Stylish canal-side duplex with private garden in the heart of Amsterdam
Key Features
Upsides
- Freehold land ownership eliminates ground rent and leasehold complications, a significant financial and practical advantage in Amsterdam.
- The private garden of approximately 46 m² is exceptionally rare for a city-centre apartment, offering outdoor space, privacy, and a green retreat within the urban environment.
- The duplex layout across two floors provides a clear separation between living and sleeping areas, enhancing both comfort and sense of space.
- Both the bathroom and kitchen were renovated in 2013, meaning these key areas are relatively modern and well-equipped.
- The property enjoys a prestigious and tranquil canal location in Amsterdam-Centrum with excellent public transport links and walkable access to multiple neighbourhoods.
Downsides
- Energy label C indicates moderate energy efficiency
- buyers seeking a more sustainable or low-energy property may need to budget for further upgrades.
- The garden faces north, which means it receives limited direct sunlight throughout the day, potentially making it less ideal for sun-loving gardeners.
- The apartment is located in a protected cityscape (beschermd stadsgezicht), which may impose restrictions on exterior modifications, renovations, or changes to the building's appearance.
- Parking in the area requires paid public parking or a permit, neither of which is guaranteed to be available, and the monthly parking costs represent an ongoing expense.
- The asking price of €895,000 equates to approximately €11,188 per m², which reflects a premium for the location and features but positions the property at the upper end of the market for this size.
Description
This charming duplex apartment is situated on Nicolaas Witsenkade, one of Amsterdam's most characteristic and tranquil canal streets in the city centre. Built around 1870, the property spans the ground floor and first floor of a historic building that falls under protected cityscape regulations, adding to its architectural significance and cachet.
The apartment offers a total living area of approximately 80 m², measured in accordance with BBMI standards, and comprises three rooms with two bedrooms. Upon entering the property via the well-maintained communal entrance, you arrive at the ground floor level. The entrance hall provides access to all rooms on this level.
At the front of the apartment is a spacious study or bedroom, a versatile space equally suited for use as a home office, guest room, or full-time bedroom. This room benefits from natural light entering from the front of the building.
The second bedroom is located at the quiet rear of the ground floor and opens through elegant French doors directly onto the private garden. This garden measures approximately 46 m² and is laid out to a depth of 10 metres with a width of 4.60 metres. Its northerly orientation provides a naturally shaded outdoor space that remains pleasant throughout the day, making it ideal for outdoor dining and relaxation during Amsterdam's milder seasons. The garden is well-maintained and offers a rare degree of privacy for a city-centre property.
Adjacent to the rear bedroom is a practical enclosed space with connections for a washing machine and dryer, which can serve as a dedicated laundry room. This is a convenient feature that helps keep daily living spaces tidy and organised.
The centrally located bathroom on the ground floor was renovated in 2013 and features a spacious walk-in shower, a washbasin, and a separate toilet. The bathroom is finished to a tasteful standard, combining comfort with timeless design.
A staircase leads from the ground floor to the first floor, where the living and dining room is situated. This room is generously proportioned and bright, thanks to large window sections that flood the space with natural daylight. The open-plan layout creates an inviting and spacious feel, well suited to both everyday living and entertaining.
The kitchen is open to the living and dining area and was also renovated in 2013. It has a modern design and is fully equipped with built-in appliances, balancing functionality with contemporary aesthetics. The kitchen layout allows for seamless interaction with the dining and living areas, making it a practical hub for meal preparation and social gatherings.
The property is fully double-glazed and benefits from complete insulation, contributing to comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Heating and hot water are provided by a central heating system via a HR-107 combination boiler, which is owned outright by the current owner. The entire apartment is equipped with underfloor heating, adding to the comfort levels throughout.
Additional features include mechanical and natural ventilation, a French balcony, and TV cable connectivity.
The apartment is positioned on freehold land, meaning the buyer owns the land outright with no leasehold arrangements or ground rent concerns. This is a significant advantage in the Amsterdam property market, where many canal houses are subject to leasehold terms.
