Key Features
Description
Located just outside the singel of the historic center of Woerden, near the Snellerbrug, stands a remarkable eclectic herenhuis dating back to 1842. The property carries the name Eldorado, which is modestly but legibly inscribed under the profiled gutter and on the cast iron entrance gate of the front garden. This name, meaning The Gilded One, refers not to the mythical golden city but to this genuinely beautiful national monument.
The property is situated on a generous plot of 1,280 square meters, positioned between the Oudelandseweg to the northeast and the Oude Rijn to the southwest. The presence of a jetty makes it possible to moor a boat directly at the property, offering immediate access to the waterways that connect to Utrecht and Amsterdam, as well as to more intimate water routes such as the Meije and the Linschoten.
The house presents itself as a must see property, as it is difficult to capture in words what one encounters both inside and outside. Everything monumental about this building feels fresh and vibrant. The detailing is impressive without being overwhelming. With great care, the characteristic features of both the interior and exterior have not only been preserved but the entire property has been updated to meet the comfort standards expected in 2025. All living spaces are simultaneously generous and intimate.
The garden has been exceptionally well laid out and has a distinct arboretum character. Among the notable trees are a centuries old chestnut tree, a Spanish ash, and several weeping trees including a weeping willow. Along the waterfront, a jetty has been constructed, and at the rear of the garden, there is an attractive garden room that allows one to enjoy views of the water and the property under all weather conditions.
Woerden itself has a long history originating in Roman times. The canals were constructed in the Middle Ages, and city rights were granted in 1372. Over the centuries, various significant buildings were established, including Kasteel Woerden, the Lutheran church, the tower mill De Windhond, the Arsenaal, the Stedehuys which now houses the Stadsmuseum Woerden, and the Sint Bonaventurakerk. These attractions have been preserved for current residents and visitors alike.
The city offers a variety of dining establishments including Stadshotel Van Rossum, Gare Pompidou, Bistronoom Woerden, and JanZen, making it gastronomically worthwhile. Beyond these named venues, Woerden provides numerous pleasant cafes, terraces, restaurants, and shops. The center is a sympathetic place where history is combined with conviviality. It is lively without the crowds found in larger cities. Woerden is recognized as a good and safe place to live and enjoy life.
Situated in the middle of the Groene Hart, Woerden is known for its characteristic meadow landscape and system of quays and waterways. Long strips of land bordered by straight ditches, created after the Great Reclamation in the tenth century, define the landscape. Due to its central location in the Randstad, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are easily accessible by both public transport and car. A bicycle ride along the Nieuwkoopse plassen is highly recommended, as are routes through Waarder, Driebruggen, and Oudewater. The surroundings are water rich and offer ample boating pleasure on the Oude Rijn.
For growing children, Woerden offers excellent facilities in education, sports, and culture. The cultural sector is vibrant with landmarks such as Stadsmuseum Woerden and Theater and music school Het Klooster. In summer, the city comes alive with events including Street Theater, Kunstpark, Harbor and Shanty Festival, and the Woerdense Holiday Week. There are three large secondary schools, three football clubs, a hockey club, three tennis clubs, padel courts both indoor and outdoor, an athletics track, and a free run course. Naturally, there is also a wide range of gyms and yoga and pilates locations.
Returning to Eldorado itself, this is a wonderful family home where from the study one has views of Defense Island, Kasteel Woerden, and the Bonaventura church. In the garden, one can find a quiet spot in or out of the sun where the water flows by and the trees provide decoration. In the background, the town hums with activity, but here there is space for a good conversation, a pleasant book, or a sociable barbecue. One can step onto a boat and sail around the singels, alone or together, very relaxed past Landgoed Bredius, the historic water tower, and under the Parisian bridge.
The house offers three living rooms, a pleasant living kitchen, and a conservatory on the ground floor. These spaces are connected by a hall with a front door and a side door. The current residents primarily use the side entrance. The main entrance is highly suitable for posing for a wedding or family photo. Ceilings are beautifully ornamented, and walls and floors have been finished with great taste. Crystal chandeliers adorn various rooms.
Under the kitchen and accessible from there, there is an attractive wine cellar and technical room.
The floors are connected by a relatively modest and well proportioned staircase with landings that connect the spaces on each floor.
On the first floor there are three bedrooms, one of which has an en suite bathroom. All spaces are well proportioned. From the landing, a walk in closet is accessible.
On the second floor there are also three bedrooms and a bathroom. Here too, all spaces are well proportioned, and it is even possible to adjust the layout to preference and create an additional room.
Behind the house stands an outbuilding containing a garage for two cars with ample space for bicycles. Above the garage is a studio with its own sanitary facilities and a pantry. This space is highly suitable as a guest accommodation or for an au pair.
Attached to this building, on the water side, is a wonderfully atmospheric garden room that makes it possible under all weather conditions to look at the reflections in the water, the garden, and the house.
To keep the energy bill somewhat comfortable, the house has 22 solar panels with which a car can also be charged.
After 21 years of caring for the house with love, it is time for the current owner to seek a change of scenery and exchange Woerden for Utrecht. Delivery will take place in consultation.