Historic Tjalk Houseboat in the Heart of Den Bosch
Key Features
Upsides
- Exceptional central location in the car free Brede Haven, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, Central Station, and the famous Bossche bollen bakery.
- No transfer tax required on purchase, and mortgage financing is possible since the vessel is registered in the land registry with a fixed mooring place.
- Well maintained historic vessel with significant recent investments including a new steel insulated roof in 2022, Kabola diesel boiler in 2018, and John Deere engine with bow thruster in 2008.
- Low annual mooring fees of approximately 560 euros plus affordable parking permit at around 200 euros per year.
- Seaworthy vessel with 85 horsepower engine, making it possible to explore European waterways while having a permanent mooring in a prime city center location.
Downsides
- Very compact living space of only 30 square meters, which limits comfort and functionality for daily living.
- Limited standing height in the bedroom area, which may be inconvenient for taller individuals.
- High price per square meter at approximately 9,833 euros, reflecting the premium for the unique location and lifestyle rather than the actual living space provided.
- Potential self occupancy requirement that may apply depending on municipal regulations, which could limit future rental possibilities or investment value.
- Single bedroom configuration limits the property to individuals or couples only, making it unsuitable for families or those needing guest accommodation.
Description
The houseboat Grietje is a historic tjalk vessel moored in the Brede Haven, situated right in the center of Den Bosch. This compact yet fully self contained studio on the water offers a unique living experience in one of the most charming parts of this Brabant capital city. The current owner has possessed the ship for approximately 30 years, having purchased it in 1996 and given it the name Grietje.
The location of the Grietje is exceptional. The Brede Haven is one of the most attractive and car free streets in the historic city center, characterized by its cobblestones, renovated facade houses, and collection of residential boats. From this peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, residents can reach the cozy terraces, restaurants, and squares on foot. The Jumbo supermarket and the famous bakery known for Bossche bollen are located at the end of the harbor. Central Station is just a five minute walk away, making this an ideal base for commuters traveling to cities such as Nijmegen, Tilburg, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. The city is also easily accessible by car via the A59, A2, and A65 highways.
The ship itself has a rich history dating back to 1911. It was built at the Barkmeijer shipyard in Dokkum and was originally named Noord Fries. The vessel was first measured in Groningen in 1911 with dimensions of 15.58 by 3.44 meters and a displacement of 34.535 tons. Subsequent measurements were recorded in 1932 in Veendam and twice in 1947 in Leeuwarden. The hull from 1911 has been well preserved and was last inspected in September 2024, with a recent bottom thickness report available.
The interior of the Grietje is compact but functional. The living space has a standing height of approximately 2 meters, which is adequate for daily use. Many windows provide plenty of natural light and maintain a strong connection with the outside environment. The layout is flexible, allowing for a spacious kitchen area, dining corner, and sitting area to be arranged according to personal preferences. The cabin was completely rebuilt in 2008, including the bathroom.
Access to the living quarters is via the aft deck through solid oak doors and an entrance hatch. Adjacent to the entrance in the cabin is the bathroom, which benefits from being in the highest part of the ship and therefore has sufficient standing height. The bathroom is equipped with a shower cabin, an electric toilet, and a washbasin. A technical room is also accessible from this area.
Below the foredeck is a spacious bedroom with ample storage space and a double bed. The standing height in this area is limited. From the bedroom and from the foredeck, the storage space in the forepeak can be reached. The foredeck offers the potential for creating a generous terrace with a beautiful view over the elegant houses along the Brede Haven and all the activity on the water.
The technical specifications of the Grietje are impressive. In 2008, the current owner installed a new John Deere main engine of approximately 85 horsepower and a Vetus 24 volt 10 horsepower bow thruster, making the ship easy to maneuver and ideal for exploring European waterways. The vessel has diesel tanks with a total capacity of 600 liters. Electrical systems include a Victron Multiplus 24/3000/70 with an isolator and four 210 ampere hour batteries.
Heating is provided by a Kabola KB 45 diesel combi boiler installed in 2018. The ship has a black water tank of approximately 100 liters with a pump, and fresh water storage consists of 800 liters divided into two 400 liter tanks with a hydrophore system. In 2022, the roof of the living space was replaced with steel and excellently insulated, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
The mooring in the Brede Haven has an open sailing connection with the Dieze and the Zuid Willemsvaart, providing access to the Maas river and the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg. The historic ships jetty has six mooring places, and the Grietje occupies a position roughly in the middle with a municipal mooring permit for 20 meters. The jetty has connections for water, electricity, and cables for television and internet. Annual mooring fees are approximately 560 euros, and a parking permit can be obtained through the municipality for about 200 euros per year.
