A loft apartment in a former vicarage. Experience living in a distinctive loft apartment in the historic Maria Magdalena vicarage, featuring high-quality finishes and unique character. This building, dating from 1891 and designed by the world-renowned architect Pierre Cuypers—known for the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station—offers a special blend of rich history and modern living comfort. With a total living area of 335 m², this loft apartment provides spacious living with impressive height. The residence includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a laundry room. The layout of the living spaces, high ceilings, and large windows ensure an abundance of light and a sense of space.
Tour
The representative entrance provides access to the wardrobe and the toilet and leads to the central hall and the fourteen-meter-long living area with impressively high ceilings and generous windows. The spacious sitting area, with double French doors, opens to the terrace and garden, where you can enjoy the sun in various spots. The dining area forms the heart of this space and separates the modern open kitchen from the sitting area. The kitchen, equipped with a marble countertop and breakfast bar, has all modern appliances for extensive cooking and entertaining.
At the back of the living area, French doors lead to a spacious, cozy veranda that naturally transitions into the garden of approximately 134 m². The study, fitted with a wall of cabinets and a built-in desk, is separated from the living area by steel doors with glass. This setup ensures that the study is a seamless extension of the living area, maintaining an open and connected feel.
On the bel étage, the master bedroom is a generous space with a walk-in closet and a view of the garden. The en-suite bathroom offers a luxurious experience with a double walk-in shower, vanity unit, toilet, and bathtub, making this bedroom an ideal place to relax completely.
In thebasement, a full floor, there are the remaining four bedrooms, a TV room, and the laundry room. A playful addition is the slide that connects the floor to the stairs. The rooms are accessible from a spacious open area that can be used multifunctionally. The two bedrooms at the rear are connected by a modern bathroom with a bathtub, walk-in shower, and double sink. A third bedroom has its own shower and sink, making it ideal as a guest room.
At the front of the basement are a fourth bedroom, a charming TV room, and the laundry room. The fourth bedroom has a pantry and its own bathroom, making it perfect for guests or an au pair.
What the owners are going to miss
"We truly enjoy the proximity to the Jordaan and Noordermarkt. We always go on Saturdays with the kids to Noordermarkt for fresh groceries and flowers."
Neighborhood
Located by the Westerpark, this residence offers a vibrant environment with numerous playgrounds, cozy cafes, and dining options. This area is ideal for families, pet owners, and lovers of a gastronomic lifestyle.
In the Westerpark itself, you can find various local favorites, such as Ijskuipe, famous for its excellent ice cream, and Mossels & Gin, where delicious craft beers are served. For the best coffee, De Bakkerswinkel and De Espresso Fabriek are excellent choices. Additionally, Toki, a popular dining spot, is just a ten-minute walk away in the Jordaan. The immediate area also provides practical amenities, including two supermarkets within walking distance: AH and Jumbo, a local bakery for fresh bread, a butcher, and a number of charming bars.
Nearby is the Houthaven, and there are many schools and childcare facilities within walking distance, making this location particularly attractive for families and professionals.
Key features
• Living area approximately 335 m²
• Garden facing southwest of approximately 134 m²
• Located on freehold land
• Energy label C
• Architect Pierre Cuypers
• Playful slide designed by award-winning UK architect Alex Michaelis (Michaelis & Boyd)
• Service costs VvE €300 per month
• Renovated in 2017
• Indoor parking space available for rent at Houtmankade for €250 per month
Maria Magdalena
This building became well-known the moment an investor acquired it for redevelopment. Originally a beautiful and characterful parish house, the building, which had fallen into disrepair, had previously belonged to the Diocese of Haarlem. Although the developer had a lovely property, there were initially no concrete plans for its repurposing. Ultimately, he decided to divide the property into shell condition and sell it to several private individuals.
The current sellers were among them and displayed the courage and vision to take on this project. They saw the potential and opportunities to transform it into a unique family home. The size, high ceilings, windows, and garden offered perspectives that needed to be fully realized.
The transformation of this apartment by the owners is impressive. The choices they made and the way they renovated the property reflect a refined taste and attention to detail. For those seeking space, light, and a turnkey home with its own identity, this presents a unique opportunity.