The monthly VvE contribution is €315, which covers building maintenance, management fees, and contributions to the reserve fund. The homeowners' association is professionally managed by VvE Beheer Amsterdam and maintains a long-term maintenance plan (MJOP). The association is financially healthy and holds regular annual meetings.
Parking in the immediate area is available through paid public parking and parking permits, subject to availability.
The location of Nicolaas Witsenkade is one of the most sought-after in Amsterdam. The street runs along the canal with attractive water views and maintains an almost car-free character, providing a surprising degree of calm within the city centre. Within a short walk, residents can reach Vijzelgracht, Utrechtsestraat, Sarphatipark, Frederiksplein, Amstelveld, the Museum Quarter, and the De Pijp neighbourhood, all of which offer a wide variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Accessibility is excellent. Several tram lines serve the surrounding streets, and the North/South metro line is accessible within a few minutes by bicycle. The Albert Cuyp/Frederiksplein metro station provides access to lines 52, while the Weesperplein station offers lines 51, 53, and 54. Amstel Station is also within easy reach. By car, the A10 ring road is quickly accessible, connecting the location to the broader Dutch motorway network.
In summary, this Nicolaas Witsenkade duplex apartment represents a rare opportunity to acquire a freehold property in a prime Amsterdam canal location, combining historic architectural character with modern renovations, a private garden, and excellent accessibility.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
Walk-in shower (inloopdouche) is explicitly mentioned in both the Dutch and English descriptions of the bathroom.
Bathtub
No bathtub is mentioned in the listing. The bathroom is described as having a walk-in shower, washbasin, and toilet only.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is described as centrally located off the hallway, serving all rooms rather than being attached to any specific bedroom.
Guest Toilet
The features list explicitly states '1 badkamer en 1 apart toilet' (1 bathroom and 1 separate toilet), indicating a guest toilet exists separate from the main bathroom.
Heated Towel Rail
No heated towel rail is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Bidet
No bidet is mentioned in the listing description or features.
Double Shower
Only a single walk-in shower is mentioned; no indication of a double or dual shower setup.
Shared Shower
This is a single residential apartment with no shared facilities.
Shared Toilet
This is a single residential apartment with no shared facilities.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing mentions 'wastafel' (washbasin) in singular form, suggesting a single sink rather than his-and-hers double sinks.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The features section explicitly states 'Frans balkon aanwezig' (French balcony present).
Rear Garden
The listing explicitly mentions a 'Achtertuin' (rear garden) of approximately 46 m².
Front Garden
No front garden is mentioned; typical for a ground-floor apartment on a canal in Amsterdam.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned in the description or features.
Terrace
The property has a garden and a French balcony, but no separate terrace is mentioned.
Rooftop Terrace
The apartment is situated on the ground floor and first floor only; no rooftop terrace is mentioned.
Barbecue Area
While there is a garden, no barbecue area is specified.
Patio
The outdoor space is described as a 'tuin' (garden), not specifically a patio.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing.
Guest House
There is no mention of a guest house on the property.
Waterfront
Located on the Nicolaas Witsenkade, the listing explicitly states it is 'aan water' (on the water) with a canal view.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden is mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are present in this city center apartment.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities are present.
Private Outdoor Pool
No private outdoor pool is mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No private outdoor jacuzzi is mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No private tennis court is mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
Amsterdam does not have mountains.
Remarkable City View
The property has a canal view rather than a sweeping high-rise city panorama.
Remarkable Garden View
The rear bedroom opens directly onto a 46 m² beautifully maintained garden.
Remarkable Sea View
Amsterdam is not located on the sea.
Remarkable Harbour View
The property is located on a canal in the city center, not a harbour.
Remarkable Landmark View
The views are of the water and the garden; no specific landmarks are highlighted in the view.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is not mentioned anywhere in the listing or feature list.
Central Heating
The features explicitly list a CV-ketel (HR-107 gas combi boiler) for heating.
