Kessens is eind 2014 geopend door Anna en Casper Holtkamp. Zij hebben elkaar leren kennen in het buitenland en besloten samen een lunchroom te beginnen in Amsterdam. Kessens serveert een diversiteit aan wereldse gerechten en natuurlijk onze Amsterdamse trots: Holtkamp. Je kan kiezen tussen bijvoorbeeld eieren met truffelroom en bellini’s voor het ontbijt, een klassieke uiensoep en salades voor de lunch. Er is een handjevol wijnen per glas, maar ook alcoholvrije bubbels en een huisgemaakte limonade.
This distinguished national monument, with its stunning colored facade, offers unparalleled views of the Westertoren and features a terrace that enjoys afternoon and evening sun. With two entrances, the house has a multifunctional character, suitable for dual occupancy or as a studio/office on the ground floor. The total area spans 264 m² across four floors and is situated on freehold land. The building is characterized by its solid construction and beautiful floors, each offering magnificent views over the canal. In the 1960s, under the auspices of bMA, renovations were carried out, including foundation improvements, contributing to the solid state of this canal house. In short, a unique opportunity to live in a historic property with a delightful atmosphere and spectacular views of one of Amsterdam's most iconic locations.
Tour
The ground floor apartment offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The main space, with an impressive height of 3.65 meters, features a beautiful oak herringbone floor and includes a toilet, pantry, and a raised area at the rear. Large French doors lead to the west-facing terrace, enjoying afternoon and evening sun. Below the raised area is a space that can serve as a private gym, with an adjoining cellar for machines and storage.
A private entrance leads to the first floor. Centrally located, the kitchen is equipped with a natural stone countertop and an electric hob. The dining area offers stunning views of the canal and the Westertoren. At the rear, there is a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, where the 2.80-meter-high ceiling creates a pleasant atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy is the side window by the kitchen, offering extra light and views.
On the second floor, there is a study at the front with panoramic canal views, a walk-in closet, and a luxurious bathroom with toilet and double sink. Quietly located at the rear is a romantic bedroom with exposed beam ceiling and an en suite bathroom.
The third floor is currently set up as a self-contained unit. Here, there is a living room with an open kitchen, a bathroom with bathtub, toilet, bidet, and sink, and a bedroom. The partly removed ceiling in the bedroom provides a view into the roof ridge, while the remaining part allows space for a loft storage.
This property combines historic features such as beam ceilings and high ceilings with modern conveniences such as a luxurious kitchen and bathrooms, offering various options for living and working in a beautiful canal-side location.
Outdoor
Characteristic of Amsterdam are the two front stoops where it is delightful to enjoy coffee under the carillon of the Westerkerk while watching Amsterdam pass by. On the ground floor, there is a west-facing terrace of approximately 4.00 x 4.00 meters with afternoon and evening sun.
Neighborhood
Very centrally located on Prinsengracht in the canal belt, near Rozengracht, Westerkerk, around the corner from Dam Square, between Raadhuisstraat and Bloemgracht. Within walking distance of the day markets at Wester- and Noordermarkt. Close to the 9 Streets and the charming Jordaan with its many amenities in art and culture, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Excellent public transportation accessibility due to its proximity to Central Station, with various tram and bus lines running through nearby Raadhuisstraat and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. The new stop on the Rokin of the North-South Line provides direct connection to Zuidas.
Key details
• Approximately 264 m² of living space, additional indoor space 13 m²
• Sunny west-facing rooftop terrace of 14 m²
• Beautiful views of Westerkerk and Prinsengracht
• Two front doors, possibility for home office or studio
• Located on freehold land
• Suitable for dual occupancy
• National monument number 4526
• Foundation restoration carried out around 1967
• National protected cityscape and located in UNESCO protected area
Overnes
Monuments are always special, and when I arrived at the Prinsengracht, the facade stone immediately caught my eye. It features a colorful depiction of a cog ship, sailing full speed ahead with the wind in its sails, moving towards the sun. The current residents were also instantly impressed by it.
The owners purchased the property with the intention of living there. However, due to a change in family circumstances, they decided not to pursue these plans.
The house has two front doors, which allows for multifunctional use. I suspect the new residents will find this to be an advantageous. The floors are well-arranged and spacious, and the location opposite the Wester Tower is unique.
From a construction perspective, the building feels solid, and I read in the Amsterdam city archives that it was renovated in 1967, including the restoration of the foundation. The former basement was filled in and, unfortunately, is no longer in use.
My hope is that the buyers will settle here for the long term; the property deserves it. It is a wonderful family home with space for an au pair, and working from home is certainly an option. A beautiful monument on freehold land, offering, as mentioned before, many possibilities.
Design Vision
Overnes is a national monument built around 1875, situated on the curve of the Prinsengracht with a beautiful view over the water. The building, three windows wide, features a black facade finished with linseed oil and is solidly constructed. It has primarily served as a residence, including as a convent for the Stichting Algemeen Ziekenhuis Prinses Beatrix Ziekenhuis.
In 1967, the foundation carried out a thorough renovation, which included reinforcing the building’s foundation.
Bel-etage
This floor is elevated above the Prinsengracht, providing privacy due to the former basement below. The ceiling height of 3.65 meters adds a sense of grandeur, further enhanced by the well-maintained herringbone floor. This floor features a toilet, a pantry, and at the rear, a raised room with two large French doors opening onto the terrace. This delightful outdoor space faces west, offering afternoon and evening sun. Beneath this elevated room, there is a space that can be used as a private gym, with a technical room behind it housing the installations and additional storage.
First Floor
Accessible via its own entrance. The kitchen is centrally located, featuring a natural stone countertop and an electric hob. The dining area is at the front, offering a clear view of the canal and, of course, the iconic Wester Tower. The owners particularly loved the fireplace and the cozy seating area. With a ceiling height of 2.80 meters, this is a pleasant floor to spend time on. A unique feature is the side window located near the kitchen.
At the front, a study spans the width of the building with three large windows, offering a view of the canal. Centrally located is the newly renovated bathroom, equipped with a walk-in shower, toilet, and sink. At the quiet rear, there is a romantic bedroom featuring a beamed ceiling, adding a touch of charm and coziness.
The Outdoor Space
Quintessentially Amsterdam are the two front stoops with platforms, perfect for enjoying a coffee while the carillon of the Westerkerk plays and the city life unfolds before you. On the upper ground floor, there is a terrace of approximately 4.00 x 4.00 meters facing west, offering plenty of afternoon and evening sun. This space provides a tranquil spot to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Neighborhood
Ideally situated on the Prinsengracht in the canal belt, near Rozengracht, the Westerkerk, and just around the corner from Dam Square, between Raadhuisstraat and Bloemgracht. It’s within walking distance of the daily markets at Wester- and Noordermarkt. Close to the “9 Streets” and the vibrant Jordaan area, known for its rich offering of art and culture, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Parking
Parking is available through a permit system on public roads (permit area Centrum-2b). With a parking permit for Centrum-2b, you are allowed to park in Centrum-2. A resident parking permit costs €315.60 per 6 months. Currently, there is a waiting time of 18 months for this permit area. A second parking permit is not available in this area. Several parking garages are nearby, offering both purchase and rental options. Public transport stops are located at Marnixstraat and Rozengracht. (Source: Municipality of Amsterdam, October 2024).
Accessibility
The property is excellently accessible by public transport, being within walking distance of Central Station. Several tram and bus lines run through the nearby Raadhuisstraat and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. The new Rokin stop of the North-South line provides a direct connection to the Zuidas.