History
The parsonage of the Maria Magdalena Church, which was demolished in 1968 and designed by Pierre Cuypers, was located on the triangular plot that now forms Domela Nieuwenhuisplantsoen. The demolition of the church, deemed necessary due to ‘stone rot’ in the foundation, marked the loss of an architectural heritage.
For many years, the parsonage served a social function for the neighborhood until the building became unsustainable due to aging, and the diocese was forced to sell the property. In 2015, the building was transformed into three loft apartments. Although the exterior remains intact, the internal renovation led to significant changes, which prompted the municipality to not classify the property as worthy of monument status.
Nevertheless, the building still retains its grandeur and character. The interior, with its loft-like features, offers high ceilings, large windows, and plenty of open space. The most striking architectural feature is the open atrium with an elegant staircase, which connects the lower level with the main floor, creating an optimal connection between the living areas.
Living and cooking
The stylish and authentic communal entrance on the ground floor offers an elegant welcome. A spacious hallway with a coat closet and toilet leads to the central area and the fourteen-meter-long living space, characterized by extra high ceilings and large windows. The generous seating area provides access to a terrace and garden through double French doors, allowing for sun enjoyment in various spots.
In the heart of the living area is the dining section, which separates the modern open kitchen from the seating area. The kitchen, featuring a marble countertop and breakfast bar, serves as the central hub of the home and includes all modern appliances needed for preparing meals for family and friends. The cooking island adds a dynamic element to the space.
At the rear of the seating area, French doors lead to a large and cozy veranda, creating an organic connection with the garden.
The study, equipped with a built-in wall of cabinets and desk, is separated from the living area by steel doors with glass panels. These glass panels ensure that the study remains an extension of the living space, maintaining a sense of connection between all rooms.
Sleeping and cathing
On the bel-etage, you’ll find the main bedroom, a spacious and lofty room with large windows overlooking the garden. This elegant bedroom is equipped with a generous walk-in closet and features an en-suite bathroom that offers a luxurious, hotel-like experience. The semi-open bathroom includes a double walk-in shower, a vanity with sinks, a toilet, and a bathtub, making the master suite an ideal place to fully unwind.
The basement
This full-level floor accommodates the remaining four bedrooms, a television room, and a laundry space. A distinctive feature of this floor is the playful slide designed by award-winning UK architect Alex Michaelis (Michaelis & Boyd), providing an extra play option for children. The rooms are accessed from a generous open area that can be used for multiple purposes.
The two bedrooms at the back of the house are connected by a modern, central bathroom. This bathroom is equipped with a bathtub, a walk-in shower, and double sinks. The third bedroom has its own shower and sink, making it perfect for a guest room or an au pair.
Garden and veranda
Adjacent to the living room is an intimate, partially covered veranda. This terrace, ideally situated to the southwest, offers views of the lush garden and basks in abundant sunlight. The garden covers over 134 m² and is designed with various seating areas, ensuring there is always a pleasant spot to relax. A notable feature of this garden is the view of the monument dedicated to the former Maria Magdalena Church. Additionally, the garden includes a rear access point and extra storage space.
Neighborhood
The Spaarndammerbuurt, once a working-class area for port workers, has evolved into a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. The Spaarndammerstraat has recently established itself as a popular shopping and dining street, attracting both local residents and those from the nearby Houthavens.
This neighborhood offers a range of amenities that make it attractive to both long-time residents and newcomers to Amsterdam. Schools, sports facilities, and the shops on Spaarndammerstraat and Haarlemmerstraat are within walking distance. Fresh produce can be bought weekly at the Noordermarkt and Lindenmarkt. For relaxation and recreation, there are plenty of opportunities: walking, jogging, and visiting playgrounds and the children’s farm are all easily accessible. The Westerpark, located nearby, not only offers sports facilities but also a rich variety of cultural activities.
Accessibility
This location is well-connected by bike, car, and public transport. The Ring A10 is reachable within 5 minutes by car via exit S101 (Hemhavens). From both Assendelftstraat and Haarlemmerplein, several tram and bus lines operate, such as tram 5 to Zoutkeetgracht and Amstelveen, and buses to Muiderpoortstation, Geuzenveld, and Station Sloterdijk.
There is an option to rent an indoor parking space at Houtmankade for € 250,- per month.
"We truly enjoy the proximity to the Jordaan and the Noordermarkt. We always go to the Noordermarkt on Saturdays with the kids to pick up fresh groceries and flowers."