House Hunters International Season 43 Episode 2 Going Dutch in Gouda

In season 43, episode 2 of House Hunters International, titled "Going Dutch in Gouda," viewers follow the journey of a family as they search for their dream home in Gouda, a picturesque city in the western Netherlands known for its cheese and historic architecture.

The episode begins with a brief introduction of the family: a couple with two young children who have decided to move to the Netherlands for the husband's job. The family currently lives in the United States and has never been to Gouda before, but they are excited to start a new chapter of their lives in Europe.

The family's real estate agent meets them at their hotel to start the house hunt. The agent explains that Gouda is a popular destination for expats due to its beautiful canals and historic buildings, but finding a spacious family home within their budget may be a challenge. The family's budget is 500,000 euros ($586,000 USD), and they are looking for a home with four bedrooms, a garden, and easy access to schools and public transportation.

The first home they visit is a charming historic townhouse on a bustling street in the heart of Gouda. The home has four levels, including a basement and a small garden in the back. The family is impressed with the historic details, such as the exposed wooden ceiling beams and the old Dutch tiles in the kitchen. However, they quickly realize that the home is much smaller than they were hoping for, and the busy street noise may not be suitable for their young children.

The second home they visit is a modern, spacious apartment on the outskirts of Gouda. The apartment is in a new development and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large balcony with a view. The family loves the modern design and the proximity to public transportation and schools. However, they miss the charm and character of the historic townhouses they saw earlier, and the apartment complex feels a bit sterile and impersonal.

The third home they visit is a beautiful, renovated farmhouse in the countryside just outside of Gouda. The home has four bedrooms, a large garden, and views of the pastoral landscape. The family is excited by the possibility of having more space and quiet, peaceful surroundings. However, they worry about the long commute to the city center, especially on busy mornings when they need to drop off their children at school.

After the three home tours, the family sits down with their real estate agent to discuss their options. They are torn between the modern apartment and the historic townhouse - the apartment offers the space and convenience they need, while the townhouse has the character and central location they love. The family ultimately decides to put in an offer on the historic townhouse, and the episode ends with them anxiously waiting to hear back from the seller.

Overall, "Going Dutch in Gouda" offers a glimpse into the challenges and joys of house hunting in a foreign country, as well as the unique housing options available in a historic Dutch city like Gouda. Viewers will enjoy following the family's journey as they weigh their options and make difficult decisions about where to call home.