Completely Renovated Waterfront Apartment in Historic Leiden
Key Features
Description
Located on the water side of the Lage Rijndijk in the De Kooi district of Leiden, this completely renovated three room apartment offers a unique living experience combining historical character with modern comfort. The property occupies the first and second floors of a building originally constructed in 1650, situated in one of the most picturesque areas of this historic Dutch city. The apartment features a south facing balcony directly overlooking the water, providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy sunny afternoons while watching boats pass by during the summer months.
The renovation of this property was carried out in 2025 and 2026 with careful attention to both aesthetic and technical aspects. The interior has been stylishly and high quality finished throughout, creating a living space that meets contemporary standards while respecting the historical context of the building. The exterior of the property also received thorough attention during this renovation period. The roof was completely inspected, the leadwork was refastened, the fascia boards at the drainage system were entirely renewed, and the exterior walls were repainted with the exception of the front facade. These extensive exterior improvements mean that the new owners will have minimal maintenance responsibilities in the coming years.
One of the most notable features of this apartment is the abundance of natural light throughout the living spaces. This is achieved through large window sections on both the front and rear of the property, combined with the reflective qualities of the adjacent water. The combination of atmosphere, luxury, comfort, and the excellent location creates a pleasant living environment.
The De Kooi neighborhood where this property is located is a vibrant area with various historical and characteristic elements. The apartment is situated close to the Zijlpoort, one of the original city gates of Leiden, and the Spanjaardsbrug, a historic bridge. The location offers excellent accessibility to the city center. Through the Zijlpoort, residents can reach the inner city within approximately five minutes on foot. Public transportation is easily accessible with a bus stop located on the corner of the street, and Leiden Central Station is less than ten minutes away by bicycle. The main highways including the A4 and provincial roads N11 and N445 are also quickly reachable for those who commute by car.
The layout of the apartment is distributed over two main living floors. The ground floor contains the main entrance to the building, a hallway with the electricity meter cabinet, and the staircase leading to the first floor. The intercom system with video connection is integrated into the front door for security and convenience.
The first floor comprises the main living areas. Upon entering, there is a hallway providing access to the living room. The living room is positioned at the front of the property and benefits from the large windows that create an exceptionally bright space. At the rear of the first floor, the dining room and open kitchen are located. The kitchen is equipped with various built in appliances all from the ETNA brand and completely new. These include a combination oven, a four burner induction cooktop with extractor hood, a refrigerator freezer combination, and a dishwasher. Adjacent to the dining room is the spacious separate toilet room, which features a wall hung toilet and a small washbasin. A staircase at the front of the first floor leads up to the second floor.
The second floor contains the sleeping quarters and bathroom. The landing provides access to the bathroom and both bedrooms. The bedroom at the front of the property is particularly spacious. In addition to accommodating a large bed, there is ample room for wardrobes and even a desk, making this room suitable as a master bedroom with a home office area. The washing machine connection is also located in this bedroom, discreetly integrated into a corner. The bedroom at the rear of the property is also of a generous size. This room features a new window extending from ceiling to floor that allows for pleasant natural light. From this rear bedroom, residents can access the balcony. The balcony faces southeast and is situated directly on the water, offering a peaceful setting to enjoy the sun until late in the evening during summer months.
Between the two bedrooms, the bathroom is located. This room is fitted with a luxury walk in shower cabin, a wall hung toilet, a washbasin with a floating vanity unit, and a towel radiator. The bathroom has been finished to a high standard as part of the recent renovation.
From the second floor landing, a pull down ladder provides access to the attic space where the central heating boiler is installed. This additional storage space can be useful for various items.
The property has a total living area of 93 square meters, with 4 square meters of building related outdoor space in the form of the balcony, and 5 square meters of other indoor space. The total volume of the apartment is 309 cubic meters. Despite the historical construction date of 1650, the property has achieved an Energy Label A rating, indicating excellent energy efficiency. This has been accomplished through various insulation measures including roof insulation, double glazing, high efficiency glazing, and wall insulation.
Heating and hot water are provided by a Vaillant high efficiency combination boiler from 2014, which is owned rather than rented. The property has been equipped with six solar panels that were installed during the 2026 renovation, further reducing energy costs. The electrical system has been modernized with a new meter cabinet featuring three earth leakage circuit breakers and sufficient circuit groups. Most of the window frames are made of plastic, which requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional wooden frames. The property benefits from both mechanical and natural ventilation systems, as well as a fiber optic cable connection for high speed internet.
The monthly contribution to the Homeowners Association is 67 euros. According to the listing information, the VvE is not registered with the Chamber of Commerce, does not hold annual meetings, does not collect periodic contributions beyond the monthly amount mentioned, has no reserve fund, no maintenance plan, and no building insurance. This suggests a small scale or informal association, which is common for buildings with few units.
Parking in the area is available through a permit system in zone B, with the possibility of obtaining two parking permits. This is relevant information for residents who own vehicles, as on street parking in central Leiden is typically regulated.