Fireplace
There is no mention of a fireplace in the layout, description, or features list.
Carpeted Floors
Carpets are very uncommon in Dutch ground-floor apartments, especially renovated ones, and are not mentioned.
Underfloor Heating
The feature list explicitly states 'gehele vloerverwarming' (entire underfloor heating).
Walk In Closet
A walk-in closet is not mentioned in the room layout or feature list.
Home Office
The front room is explicitly described as a 'studie- of slaapkamer' that is 'perfect als stijlvolle thuiswerkplek' (perfect as a stylish home office).
Skylight
The description mentions large windows ('royale raampartijen') and French doors, but no skylights are mentioned.
Exposed Beams
Exposed beams are not mentioned, and typical 1870 Amsterdam canal houses usually have plastered ceilings.
Bay Window
No bay window is mentioned in the layout or features.
Private Indoor Pool
The property is an 80 m² apartment; a private indoor pool is physically implausible and not mentioned.
Private Indoor Sauna
There is no mention of a sauna in the 80 m² apartment layout.
Built-In Wardrobes
Built-in wardrobes are not mentioned in the description of the bedrooms.
French Doors
The text explicitly mentions 'elegante openslaande deuren' (elegant French doors) leading from the bedroom to the garden.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No Scandinavian design elements such as light woods or specific minimalism are mentioned in the description.
Modern
The open kitchen is explicitly described as having a 'modern design', and the bathroom was renovated in 2013, though the building itself dates back to 1870.
Industrial
There is no mention of industrial features like exposed brick, steel elements, or open ductwork typical of this style.
Mediterranean
The listing describes a classic Amsterdam canal house with no mention of Mediterranean elements like terracotta, arched doorways, or specific color palettes.
Classic
The property is a monument built in 1870 located on a characteristic canal in Amsterdam-Centrum, indicating strong classic architectural roots.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building dates back to 1870, is located in a protected cityscape ('Beschermd stads- of dorpsgezicht'), and is explicitly listed as a monument ('monument').
Early 20th Century
The property was built in 1870, which is the 19th century, not the early 20th century.
Post War Functional
Built in 1870, this predates any post-war construction era.
Modernist
A 19th-century canal house does not represent a modernist building style.
Newly Build
The listing specifies 'Bestaande bouw' (existing construction) with a construction year of 1870.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
There is no mention of a kitchen island in the description or layout details.
Open Plan Kitchen
The description explicitly states 'luxe open keuken' in Dutch and 'luxurious open kitchen' in English.
Pantry
There is a separate laundry room mentioned, but no pantry is listed in the layout.
Shared Kitchen
The property is an apartment with 'exclusive use' (uitsluitend gebruik) as per the cadastral designation, so the kitchen is private.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is described as 'luxe', 'modern design', and 'modern vormgegeven', indicating a design-focused aesthetic, though it was renovated in 2013.
New Kitchen
The listing explicitly states the kitchen was renovated in 2013, making it over a decade old.
Parking & Storage
Parking
Only street parking is mentioned (paid parking, public parking, parking permits). No dedicated parking spot is included with the property.
Storage Room
The listing mentions a practical, enclosed space with connections for a washing machine and dryer that can be set up as a separate laundry room, which functions as utility/storage space.
Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage, so there cannot be an automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage of any kind is mentioned in the listing.
Attic
The property is described as a 'dubbel benedenhuis' (double ground-floor apartment) consisting of ground floor and first floor only. No attic is mentioned.
Cellar
No cellar or basement is mentioned in the property description or features.
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
The property has a 46m2 garden but no shed or garden building is mentioned.
Street Parking Free
The listing explicitly states 'betaald parkeren' (paid parking), indicating street parking is not free.
Street Parking Permit
The listing explicitly mentions 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits) as an available parking option.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing clearly states there is an active VvE named 'Vereniging Van Eigenaars Nicolaas Witsenkade, Pieter Pauwstraat, Huidekoperstraat te Amsterdam', professionally managed by VvE Beheer Amsterdam. It is described as 'zeer goed functionerende en gezonde VVE' (very well functioning and healthy VvE).
