I was in a similar spot, I sold my Electra Amsterdam because I found it was cheaply constructed.. (rattled and clanged, chain guard was wonky) I was looking at Batavus or Pashley myself but the idea of 1500 for a bike did not sit well.

I ended up going another route entirely! I looked for a Raleigh Superbe, the (highest end roadster Raleigh ever made)
They are out there! and if you are lucky you will find one about 200 but people are getting wise to the value of those bikes now and if the bike is in very good condition they are selling around 400-500 for the Superbe.

There is also the Raleigh Sport which is the basic model, but has the same frame as the Superbe. They can be found a bit cheaper!

I updated my tires to Schwabe delta cruisers and added panniers from Curbside and a brand new brooks B66.

The bike looks (dare I say) better than any new Pashley or batavus, and I love it because it's authentic, old and British made!

So there is a cheap upright comfortable bike option for you!