n