Characterful Canal House on Open Water in Burgwalbuurt

This characterful canal house is located at Burgwal 23 in the city of Haarlem, specifically in the popular Burgwalbuurt neighborhood. The property faces open water where boats regularly pass by, creating a picturesque and dynamic view. Originally constructed in 1894, the house underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion in 2012, bringing it up to modern standards while preserving its historical character. The property is classified as a terraced house within a protected cityscape.

The living space measures 101 square meters according to the NEN 2580 measurement standard. The total usable area is 116 square meters and the building volume is 355 cubic meters. The plot itself covers 51 square meters. In addition to the indoor living space, there is a rooftop terrace of 16 square meters, measuring 4 meters deep by 4 meters wide, positioned on the southeast side of the property to maximize sun exposure throughout the day.

The ground floor layout begins with the entrance leading directly into a spacious living room featuring high ceilings that enhance the sense of space. The walls have a sleek finish and the floor is covered with oak wood planks. A guest toilet with a small sink is accessible from the living room. The living area seamlessly connects to an open-plan kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped with built-in appliances including a ceramic cooktop with an integrated range hood, a built-in oven, a dishwasher, and a streamlined stainless steel countertop. The refrigerator is freestanding. An interesting architectural feature is the glass floor installed in the bedroom/study on the first floor above the kitchen, which allows natural light to penetrate deep into the kitchen and living area on the ground floor. At the rear of the ground floor, an indoor storage and laundry room has been created. This space houses the washer-dryer combination and the central heating boiler. A back door in the storage room provides access to a quiet parking area and a small playground situated behind the property.

The first floor comprises a landing, a bathroom, and two rooms. The bathroom on this floor is fitted with a spacious walk-in shower, a wall-mounted toilet, and a large sink. The front room on this level can serve as either a bedroom or a relaxation area. It features sliding windows that offer a beautiful view of the Burgwal canal. The rear room functions as a spacious open bedroom or study and is equipped with steel-framed glass French doors that open onto the large southeast-facing rooftop terrace. This terrace provides an excellent outdoor living space with plenty of sunlight.

The second floor contains another landing, a second bathroom, and two additional bedrooms. The bathroom on this floor is equipped with a bathtub, a wall-mounted toilet, and a sink. Having two full bathrooms is a practical feature for a property with four bedrooms. The bedroom at the front of the second floor offers views of two notable Haarlem landmarks: the Sint-Bavokerk and the Bakenesserkerk. The room at the back of this floor serves as a bedroom or home office and includes ample storage space.

In terms of energy efficiency, the property has been awarded energy label C. All windows throughout the house have double glazing. The house benefits from both mechanical and natural ventilation systems. Heating and domestic hot water are provided by a Bosch HR combination boiler that runs on gas. This boiler was installed in 2005 and is owned by the current homeowner. The property is connected to TV cable services.

The structural foundation of the house is a concrete slab foundation, referred to in Dutch as op staal, which typically indicates a stable and solid foundation type. The roof is a saddle roof covered with tiles. The rooftop terrace was constructed with the appropriate building permits, ensuring it meets all regulatory requirements.

The location of the property is one of its strongest features. While the house itself offers a peaceful environment, the vibrant city life of Haarlem is just a short walk away. The Burgwalbuurt is a sought-after neighborhood known for its historic charm and proximity to amenities. Shops, art studios, restaurants, and cafes are all within easy walking distance. Cultural attractions such as the Teylers Museum, the Toneelschuur theater, and the Grote Markt square are nearby. The property is well-connected to major transportation routes. Highways leading to Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Utrecht, and The Hague can be reached within approximately five minutes by car. Haarlem Central Station is about fifteen minutes away on foot. For those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities, the forests, dunes, and beaches of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are easily accessible by bicycle.

Parking is available at the rear of the property, and a parking permit can be obtained immediately upon purchase, which is advantageous in a city center location where parking can be challenging. The property is situated within a protected city or village view, which helps maintain the historical character of the neighborhood.

The asking price for this property is 800,000 euros, with the buyer responsible for the transaction costs. This translates to approximately 7,921 euros per square meter of living space. The delivery date is to be agreed upon between the buyer and seller. The property is currently available on the market.

The ground floor ceiling height contributes significantly to the spacious feel of the entrance area. The oak flooring throughout the living spaces adds warmth and character while being practical for daily use. The open connection between the living room and kitchen creates a modern flow that suits contemporary living patterns, allowing for easy interaction between cooking and socializing areas.

The glass floor feature between the first and ground floors is an unusual architectural element that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. During daylight hours, it creates an interesting play of light and adds visual interest to the kitchen area below. This feature also provides a sense of connection between the different levels of the home.

The rooftop terrace, with its southeast orientation, is positioned to catch morning and afternoon sun. At 16 square meters, it provides enough space for outdoor seating, a small dining set, and perhaps some potted plants or container gardens. The steel-framed glass doors that lead to this terrace are a quality feature that blends well with the character of a canal house while providing modern functionality and insulation.

The presence of two full bathrooms across three floors is a notable advantage in a house with four bedrooms. This layout allows for flexible use of the bedrooms, whether as sleeping quarters, home offices, or hobby spaces, without creating bottlenecks during morning routines. The first floor bathroom with its walk-in shower is convenient for the adjacent rooms, while the second floor bathroom with its bathtub offers the option of a more relaxing bathing experience.

The views from the property are varied and appealing. The ground and first floor rooms facing the Burgwal offer views of passing boats and the activity on the water. The second floor front bedroom provides an elevated perspective of two significant church towers, which are characteristic elements of the Haarlem skyline.