Dream Home Tour: a Sneak Peak into My Canal-side House in the Netherlands!

At the age of 29, i finally did it! I bought a house! Welcome to my home sweet home. This is a place where modern living meets natural beauty, tucked inside a peaceful canal-side neighborhood in the Netherlands. Today, I’m taking you through every corner of my house, from the entrance to the attic and even my favourite spot by the canal out back. Trust me, you’re going to love it here as much as I do.

Check the full home tour video on Youtube for more details.

The house is full of charming little details, from the quirky Dutch staircases to my self-installed ceiling lights. And don’t even get me started on the view from the backyard—it's something I fell in love with instantly.

Ready to dive into this home tour? Let’s go!

Front Entrance

When you first walk up to the house, you're greeted by a cozy entrance and a lovely little front yard. There's plenty of room if you want to throw in some chairs and sit outside, soaking in the fresh air. And something unique? It's a car-free street! (welcome to the Netherlands!!)

This means the only traffic you’ll see at the front door sometimes are bicycles whizzing by or children playing on the lawn across the street. It’s a quiet, safe, and perfect neighbourhood for a laid-back, easy lifestyle.

Main Corridor

Once you step inside, you’re walking through a door that I personally love—modern, sleek, and recently renovated. You come into a simple but functional main corridor. Luxuriously huge? Not exactly. But it serves the purpose: welcoming you in and providing space for your essentials.

Here’s an interesting bit of Dutch culture for you—when guests enter your home, they’ll hand over their coats or rainwear to the host. This tradition is more than practical, given how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s sunny, and the next, it’s pouring! So, naturally, the first thing you’ll see upon entering is a designated space to hang jackets, coats, and of course, the all-important rain gear.

Shoe and Jacket Closet

Right by the entrance, I’ve created a little nook for all the jackets, raincoats, and shoes. In the Netherlands, weather is a wild card, so carrying a jacket or raincoat is an everyday thing. This space helps me (and my visitors) stay organized with all the outerwear we’re constantly rotating through.

Religious Space and Sentimental Decor

Moving further inside, I’ve got a special corner by the door that houses a small statue of a deity alongside a few offerings like coconuts. My mom gave me these, and like most Indian moms, she believes in having a spiritual corner in the house. It feels like a nod to my roots. Plus, there’s a really thoughtful gift from the previous homeowners, a framed print of my birthplace (Allahabad), which they gave me as a parting gift. I mean, how sweet is that?

Living Room Area

Now, brace yourself for the living room because it’s one of my favorite spots. I’ve kept things open and spacious, and yes, there’s even enough room to play indoor cricket if you’re so inclined! There’s a cozy two-seater sofa in one corner (although it’s more like a three-seater—it can squeeze in four if needed). Fun fact: I bought this second-hand from the previous owner and scored a fantastic deal.

One of the centerpieces of the room is a beautiful high-pile carpet and a coffee table, both of which I’m quite proud of. The table was a bit of DIY work on my end, and it’s perfect for lounging, working on the laptop, or just kicking back and watching TV.

Speaking of which, let’s talk about that 65-inch LG OLED TV on the wall—a housewarming gift from some dear friends. It’s like the icing on the cake for this space.

Symmetry in Design

I’m a bit obsessed with symmetry, so I’ve installed matching lamps on either side of the living area to create that balanced, soothing effect. The lighting they give off is soft, especially on those gloomy, gray days, and it really sets a cozy mood in the room.

Indoor Plant Collection

I’ve got a few lovely snake plants scattered around, and you’ll also spot a huge Monstera in the living room, and a bird of paradise in my bedroom. If you’re into plants, you know they add a fresh, lively vibe to any space. Now, keeping them alive? That’s a whole other challenge, but I’m learning the ropes of plant care slowly but surely.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Here’s where the magic happens! Let’s move into the kitchen, which is a part of an open dining area. There’s a cute little dining table that doubles as part of the kitchen space and the living room. Overhead, you’ll spot another bamboo light fixture that I installed myself. It was a bit of a challenge, but I got it done, and it adds a lot of character to the room!

