Experience the grandeur of “city chic” living in an authentic merchant’s house. A well-designed three-room apartment with three wide windows overlooking the canal.
Tour
This charming apartment, located on the first floor of a beautiful canal house, offers a unique living experience with historic elements. The property is accessed via a monumental entrance and staircase and features a spacious living room with two large windows facing the canal, offering stunning views of the water and the greenery of the trees. The living room, with its solid wooden floor, marble fireplace, and exposed white-painted beams, exudes historical charm. The semi-open, timeless white kitchen is practically arranged with ample storage space and modern appliances.
The apartment includes two bedrooms: a spacious master bedroom of nearly 17 m² with direct access to the bathroom, and a second bedroom of 8 m² with a canal view. Both bedrooms have wooden floors and beam ceilings, enhancing the characterful and warm atmosphere of the home. The generous bathroom is equipped with a bathtub, separate shower, double sinks, and a separate toilet for additional convenience. This home combines historical charm with contemporary comfort, located in a picturesque canal house with an impressive view.
Neighborhood
The area around Keizersgracht 81 is one of the most picturesque and charming parts of Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city, this neighborhood offers a unique mix of historical beauty and modern vibrancy. This part of the canal and city exudes “city chic” and is less touristy.
The Keizersgracht itself is one of Amsterdam’s famous canals, forming part of the iconic canal ring with the Herengracht and Prinsengracht, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The canals are flanked by beautiful 17th-century mansions with their characteristic facades, narrow fronts, and ornate facade stones.
The neighborhood is rich in culture and history. Along the canals and Prinsen- and Herenstraat, you’ll find numerous galleries, art shops, and antique stores. There are also trendy boutiques, designer shops, and local craft stores. The Jordaan and Haarlemmerstraat complement the offering.
Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant and high-quality dining and drinking establishments. There is a wide range of excellent restaurants, cozy and authentic cafes, and bars.
The area around Keizersgracht 81 is also conveniently located near other attractions. Within walking distance, you’ll find Felix Meritus, the Rode Hoed, and a cinema.
Key details
• Living area approximately 85 m²
• Canal-side living
• Also available for purchase in combination with other apartments in the building
• Located on private land
• New foundation
• Homeowners Association (VvE) in formation
• National monument
• National protected cityscape
• Part of UNESCO World Heritage
De Stad Minden
I am well aware that this part of the Keizersgracht is home to beautiful and distinctive houses. The plots were originally generously sized, and the buildings date back to the prosperous era of the Golden Age. Some of these buildings still retain their charm and grandeur, including the canal house known as De Stad Minden. This impressive building with its striking facade made a strong impression on me, which was further enhanced during my first visit. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by one of the descendants of the original owners. The large, stylish hall and corridor immediately conveyed a sense of grandeur and history. The excitement I felt at that moment stemmed from the realization that we are merely a part of the rich history of this property. The owners then hosted me in a kitchen that exuded the romance of earlier times. This family estate has a long history, even linked to the adjacent Herengracht. Keizersgracht 81 is currently divided into several apartments, which, thanks to the hall and the monumental staircase, have more than just a physical connection. The various residences share the prestigious address, the beautiful facade, and the impressive entrance, but each apartment has its own specific features and identity. It is therefore a great honor for us to assist the owners in the sale of the various apartments in this historic and iconic building.
Kees Kemp | Real Estate Agent Broersma Wonen
History
The building on the Keizersgracht dates back to 1620, although the exact date has not been confirmed. We do know that it was commissioned by Paulus van Driest as a stately merchant’s house. The building was constructed with five floors, a basement, a front house, and a rear house, with the front house itself having five stories. The facade, designed by Caspar Philips, reflects the grandeur of the period. It features a straight cornice with a tableau in the style of Louis IX, and the window divisions with muntins add further distinction to the facade. Next to the entrance to the basement is a hardstone step leading to the bel-etage, which is adorned with a distinguished Louis XV-style door. The rear house includes a garden level and three additional floors above it. The bel-etage still houses an authentic salon, and the front house contains two representative style rooms on the bel-etage. The building was originally intended to impress.
The building maintained its original function as a combination of commerce and residence for a long time. However, in the 1930s, it was converted to office use, although it remained within the family. It was not until 1993 that changing socio-economic conditions allowed the building to return primarily to residential use. Around 2002, the building underwent a major renovation, transforming it into four residences ranging in size from 67 m² to 340 m². During this renovation, the new extension on the ground floor was completely pile-supported, and the entire building was provided with foundation repairs.
Living and cooking
This residence on the first floor of a particularly beautiful canal house offers a charming living experience with a unique entrance. Access to the home is easy via a historic staircase. Upon entering, you find yourself in a hallway that leads to a storage closet and the toilet. On the canal side, there is a spacious living room with two large windows that provide a stunning view of the canal. The living room, with its semi-open kitchen, embodies the optimal experience of canal-side living, with views of the greenery from the trees and the reflections in the water. The historic buildings on the opposite side contribute to the picturesque canal scene, both during the day and in the evening.
The living room features a solid wooden floor in planks and a marble mantel, enhancing the historic ambiance. The wooden beams are exposed and finished in white, with the ceiling height varying from 2.85 meters under the beams to nearly 3.10 meters between the beams. The kitchen is practical and functional, offering ample cabinet space and sufficient countertop. The timeless white kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, built-in refrigerator, double sink, and dishwasher. A notable detail is the old monumental staircase, which once provided access to the upper floor. This staircase has been preserved at the request of Monumentenzorg and now serves as a historic object that is also practical for storing dishes.
