Villa Spee: A Modern Home That Floats Above the Dutch Countryside
Villa Spee is a modern private villa in Haelen, in the south-east of the Netherlands, designed by Lab32 Architects and completed in 2014. It replaced a 1960s bungalow on the same plot, and its box-like volume seems to hover over the rolling fields.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Haelen, the Netherlands |
| Architect | Lab32 Architects (architect Loek Stijnen) |
| Interior designer | Rob Zeelen |
| Year | 2014 |
| Site history | Built on the plot of a dated 1960s bungalow |
| Outdoor features | Lower rear terrace with pool and pond, plus a covered terrace |
What makes Villa Spee special?
The home was designed around the owners’ love of the outdoors. Panoramic windows at the front and back tie the inside to the fields, and the interior pairs a sleek, minimalist look with warm materials. The exterior is white plaster on insulated walls, with wooden shades and aluminium window frames.
Features include a fireplace for long evenings, a modern home office and an outdoor pool with lounge sofas.
” The villa caters to the taste of the residents for the outdoors. The home floats above the natural rolling countryside, and features panoramic windows that optimize the relationship between the inside and outside. “
Who are Lab32 Architects?
Lab32 architecten is an architecture firm based in Elsloo, in the Zuid-Limburg region. It designs modern homes and commercial buildings for private and business clients, with projects across Limburg, West-Friesland and Belgium. Its portfolio and current projects are on the official website: lab32architecten.nl.
How does the garden connect to the house?
The pool and pond sit on a lower terrace at the back and flow into the covered terrace, so the outdoor living spaces read as one.
The beautiful lower terrace at the back with a pool and pond connects seamlessly to the covered terrace and strengthen these relationships.
Inside, the finish follows the same idea.
The interior is designed in harmony with the villa and fits perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic pursued by the clients. Sleek and minimalist design combined with warm materials.
What do you think of this home? Can you picture yourself living here, above the countryside? Leave your opinion in the comments and share the villa with friends and family.
Why the Netherlands for modern villas?
The country combines flat, open countryside with strong design culture. If you like the setting, see these locations, the rich side of the country, and a stylish hotel in Amsterdam.
Keep reading
- Photos that will make you want to visit Holland: more of the setting around the villa
- Canal House, a luxury canal-side hotel in Amsterdam: where to stay on a Dutch trip
- Modern mansion built on the cliffs of Altea: another modern home with a view
FAQ
Where is Villa Spee?
Villa Spee is in Haelen, a village in the south-east of the Netherlands.
Who designed Villa Spee?
Lab32 Architects designed it, with architect Loek Stijnen credited, and Rob Zeelen is credited for the interior.
When was Villa Spee built?
It was completed in 2014 on the site of a 1960s bungalow.
What outdoor features does Villa Spee have?
A lower rear terrace with a pool and pond that connects to a covered terrace, and panoramic windows facing the countryside.
Can you visit Villa Spee?
It is a private home and not open to visitors. Lab32’s website lists the studio’s other projects.
Last updated: October 2026.
