Jan Vayne: "We had an instant click with Portula"
Jan Vayne and his girlfriend Marije had been dreaming about a vacation home abroad for some time. "We love snow and sun, so preferably a place where both come together and also there is a stable economic and geopolitical situation. In addition, it had to be a country where we could get there quickly if we wanted to go there. Pretty soon Norway came up."
"Of Norway we knew that it is a healthy country that is independent and does not isolate itself. Especially the tranquility appealed to us, but also the stability, purity and beauty of the country. It is very inspiring to see how Norwegians deal with their energy and with nature. So the choice for Norway was quickly made."
But where do you start? A Google search brought them to Portula. An introduction to Erik and Werner followed and it felt right away. "Then we spent four days together on the road in Norway looking at different plots and houses."
"We both have different needs, so then it's searching for something that makes you both happy. That's why we decided to build ourselves a vacation home. For Marije it is especially important to have a place where she has her own stuff, so she doesn't have to move everything every time. I would like a house with one big space, Marije likes small corners more."
"It was very nice that Werner guided us in Norway with the steps we needed to take. For example, we had to go to a Norwegian bank to have our passports 'confirmed' and this was the first step to getting the necessary Norwegian D number. The bank was only open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; very snazzy. Portula clearly had experience with this, which gave us a familiar feeling."
"During those days, we looked at different lots and building projects. The first place was by a lake, the second place on a mountain and the third near a ski slope. We explored the area and discovered what there was to do nearby. From forest to ski slope, from supermarket to pub."
"The great thing was that during those days we were able to test sleep in a vacation villa in a house built by Portula to get a taste of the atmosphere. We slept on the mountain where we also ended up buying a lot. The house was luxurious and super comfortable. Great to experience waking up in the morning in your future vacation home. The first thing we saw were tracks of a moose!"
"On Werner's advice, we chose southeastern Norway. Here you have four seasons, a sub-land climate, little rain, you can sail and ski, and you are close to the big cities. In addition, you can drive to the south coast within an hour and a half. There you find the Norwegian 'bustle'; with bearskins and fires drinking beer together," Jan laughs.
"The most important thing is to find the right lot, because you're stuck with a zoning plan," explains Werner of Portula. "Purely on gut feeling I had chosen this lot for Jan and Marije beforehand. Fine by the lake, close to the cozy village and within walking distance of the supermarket. Within 10 minutes you are on the ski slope." Jan and Marije immediately fell in love: "This lot really stood out. This was for us the very best spot!"
Currently, the lot is being prepared for construction. On average, there are about 7 to 9 months between plot selection and building the house. Jan and Marije's vacation home will be completed in mid-2023. "Right now we are finalizing the type of Fiskebekk we have chosen with Werner and Wessel. In doing so, we are looking at what best suits our place and the price and efficiency difference. Among other things, we are looking at whether 1 or 2 families can stay in the house."
"The choice of the type of home we make in addition to our personal preference also from a business point of view. In the end it has to generate a return. After about 8 weeks of renting, we already have the costs out and that is a reassuring thought."
"Our plan is to be in Norway about four times a year for two weeks," Jan says. "So the other time we will rent it out. We outsource that too to Portula (Fjord Rentals). That local presence for rentals is superfine." But first the house has to be finished. "When construction starts, we get a photo update every two weeks on the state of play. Even pictures from a drone. Fantastic to follow the process remotely like that! I don't rule out the possibility that we might buy a second home there in the future."
Are you, like Jan and Marije, interested in having a luxury wooden vacation home built in Norway? We would be happy to tell you more about the possibilities during a personal meeting. For questions or to make an appointment, please contact Erik van Riessen at 06-20439999 or Werner Harsta at 06-1069386.
Are you interested in a second home in Norway? Or would you like to know more about our offer and our way of working? Leave your contact details and we will get back to you soon.
During a personal meeting - at our office in Apeldoorn or in your home - we'll tell you all about the possibilities and how we can help you realize your dream home in Norway.
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