This apartment represents an opportunity to live in a historically significant building that has been thoroughly modernized to meet current standards of comfort and energy efficiency. The combination of water views, proximity to the city center, and the quality of the recent renovation makes this a distinctive property in the Leiden housing market.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a 'luxe inloop-douchecabine' (luxurious walk-in shower) in the bathroom.
Bathtub
A full bathroom renovation is described with specific fixtures, but a bathtub is not mentioned.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is described as being located 'between the bedrooms' rather than attached directly to a specific bedroom.
Guest Toilet
The listing mentions a separate toilet room located adjacent to the dining room on the first floor.
Heated Towel Rail
The listing explicitly includes a 'handdoekenradiator' (towel radiator) in the bathroom fixtures.
Bidet
No bidet is mentioned anywhere in the description of the bathroom or guest toilet.
Double Shower
The listing refers to a single 'inloop-douchecabine' without indicating it has dual shower heads or is double-sized.
Shared Shower
The property is a private maisonnette apartment, meaning the shower is for exclusive use by the owner.
Shared Toilet
The property is a private maisonnette apartment, meaning the toilets are for exclusive use by the owner.
His And Hers Sinks
The bathroom is described as having a single 'wastafel' (sink) rather than double sinks.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions a balcony on the southeast side facing the water: 'Het balkon is gelegen op het zuidoosten en ligt aan het water.'
Rear Garden
This is a first/second floor apartment (maisonnette) with no mention of any garden space.
Front Garden
This is an upper-floor apartment with no mention of a front garden.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned for this apartment.
Terrace
The title mentions 'terras aan water' but the detailed description only describes a balcony. The features section lists 'dakterras' which may be referring to the same space.
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Fenced Yard
This is an apartment without any yard space.
Patio
No patio is mentioned. The outdoor space is described as a balcony.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing.
Guest House
No guest house or separate dwelling is mentioned.
Waterfront
Multiple references confirm waterfront location: 'Aan de waterzijde', 'ligging aan het water', 'balkon... ligt aan het water', and features list 'aan water'.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden is mentioned for this apartment.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are mentioned.
Small Livestock Facilities
No livestock facilities are mentioned.
Private Outdoor Pool
No pool is mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No jacuzzi is mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court is mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
Leiden is in the Netherlands, which is extremely flat with no mountains anywhere near.
Remarkable City View
The apartment is near the historic center with Zijlpoort and Spanjaardsbrug nearby, but the described view is primarily of water and boats, not city skyline.
Remarkable Garden View
No garden view is mentioned; the view is of water.
Remarkable Sea View
Leiden is inland, not located on the sea.
Remarkable Harbour View
The location is on a canal/river (Rijn), not a harbour. The view is of passing boats on the waterway.
Remarkable Landmark View
Historic landmarks like Zijlpoort and Spanjaardsbrug are nearby but the listing doesn't explicitly state they are visible from the apartment. The main view described is of water and boats.
Interior Comfort
Central Heating
The listing explicitly states heating and hot water are provided by an HR combi boiler (CV-ketel).
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the property description.
Carpeted Floors
Carpeted floors are highly unlikely in a recent high-end Dutch renovation and are not mentioned.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is not mentioned; heating is explicitly attributed to a CV-ketel.
Walk In Closet
The description mentions space for closets in the bedroom, but does not specify a walk-in closet.
Home Office
The text explicitly states that a desk ('een bureau') can easily fit in the large front bedroom.
Skylight
The back bedroom has a new floor-to-ceiling window, but no skylight in the roof is mentioned.
Exposed Beams
Despite the 1650 build year, the modern high-quality renovation makes exposed beams unlikely and they are not mentioned.
Bay Window
The listing mentions large windows but does not describe any bay windows.
Private Indoor Pool
There is no mention of a private indoor pool in this apartment.
Private Indoor Sauna
There is no mention of a private indoor sauna in this apartment.
Built-In Wardrobes
The text says closets 'passen hier met gemak' (fit easily), implying free-standing space rather than built-in wardrobes.
Ornamental Plasterwork
Given the complete modern renovation in 2025/2026, historical plasterwork is unlikely to be preserved and is not mentioned.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No specific Scandinavian design elements like light woods or minimalist hygge decor are mentioned in the description.
Modern
The apartment was fully and stylishly renovated in 2025/2026 with high-quality finishes, new plastic window frames, and modern ETNA appliances.
Industrial
There is no mention of exposed brick, concrete, metal accents, or other typical industrial design elements.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean elements such as terracotta, warm colors, or arched doorways are described.
Classic
The building dates back to 1650 and is located in a historic neighborhood, though the interior has been completely modernized.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building dates from 1650, making it over 370 years old. It is located in a historic area with characteristic elements like Zijlpoort and Spanjaardsbrug.
Early 20th Century
The building is from 1650, not the early 20th century.
Post War Functional
The building predates the post-war period by nearly 300 years.
Modernist
While the interior has been modernized in 2025/2026, the building itself is a 1650 historic structure, not modernist architecture.
Newly Build
The building is from 1650. Although extensively renovated in 2025/2026, it is not newly built.
