Spacious 1930s Townhouse with Deep Garden in Leiden's Burgemeesterswijk

Cronesteinkade 26 is situated in one of the more refined and quieter areas of Leiden. The street is characterized by 1930s architecture, mature trees, and an unobstructed streetscape that conveys a sense of calm. This is the type of location where residents tend to stay for many years, drawn by the combination of architectural character and the peaceful atmosphere that the area provides.

The property itself is a townhouse dating from 1938, built in the typical style of that era. It offers approximately 151 square meters of living space spread across three floors, with an additional attic storage area. The total plot measures 273 square meters, which is notably generous for this part of the city. At the front, the property benefits from a view over greenery and authentic period buildings, while the rear opens up to a surprisingly deep garden that extends 26.5 meters in length.

It should be understood from the outset that this is not a move-in ready property. The house has been lived in with care over many years, but it now requires comprehensive renovation and updating throughout. The current owners have commissioned a structural inspection report through Perfectkeur, which is available for review during viewings and indicates a sound structural condition. A recent foundation assessment has also been carried out, with no particular concerns identified.

The ground floor layout follows the classical arrangement typical of its construction period. The entrance hall features original panel doors and contains a granite floor beneath the current flooring. The hall provides access to the staircase leading to the first floor and includes a practical cellar cupboard under the stairs. The living space is arranged as an elongated room running from front to back, with a fireplace in the front section and direct access to the garden through French doors at the rear. The kitchen is currently separate and dated in its finish. A toilet with a small hand basin is also located on this floor.

The front section of the living room offers views over the green street scene and would serve well as a sitting area centered around the fireplace. The proportions are pleasant, and the space feels open despite the traditional layout. Moving toward the rear, the room opens into what would naturally serve as a dining area, with a different quality of light and a strong visual connection to the garden through the French doors. The current finishes are simple and outdated, but the underlying structure is sound with straight lines, logical proportions, and sufficient width and depth to create something special.

The kitchen at the rear presents clear opportunities. Renovation could involve creating an en-suite arrangement with the living room, or alternatively adding an extension at the back to accommodate a large open kitchen with an island. Such an addition would immediately transform the dated kitchen into a spacious living kitchen. The possibilities are extensive for buyers willing to invest in the renovation process.

The rear garden is genuinely one of the property's strongest features. Beginning with a terrace adjacent to the house and a freestanding stone storage shed with electricity, the garden then unfolds into a green area with park-like planting, variations in height, and surprising corners. There is ample space for multiple terraces, children's play areas, a vegetable garden, or a more formally designed outdoor space. At the far end, there is sufficient room for a large garden house, studio space, or home office. A rear access path provides practical independent access to this area. The existing planting already ensures privacy and a sheltered atmosphere. With thoughtful garden design, this outdoor space could become a true extension of the living areas.

The first floor continues the same pleasing arrangement found on the ground floor. Multiple rooms, each with its own proportions and light quality, are arranged across this level. The front room is particularly attractive, featuring a bay window with a wide view over the greenery and characteristic buildings opposite. This room includes a built-in closet and a wash basin. The smaller adjacent room with a sliding door would work well as a nursery or could be incorporated into the larger room as a walk-in closet. At the rear lies another spacious room with a balcony overlooking the deep garden. This space feels remarkably quiet, green, and sheltered. The bathroom on this floor is functional but dated, though large enough to be reconfigured into a comfortable modern space. As with the ground floor, nothing is finished, but all the proportions and possibilities are fundamentally sound.

The top floor proves to be another surprisingly viable living level rather than just a standard attic space. Beneath the roof structure are four bedrooms with sloping walls but also notably good natural light. This brings the total number of bedrooms across the first and second floors to seven. This arrangement would work well for large families, those requiring space for an au pair, or anyone combining residential living with working from home. Each room has its own distinct character, featuring sloping rooflines, small dormer windows, built-in closets, and wash basins. Both the front and rear sides offer pleasant views over the green surroundings. With clever reconfiguration, combining some spaces, and potentially adding dormer windows, this floor could be transformed into surprisingly comfortable and bright rooms. A staircase leads to the attic storage space, which is practical for storage but could also be opened up to expose the ridge beam in the rooms below.

The Cronesteinkade is located in a part of Leiden with a clear identity defined by 1930s architecture, wide streets, and mature greenery. The area is peaceful without being isolated, lively without being busy. This balance appeals to those seeking comfortable urban living. The neighborhood is popular with families due to the proximity of good primary schools, childcare facilities, and sports amenities. Daily shopping can be done in the immediate vicinity, and the city center is quickly accessible by bicycle, offering canals, museums, theaters, and restaurants all within easy reach. At the same time, the main roads leading to The Hague, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Schiphol Airport are readily accessible.

In terms of technical specifications, the property has an E energy label and currently has no insulation. Heating and hot water are provided by a Vaillant Eco Compact gas combination boiler from 2019, which is included in the sale. The property is located within a protected cityscape area. Parking is available through permit system. The sale will be subject to standard conditions including an age clause given the property is over 50 years old, and a materials and asbestos clause as the property was built before 1993. A deposit or bank guarantee of ten percent of the purchase price will be required.

The property offers approximately 150 square meters of living space with the possibility of extension to around 180 square meters through a rear addition and installation of a fixed staircase to the attic. The generous 273 square meter plot is unusually large for this location. The seven bedrooms distributed across two floors, combined with the exceptional garden depth and the prime location in one of Leiden's most desirable residential streets, present a significant opportunity for buyers with vision who are prepared to undertake a comprehensive renovation project to create their ideal home.