Small House

Datcha

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datcha-2

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datcha-4

This is a house I designed. For me it was a logical step in 2004 after building and selling some 40+ gypsy caravans. I did not look at the cost, nor what is legal or not, it just had to be as nice as possiblle. I guess most architects have to work the other way round. I took my drawings to the guys in the Czech Republic that build our caravans and they made all the parts, put it together next to their workshop, then took it apart and send it to France where we live and work. We put it up in a week just in time for a visit of a wellknown photograper (Luuk Geertsen) who made most of the photo’s you see here. Later other photographers showed up and our ‘datcha’ was featured in a lot of (fancy deco) magazines and papers in France, Italy and Holland. We got many calls, e-mails and visits but sold nothing because civil servants who decide about building permits said that the house is not in the style of the region – so is the Eiffel Tower – and other silly reasons (jealous?). The prototype is still on our land and is rented most of the summer so we still enjoy it but it would have been nice to sell a few houses.

A small house in France built by Kees Hoekstra.

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12 Comments

  • Reply Sevina February 14, 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Beautiful house! I love the Olde World style details and flirty decorations on the porch. Very romantic setting for a vacation! I hope you are able to make your dream come true some day and find a way to sell these houses!

  • Reply Linda February 14, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    This is a beautiful home. The woodwork is beautiful and intricate. I love the style. Is there a kitchen? I can envision myself setting on that porch with my coffee, lol. If you cannot sell in your current location you really should consider having these done somewhere else. Such a shame for others who are not able to purchase one of these.

  • Reply Berni February 15, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    This is utterly stunning, as are the wagons you design and build – they are the most beautiful around!

  • Reply pat frogge February 18, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    If you can’t build and sell the houses, you could put the house plans up for sale. Many of the tiny house enthusiast would be interested in buying the plans. You didn’t specify the size, but it looks like 300-500 sq ft., just the right size for those of us that can’t squeeze into less than 200 sq. ft. The house is beautiful and a unique design. I would love to see a rough sketch of the floor plan.

  • Reply PUTTY February 18, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    We are not in holding pens yet,thank ALMIGHTY and know that creative vision is just as important as the bread on our tables and in our pockets.The road less traveled doesn’t exist on any bureaucrats map…when I look at this simply amazing accomplishment, I too would go the extra mile rather than live in a cave with all the proper papers.Thank you for sharing this small but sumptuous feast for the body,mind and SPIRIT!

  • Reply Eugene February 19, 2014 at 8:28 am

    yes yes yes i love the old world style and craftsmanship

  • Reply lee February 20, 2014 at 11:16 am

    My home just burnt in the past couple weeks and I’ve been looking at home I might be able to do. This is the most beautiful home I’ve seen.

  • Reply Kim February 20, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Very Nice…. My style….

  • Reply kees hoekstra February 24, 2014 at 7:30 pm

    Thanks very much folks for all the nice things you wrote. I am discussing datcha’s and roulottes with American companies. Wally Roth of gypsyvans.com in Bend Oregon is building a caravan with help of my designs and that should be ready in a few months. No doubt he will let you know when the first is ready.

  • Reply RockyMissouri May 6, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Stunning! I love this….it is beautiful …

    Thank you!

  • Reply Doug June 25, 2015 at 10:54 pm

    I not only love the style, I LOVE your attitude Kees! Nothing wondrous or inventive was ever built with “permission” from authorities. So, we don’t ask permission. We just “do” and then when they see the fine result they try to find a way to make it fit as an exception to the rules followed by all the box dwellers and cubicle sitters.

    The best inventions and designs will always come from the ‘rule breakers’ so one has to be a little rebellious to be good at what you do. Kudos!!

  • Reply Putty May 7, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    Wow !!! Two years later and my comment hasn’t been deleted and having read how so much fine talent, quality and respectfulness has been treated like road-kill really is disheartening. I know it’s hard but fear not for true INTEGRITY will be RESTORED and not just the unnatural ‘ new and improved ‘ jargon or toxic garden variety we have been fed for far too long now. PEACE and as many say… GODSPEED…

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