Sleeping and bathing
The apartment features two bedrooms, with the master bedroom covering nearly 17 m² and the second bedroom approximately 8 m². The master bedroom, located off a quiet light court, provides direct access to the bathroom, ensuring privacy and comfort. On the opposite side of the apartment is the second bedroom, which offers a lovely view of the canal.
Both rooms are equipped with beautiful wooden floors and beamed ceilings, highlighting the character of the apartment and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The spacious layout of the master bedroom allows for ample wardrobe space and a study area, ideal for those who work from home or need extra storage. The generously sized bathroom is equipped with a bathtub, a separate shower, and double sinks, enhancing the functionality and luxury of the home. An additional toilet, accessible from the hallway, provides extra convenience for both residents and guests.
Neighborhood
The area around Keizersgracht 81 is one of the most picturesque and charming parts of Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city, this neighborhood offers a unique blend of historic beauty and modern vibrancy. This section of the canal and the city exudes “central chic” and is relatively tourist-free. The Keizersgracht itself is one of Amsterdam’s famous canals, along with the Herengracht and Prinsengracht, forming the iconic canal belt that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The canals are flanked by beautiful 17th-century mansions with their distinctive façades, narrow fronts, and stunning façade stones.
The neighborhood is steeped in culture and history. Along the canals and on Prinsenstraat and Herenstraat, there are numerous galleries, art shops, and antique stores. Additionally, there are trendy boutiques, designer stores, and local artisan shops. The Jordaan and Haarlemmerstraat further enhance the variety. The area is also known for its vibrant and high-quality dining and drinking spots, offering a wide range of excellent restaurants, cozy and authentic cafés, and bars.
The area around Keizersgracht 81 is also conveniently located near other attractions. Within walking distance, you can find Felix Meritis, De Rode Hoed, and a cinema.
Accessibility
The apartment is very well accessible by bike, car, or public transport. The Ring A10 can be reached within 15 minutes by car via exit S108 (Oud-Zuid). From both Dam Square and Westermarkt, several tram and bus lines operate, such as tram lines 2, 12, 13, and 7. Metro station Rokin connects Amsterdam North with Amsterdam South for train and regional transport. By bike, Amsterdam Central Station is reachable within 5 minutes, and the entire city is easily accessible.
Parking
Parking is possible through a permit system on public roads (permit area Centrum-2c). With a parking permit for Centrum-2c, you can park in Centrum-2. A parking permit for residents costs €315.60 per 6 months. Currently, there is a waiting period of 20 months for this permit area. A second parking permit is not available in this area.
In addition to street parking, it is also possible to park for free with a permit in the Oosterdok Eiland parking garage. (Source: Municipality of Amsterdam, August 2024).
Wat de bewoners gaan missen
Het voelt als een voorrecht om in een grachtenpand aan de Keizersgracht 81 te wonen. Het eerste deel van de Keizersgracht is de breedste gracht van de Amsterdamse grachten. Dit deel is van oorsprong ruim opgezet, waardoor er relatief veel ruimte aan de voorkant van het huis is. Het is ook een rustig gedeelte van de grachtengordel. We wonen daardoor in de luwte van de drukte maar toch pal in het centrum, op steenworp afstand van de gezellige Jordaan, de Haarlemmerstraat, de Negen Straatjes en de Dam. Met vlakbij het Centraal Station en andere uitvalswegen, ben je vrij gemakkelijk de stad uit.
De statige entree en gang geven ons altijd een goed humeur bij binnenkomst. Het appartement heeft grote ramen dat zorgt voor een heerlijk licht appartement. Deze grote ramen geven ook een fantastisch uitzicht op de grachtenpanden aan de overkant en op de gracht. Door de brede afstand is er geen inkijk vanaf de overkant en de mensen op straat of in de bootjes kunnen ook niet naar binnen kijken. Dat geeft een vrij gevoel. Op een zonnige dag zitten we graag in de vensterbank met open raam. Puur genieten is het kijken naar de zonondergang achter de grachtenhuizen aan de overkant. Dat kan zowaar adembenemend mooie luchten opleveren. De bladeren aan de bomen zijn goed zichtbaar op de eerste verdieping en het is leuk om zo pal voor je neus de seizoenen te volgen. Het appartement is fijn en handig ingedeeld met voldoende bergruimte. De grote slaapkamer die aan het lichthof licht, heeft een heerlijk kalme sfeer. Geen last van de geluiden op straat.
De buurt voelt aan als een gezellig dorp. Op loopafstand is een lagere school, een top speeltuin (Herenmarkt), winkels en supermarkten. Op zaterdag gaan we graag naar de boerenmarkt op de Noordermarkt of op maandag naar de markt op de Lindengracht of de Westerstraat. Waar wij ook graag lopend naar toe gaan is de oudste nog in gebruikzijnde bioscoop The Movies op de Haarlemmerstraat.
In de buurt zijn veel gezellige bruine of hippe cafés, ontbijt- en lunchplekken en heel veel verschillende restaurants. Eigenlijk te veel om op te noemen, maar onze favorieten kunnen niet onvermeld blijven: Toscanini op de Lindengracht 75, De Klepel (Prinsenstraat 22) genoemd in “Shortlist Amsterdam Restaurants & hun beste comfortfood recepten”, Winkel 43 en Libertine Petit Café aan de Noordermarkt en het piepkleine tentje Vennington waar ze toch al meer dan 20 jaar de lekkerste BLT, clubsandwich o.i.d. maken (Prinsenstraat 2). Andere favorieten zijn: Margriet Nannings in de Prinsentraat voor de mooiste heren- en dameskleding. Voor mooie en originele dingen voor je huis moet je bij de Weldaad (Noordermarkt) en bij Outras Coisas (Herenstraat) zijn.
Het uitzicht en de locatie gaan we het meeste missen!