The kitchen’s got all the essentials: an induction stove with four hobs, no gas connections—so it's all electric. The chimney here is pretty modern, working like a vacuum cleaner that sucks out the cooking smoke. It’s sleek, efficient, and fits right in with the clean, minimal aesthetic I’ve been going for.

I’ve also put in some smart storage solutions, like drawers with hydraulic features and a neatly organized spice section because... well, Indian cooking demands it! There’s even a dishwasher, so cleaning up after a big meal isn’t a hassle.

One cool feature in the kitchen sink that always impresses guests? It has a twist-and-press mechanism to set hot water, and you can extend the faucet to reach all corners of the sink. It’s the small things that make life easier, you know?

First Floor Overview

Heading upstairs, there’s a bit of a twist—literally! The stairs here are narrow on the inside and wider on the outside, so it’s a bit tricky to navigate if you’re new to Dutch homes. But once you get used to it, it’s no big deal.

On the first floor, there are three rooms and a bathroom. One room is smaller and could be used as a baby room in the future. I’ve currently set it up as a workspace with an open cabinet and a desk, which works perfectly for now.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is where I get to fully stretch out on a massive super king-sized bed. The view from here? Absolutely stunning! I wake up every morning to a picturesque canal right outside my window.

Storage-wise, I’ve got a sliding door closet here, which makes it easy to keep things neat and organized. And the coolest feature? Remote-controlled blinds that make the room pitch dark, even in broad daylight. That comes in handy during those early summer mornings when the sun’s up at 4:30 AM!

Additional Bedroom

The third room is cozy yet well-organized with a queen-sized bed and some extra personal touches. I’ve got souvenirs hanging from different travels around the world, adding a bit of personality to the space. There's also a small indoor plant to keep the vibe fresh.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is decently spacious with separate sections for the bathtub and the shower. Having both areas separate is a blessing because it means you can have a long, relaxing bath without worrying about splashing all over the shower area. I've also added in some artifical branches as well as real succulents here to give it that 'earthly' vibe.

Attic Overview

Upstairs, the attic is where things get interesting. There’s a hidden storage space here, which I like to joke about because it’s big enough for someone to sleep in. There’s also a laundry section with a washer and dryer, something you’ll find tucked away in most Dutch homes.

But the main attic area? That’s my workspace. I’ve got multiple screens set up for work, a bookshelf, and some plants to keep the ambiance feeling fresh. It’s cozy but still a work in progress. I’m thinking about adding some paintings or even soundproofing the space for better acoustics.

Garden and Outdoor Space

Let’s head outside to my favorite spot—the backyard! There’s a lovely seating area with a waterproof marble table, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea on sunny days. Oh, and I recently put together a charcoal BBQ on my own, which has already been used a couple of times.

For storage, I’ve got a hidden outdoor space that could honestly sleep 15 people—it’s that big! And if you look closely, you’ll see a proper Dutch bike in there. My neighbor actually gifted it to me. How cool is that?

My Favorite Spot: Backdoor and Canal View

Now, we’re getting to the best part—the canal view. This is why I fell in love with this house. The backyard opens up to a peaceful canal where ducks and swans often swim. It’s the most relaxing spot in the whole house, and if you ever come over and can’t find me, I’m probably hiding behind a bush by the water, soaking in the tranquility.

Solar Panel Installation

Before we wrap up, I have to mention the solar panels on the roof. They generate enough energy that I don’t even receive an electricity bill. Sometimes, I even end up producing extra power that gets sold back to the municipality! It’s eco-friendly and saves me money, what more could you want?

So...What do you Think?

Buying this house was easily one of the best decisions I’ve made: not just from an investment but also an emotional point of view. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a sanctuary. It’s where I can enjoy both the quiet, slow-paced side of life and still be just 20 minutes train ride away from the hustle and bustle of city centre of Amsterdam.

I’m beyond grateful to call this place home, and I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I do! Every corner of this house—from the cozy living spaces to the backyard by the canal—makes me feel incredibly lucky, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

Got any questions related to housing in Netherlands or in the European Union in general? Wondering how mortgages work, or probably doing the buy vs rent debate in your head?

Feel free to hit me a message on the youtube video and i'll try my best to answer them, to the best of my knowledge. Also if you haven't, do enjoy the home tour video as it is pretty detailed and covers every corner of the house. Take care!