Kitchen
Dishwasher
The listing explicitly mentions a dishwasher (vaatwasser).
Oven
The listing explicitly mentions a combi-oven.
Microwave
A 'combi-oven' in the Netherlands typically functions as both an oven and a microwave, though it is not explicitly stated as a standalone microwave.
Refrigerator
The listing mentions a 'koel-vriescombinatie' (fridge-freezer combination), which includes a refrigerator.
Freezer
The listing mentions a 'koel-vriescombinatie' (fridge-freezer combination), which includes a freezer.
Kitchen Island
There is no mention of a kitchen island in the description or layout.
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing explicitly states 'openkeuken' (open kitchen).
Pantry
No pantry is mentioned in the listing description or layout.
Stove
The listing mentions an induction cooktop (inductiekookplaat), which serves as the stove.
Induction Stove
The listing explicitly specifies an induction cooktop (inductiekookplaat).
Build In Coffee Maker
The listing lists the built-in appliances and does not include a built-in coffee maker.
Boiling Water Tap
There is no mention of a boiling water tap (such as a Quooker) in the kitchen description.
Downdraft Extractor
The listing mentions a standard extractor hood (afzuigkap) rather than a downdraft extractor.
Shared Kitchen
The property is a maisonette apartment for full ownership, not a shared living space.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is newly renovated and finished in a stylish, high-quality manner with new Etna appliances, but Etna is a standard/mid-range brand rather than a luxury design brand.
New Kitchen
The apartment was completely renovated in 2026 and all kitchen appliances are explicitly stated to be brand new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing mentions parking permits are possible for zone B, and paid parking is available.
Storage Room
The 5m² 'overige inpandige ruimte' is a vliering (attic) accessible via a loft ladder, which serves as storage space.
Garage
No garage is mentioned in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage mentioned.
Double Garage
There is no garage mentioned.
Attic
The listing explicitly states there is a vliering (attic) accessible via a loft ladder where the CV-installation is located.
Cellar
No cellar is mentioned in the property description.
Covered Parking
No covered parking is mentioned in the listing.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned in the listing.
Shed
No shed is mentioned in the listing.
Street Parking Free
The listing specifies 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking).
Street Parking Permit
The listing explicitly states that parking permits are possible for zone B (two permits).
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly mentions a monthly VvE (Owners Association) contribution of €67.
Leasehold
The listing states the property situation is 'Volle eigendom' (Full ownership).
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Nee' (No Chamber of Commerce registration).
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Nee' (No annual meeting).
Oa Fees
The listing mentions a monthly VvE contribution of €67.
Oa Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Nee' (No reserve fund present).
Oa Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee' (No maintenance plan).
Oa Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Opstalverzekering: Nee' (No buildings insurance).
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing explicitly mentions stairs ('trapopgang', 'vlizotrap') and no elevator is mentioned. The building dates back to 1650, making an elevator highly unlikely.
Intercom
The listing mentions a doorbell with video connection ('bel met videoverbinding'), which inherently includes standard intercom functionality.
Automatic Gate
There is no mention of an automatic gate, nor would one be expected for a city apartment on a public road like the Lage Rijndijk.
Video Door Phone
The listing explicitly states: 'De bel met videoverbinding is in de voordeur geïntegreerd' (The doorbell with video connection is integrated in the front door).
Smoke Detectors
Although not explicitly listed in the features, smoke detectors are legally required in Dutch residential properties, and a home fully renovated in 2025/2026 would definitely comply with this law.
Gated Community
The property is located on a public road (Lage Rijndijk) in the De Kooi district of Leiden, which is not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The property is a maisonette spread over multiple floors, requiring the use of stairs to access the first floor, second floor, and attic, making it completely inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The text explicitly states 'De aansluiting voor de wasmachine bevindt zich ook in deze kamer' (The washing machine connection is also located in this room).
Laundry Room
There is no separate laundry room mentioned; the washing machine connection is located inside one of the bedrooms.
Fibre Internet
The features section explicitly lists 'Glasvezelkabel' (fiber optic cable).
Smart Home
No smart home features, systems, or devices are mentioned in the listing.
Ventilation System
The features section explicitly lists 'mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation).
Water Softener
No water softener is mentioned, which is standard as they are rarely installed in Dutch residential properties.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
The listing explicitly states that 6 solar panels are present and were installed during the 2026 renovation.
Double Glazing
The features section lists 'dubbel glas' (double glazing) and 'HR-glas' (high-efficiency glass).
Triple Glazing
The listing mentions double glazing and HR-glass but makes no mention of triple glazing.
Wall Insulation
The features section explicitly lists 'muurisolatie' (wall insulation).
Floor Insulation
There is no mention of floor insulation in the listing description or features.
Roof Insulation
The features section explicitly lists 'Dakisolatie' (roof insulation).
Heat Pump
The listing specifies heating and hot water are provided by a 2014 Vaillant gas-fired combi boiler, not a heat pump.
Home Battery
While solar panels are present, there is no mention of a home battery system in the listing.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property has HR-glass, mostly UPVC window frames for better insulation, and a mechanical ventilation system.