Ep 1. Canals of Amsterdam

In House Hunters International season 161 episode 1, we are taken on a tour of the picturesque canals of Amsterdam as David and Angela search for their dream vacation home. With their children grown and moved out, the couple is looking to downsize and spend more time travelling overseas.

The episode begins with David and Angela explaining their love for Amsterdam and how they have been visiting the city for years. They are excited about the prospect of finally owning a piece of it for themselves. The couple has a budget of €400,000 and wants a property that will generate rental income when they're not there.

Their search starts in the popular Jordaan neighborhood, known for its fashionable boutiques and lively streets. Here they view a one-bedroom apartment priced at €375,000. The property showcases an open plan layout with a modern kitchen and a balcony overlooking a canal. It appears to tick all the right boxes for the couple, but the real estate agent reminds them that properties in this area move fast. The pressure is on for David and Angela to make a decision.

Their next stop takes them to the Nine Streets district, a high-end shopping and dining area, where they view a loft-style apartment with exposed wooden beams and brick walls. Priced at €395,000, it boasts a large terrace with views of the canal and the historic Westerkerk church. The couple is impressed, but the location is further away from their favorite restaurants and shops.

The third property is located in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, famous for its street markets and vibrant nightlife. They visit a top-floor apartment priced at €385,000 that has been recently renovated with new appliances and fixtures. The standout feature of this property is its large rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the city. Although the space is smaller than their previous viewings, David and Angela consider the outdoor space an added bonus.

After viewing the three properties, the couple discusses their options over a coffee break. They like all three properties for different reasons, but they are struggling to choose just one. The next day brings new prospects, and the couple continues their search.

They visit a two-bedroom apartment located in the canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its price of €400,000 is slightly over their budget, but the real estate agent assures them that it's an excellent investment. The property features high ceilings, decorative moldings, and views of the canal. It's a traditional Amsterdam house with historical details, which appeals to David and Angela's love for authentic architecture.

Their last stop turns out to be the final contender, a penthouse located in the Oud-Zuid neighborhood, one of the most exclusive areas in Amsterdam. Priced at €395,000, the property has two bedrooms and a spacious balcony overlooking a canal. It's a beautifully designed modern apartment, with built-in storage and high-end finishes that David and Angela appreciate. Its location is also close to their favorite Dutch steakhouses and coffee shops.

As the episode comes to a close, David and Angela have to make a decision among the five properties. Each property has its pros and cons, but they now have a better idea of what they want in their dream Amsterdam home. The episode leaves us on a cliffhanger, eagerly anticipating which property they will choose.