Leasehold
The listing explicitly states 'Eigendomssituatie: Volle eigendom' (Ownership situation: Full ownership) and 'Eigen grond (geen erfpacht)' (Own land, no leasehold). The property is on freehold land.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The features section clearly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration: Yes).
Oa Annual Meeting
The features section lists 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja' (Annual meeting: Yes).
Oa Fees
The listing clearly states 'Bijdrage VvE: €315,00 per maand' and 'Periodieke bijdrage: Ja (€315,00 per maand)'. The VvE charges a monthly fee of €315.
Oa Reserve Fund
The features section explicitly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja' (Reserve fund present: Yes).
Oa Maintenance Plan
The listing mentions 'Er is een MJOP aanwezig' (There is a long-term maintenance plan present) and features section confirms 'Onderhoudsplan: Ja'.
Oa Buildings Insurance
The features section clearly states 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' (Buildings insurance: Yes).
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing explicitly states that the first floor is reached via a staircase ('Via de trap bereikt u de eerste verdieping') and it is a 19th-century building with no mention of an elevator.
Private Entrance
The property is described as a 'dubbel benedenhuis' (double ground-floor apartment) and mentions a 'verzorgde entree' (well-kept entrance) leading directly into the home, which typically indicates a private street-level entrance.
Automatic Gate
It is a ground-floor apartment in the center of Amsterdam with no mention of any gates, automatic or otherwise.
Gated Community
The property is an apartment on a public canal street in Amsterdam-Centrum, not part of a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The main living room and kitchen are located on the first floor and are only accessible via a staircase ('Via de trap bereikt u de eerste verdieping').
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
The listing explicitly states there are 'connections for washing machine and dryer' (aansluitingen voor wasmachine en droger), indicating connections exist but not the appliance itself.
Washing Machine Connections
Explicitly mentioned in the description: 'afgesloten ruimte met aansluitingen voor wasmachine en droger' (enclosed space with connections for washing machine and dryer).
Laundry Room
The listing describes a practical enclosed space with washer/dryer connections that is 'ideaal in te richten als separate laundry room' (ideal to set up as a separate laundry room), suggesting it's a potential use rather than a currently designated laundry room.
Dryer
Similar to the washing machine, the listing mentions 'connections for' a dryer (aansluitingen voor wasmachine en droger), not the actual appliance.
Ventilation System
Explicitly listed in the features section: 'mechanische ventilatie, natuurlijke ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation).
Cable Tv
Explicitly listed in the features section: 'TV kabel' (TV cable).
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Not mentioned in the listing. Given it is a protected cityscape monument from 1870 in central Amsterdam, solar panels are highly unlikely and would definitely be highlighted as a feature if they were present.
Triple Glazing
Not mentioned. For a 19th-century monument achieving Energy Label C, double glazing is standard, but triple glazing is rarely installed due to monument regulations and would typically yield a better energy label if fully applied.
Wall Insulation
The features section explicitly states 'Volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated), which inherently includes wall insulation.
Floor Insulation
The listing states 'Volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated) and specifically mentions 'gehele vloerverwarming' (entire underfloor heating), which practically requires floor insulation to be effective.
Roof Insulation
The listing states 'Volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated). Since it is a duplex apartment on the ground and first floor, there must be roof insulation above the first floor to satisfy the 'fully insulated' claim.
Heat Pump
The listing explicitly identifies an 'HR-107 ketel' (gas-fired combi boiler) as the heating source, meaning there is no heat pump.
Home Battery
Not mentioned. Home batteries are exceptionally rare in historic canal apartments in Amsterdam and would certainly be listed as a special feature if installed.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property features an HR-107 high-efficiency gas combi boiler and whole-house underfloor heating, which are specific energy efficiency measures contributing to its Energy Label C.