From a legal and financial perspective, there are notable advantages. No transfer tax is required for the purchase of this houseboat. Because the vessel is registered in the land registry and has a fixed mooring place, obtaining a mortgage is among the possibilities. Prospective buyers are advised to consult with their mortgage advisor or real estate agent regarding the specific options available.
The living area measures approximately 30 square meters, with an additional 5 square meters of other indoor space and 1 square meter of building related outdoor space. External storage of 1 square meter is available. The interior volume is 60 cubic meters. The property is offered at 295,000 euros buyer costs.
Den Bosch, with over 150,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the province of North Brabant. The old center of this fortified city has been well preserved and is famous for its Saint John Cathedral and the confluence of the rivers Aa and Dommel in the Dieze. A boat tour through the Binnendieze, passing under the city, is highly recommended for visitors and residents alike. The arrival of the Zuid Willemsvaart 200 years ago made the city perfectly accessible by water, a legacy that continues to benefit residents like those on the Grietje.
It should be noted that an increasing number of municipalities are introducing a self occupancy requirement for future owners. Interested parties are advised to contact the municipality to determine whether this applies to them as prospective owners of this property.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
Explicitly mentioned as 'douchecabine' in the bathroom
Bathtub
Not mentioned, and given the compact 30m2 space, a bathtub is unlikely
Ensuite Bathroom
This is a studio layout where the bathroom is accessed from the main living area, not ensuite to a bedroom
Guest Toilet
Only one bathroom with toilet is mentioned, no separate guest toilet exists
Bidet
Not mentioned and very uncommon in Dutch bathrooms, especially on a compact houseboat
Double Shower
Not mentioned and unlikely given the compact 30m2 space
Shared Shower
This is a private standalone houseboat, not shared accommodation
Shared Toilet
This is a private standalone houseboat, not shared accommodation
His And Hers Sinks
Only one 'wastafel' (sink) is mentioned, dual sinks unlikely in this compact space
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
It is a historic houseboat with no balcony mentioned.
Rear Garden
Houseboats do not have rear gardens.
Front Garden
Houseboats do not have front gardens.
Side Garden
Houseboats do not have side gardens.
Terrace
The listing states a terrace is 'possible' on the foredeck, implying it is currently an undeveloped deck space rather than a finished terrace.
Rooftop Terrace
No rooftop terrace is present on this tjalk.
Fenced Yard
There is no yard to fence on a houseboat.
Patio
No patio is mentioned or present on a houseboat.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned.
Guest House
It is a compact 30m2 studio with no space for a guest house.
Waterfront
The property is a houseboat moored directly in the Brede Haven.
Kitchen Garden
There is no kitchen garden on a houseboat.
Equestrian Facilities
Not applicable for a city center houseboat.
Small Livestock Facilities
Not applicable for a city center houseboat.
Private Outdoor Pool
No pool is present.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No jacuzzi is present.
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court is present.
Remarkable Mountain View
Den Bosch is a flat city in the Netherlands with no mountains.
Remarkable City View
Located in the city center, but the main view is of the harbor and water rather than a prominent city skyline.
Remarkable Garden View
There are no gardens to view from the water.
Remarkable Sea View
Located inland in Den Bosch, far from the sea.
Remarkable Harbour View
The listing explicitly mentions a beautiful view over the Brede Haven, the historic houses, and water life.
Remarkable Landmark View
While near the Sint Janskathedraal, the listing highlights the harbor view rather than specific landmarks.
Interior Comfort
Central Heating
The listing specifies a Kabola KB 45 diesel combi boiler installed in 2018 for central heating.
Fireplace
There is no mention of a fireplace in the description.
Home Office
The 30m2 studio layout is described as flexible for kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, with no mention of a home office.
Bay Window
The description mentions many windows and a terrace, but no bay window.
Private Indoor Pool
A private indoor pool is not present in this 30m2 houseboat.
Private Indoor Sauna
A private indoor sauna is not present in this 30m2 houseboat.
Ornamental Plasterwork
The living space roof is made of steel, making ornamental plasterwork highly unlikely and unmentioned.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No elements of Scandinavian design are described in the listing.
Modern
The vessel is a historic 1911 Tjalk, and while technically updated, the overall aesthetic is traditional rather than modern.
Industrial
Although it is a converted cargo ship, the interior description focuses on a cozy, light studio rather than an industrial aesthetic.
Mediterranean
There are no Mediterranean architectural or design elements present in this Dutch houseboat.
Classic
The property is a historic 1911 Tjalk ship with oak wooden doors, located in a traditional cobblestone harbor.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The vessel is a historic 1911 Tjalk ship built by Barkmeijer in Dokkum.
Early 20th Century
The ship was built in 1911, perfectly fitting the early 20th-century era.
Post War Functional
The ship predates WWII by decades.
Modernist
It is a traditional ship, completely contrary to modernist architecture.
