In the latest episode of 'Kopen Zonder Kijken,' a popular Dutch reality show, viewers witnessed the emotional journey of Saskia and Leroy, a couple determined to find their family home together despite the challenges they faced. The couple, along with their two-year-old daughter Vajèn, had a budget of 350,000 euros and initially dreamed of settling in Amsterdam, but reality soon set in.
Saskia, 34, had signed them up for the show, believing it would help them secure a home. Leroy, 30, was skeptical. “I thought we’d never be chosen because of our low budget,” he admitted. Yet, they took a leap of faith, hoping that the show's team would find them a suitable house.
As the episode unfolded, it became clear that their dream of living in Amsterdam was unrealistic. Leroy had initially thought they might end up in the Zaanstreek or Almere, but the final destination turned out to be Lelystad, a city they had not considered. "I never expected we would end up here," Leroy reflected, expressing his surprise at the location.
The couple faced numerous hurdles throughout the process. They had hoped to find a home that would accommodate their family comfortably, but the reality was starkly different. During a pivotal moment in the show, they learned that the team had explored apartments in Alkmaar and Heerhugowaard without success, which left them feeling disheartened. Leroy even contemplated quitting the show, stating, "I’d rather pay a fine than continue if this is the alternative." However, he was eventually convinced to persevere.
When the couple participated in a puzzle ride to discover their new home, the realization hit them hard. They received four envelopes, each revealing a potential location, but each time they hoped for a different city. Ultimately, they found themselves in Lelystad, which Leroy initially resisted. "I don’t want to be here!" he exclaimed, struggling to accept the situation.
Despite their initial reluctance, the couple was introduced to their new home, which turned out to be more spacious than they had anticipated. Leroy’s first reaction was one of disappointment when he realized it wasn’t their preferred choice. "I was so focused on the fourth house, and when I saw it wasn’t the one, I whispered to Saskia, ‘This is the wrong house,’" he recalled.
However, as they explored the property, they began to see its potential. The house offered more rooms than they had requested and boasted a beautiful view of the water. Leroy joked about the design choices, lamenting that his wife’s mood board seemed to have been forgotten by the stylist. "I had one wish: ‘I want a normal bathroom,’ but that didn’t happen either," he chuckled.
One particularly amusing moment occurred when Leroy initially wanted to sell a pink table that Saskia loved. Despite his comments, the table remains in their home, a testament to the couple's compromise. "My friends tease me about it, but they also think the house is beautiful," he said, acknowledging the mixed feelings he had about the decor.
As the couple settled into their new home, they began to reflect on their feelings about Lelystad. Leroy admitted he still didn’t feel at home in the city, while Saskia expressed her contentment. "I feel at home here now; I’ve found my peace, and I know all the local spots," she said, highlighting the differences in their adjustment periods.
The space in the house has proven beneficial for the family dynamics. "Everyone has their own place; you can retreat when needed," Saskia explained, noting that they often have guests and that their daughter Vajèn enjoys showing off her room to visitors. Leroy added that he appreciated the family time they now share, especially during meals, which have become cherished moments.
While the couple only made minor changes to their new home, such as adding flooring to the attic, they have plans for future renovations, including the possibility of creating a bedroom there. "We might add a dormer later, but for now, everything is perfect as it is, even the pink table," Leroy concluded.
Reflecting on their journey, both expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to own a home, especially given their backgrounds. Leroy shared, "We don’t come from wealthy families, but we are rich in love. It’s remarkable that we now have a house with three floors. We know this isn’t the norm, so we want to thank the 'Kopen Zonder Kijken' team for making this possible."
As the episode aired, viewers took to social media to express their opinions on the couple’s journey. While some criticized Leroy for his negative comments about the houses, others appreciated the humor and sincerity in their story. One viewer noted, "That house is beautiful! What more could you want?" showing that despite the couple’s initial hesitations, many saw the beauty in their new beginning.
Overall, the episode highlighted the challenges and triumphs of finding a family home in today’s housing market, revealing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with such a significant life change. For Saskia and Leroy, their journey is just beginning as they navigate life in Lelystad, now filled with hope and gratitude for their new family home.