Newly Build
Built in 1911, with only some recent renovations like the roof in 2022.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
Not mentioned and highly impractical in a 30m2 compact studio on a 3.44m wide boat.
Open Plan Kitchen
The description states the layout is flexible for kitchen, dining and sitting area, suggesting an open plan design typical of boat living spaces.
Pantry
Not mentioned and impossible given the 30m2 compact studio space on a historic boat.
Build In Coffee Maker
Not mentioned and would be unusual in a compact historic boat studio.
Boiling Water Tap
Not mentioned and would be unusual in a compact historic boat studio.
Downdraft Extractor
Not mentioned and highly unlikely in a compact historic boat.
Shared Kitchen
The listing explicitly describes it as a 'zelfstandige studio' (independent studio), confirming private kitchen.
Design Kitchen
No indication of a designer kitchen. It's a functional space on a 1911 historic boat with a 2008 cabin rebuild, focused on practicality rather than luxury design.
New Kitchen
The cabin was rebuilt in 2008, making the kitchen approximately 16+ years old. Not considered new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
Parking permit available through municipality for approximately €200 per year.
Storage Room
Listing mentions 'ruime berging in het vooronder' (spacious storage in forepeak) and 'voldoende bergruimte' in bedroom. Also lists 'Externe bergruimte 1 m²'.
Garage
No garage mentioned. This is a houseboat with no garage facilities.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage exists, so no double garage.
Attic
No attic mentioned. The boat has a 'roef' (cabin) and 'vooronder' (forepeak) but no traditional attic space.
Cellar
No cellar mentioned. Houseboats typically don't have cellars.
Covered Parking
No covered parking mentioned for this houseboat.
Underground Parking
No underground parking. This is a houseboat on water.
Ev Charging
No EV charging facilities mentioned in the listing.
Workshop
No workshop mentioned. Only technical room and storage spaces.
Shed
Listing mentions 'Schuur/berging Inpandig' (shed/storage indoor) in features, referring to the forepeak storage space which is part of the boat.
Street Parking Free
Area described as 'autoluwe straatjes' (car-free streets), suggesting limited street parking. No mention of free parking.
Street Parking Permit
Explicitly stated: 'Een parkeervergunning voor circa € 200,- per jaar is via de gemeente aan te vragen' (parking permit for ~€200/year available through municipality).
Parkspot Sale Price
No parking spot for sale mentioned in the listing.
Rules
Leasehold
The property has a mooring permit (ligplaatsvergunning) from the municipality of Den Bosch for 20 meters, not a leasehold (erfpacht) arrangement. The ship is registered in the land registry with a fixed mooring place.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The property is a single-story houseboat with 1 woonlaag.
Private Entrance
It is described as a detached houseboat (vrijstaande woning) accessed directly from its own deck.
Automatic Gate
The property is a houseboat and does not have a gate.
Gated Community
The houseboat is moored at a public historical pier with 6 spots, not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
Boarding requires a step up from the dock, and the bedroom lacks sufficient standing height.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
No washing machine is mentioned in the description or features list.
Washing Machine Connections
No washing machine connections are mentioned in the technical or layout details.
Laundry Room
The vessel is a compact 30 m2 studio with no mention of a separate laundry room.
Dryer
No dryer is mentioned in the description or features list.
Smart Home
The ship is a historic 1911 vessel with renovations focused on basic structure and mechanics; no smart home features are mentioned.
Ventilation System
No mechanical ventilation system is mentioned; only roof insulation is highlighted.
Cable Tv
The listing explicitly states the dock has a connection for 'kabel voor tv en internet' (cable for TV and internet).
Water Softener
No water softener is mentioned in the technical specifications or layout.
Energy Efficiency
Triple Glazing
No mention of triple glazing. Given the age of the vessel (1911) and the type of conversion, triple glazing would be unlikely and would likely have been mentioned as a feature.
Floor Insulation
The listing mentions 'het vlak gedeeltelijk gedubbeld' (the bottom partially doubled) in 2008, which refers to hull plating reinforcement, not residential floor insulation.
Roof Insulation
The listing explicitly states: 'In 2022 is het dak van het woonruim vervangen door staal en is dit uitstekend geïsoleerd' (the roof was replaced with steel and excellently insulated in 2022).
Heat Pump
The heating system is specified as a Kabola KB 45 diesel combi boiler from 2018. No heat pump is mentioned.
Home Battery
The 4x 210ah batteries are part of the boat's standard 24V electrical system with Victron Multiplus inverter, not a modern home energy storage system for grid-tied solar energy.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The Kabola KB 45 diesel combi boiler from 2018 is a modern, efficient heating system for liveaboard vessels. The Victron Multiplus 24/3000/70 inverter/charger is an efficient power management system that minimizes energy waste. The excellent roof insulation added in 2022 significantly reduces heat loss.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.