








Historic Canal House with Modern Luxury in Gouda Centre
Key Features
Description
Oosthaven 20 is a striking canal house situated on one of the most picturesque waterways in Gouda. This national monument dates back to the 15th century, with the facade having been renewed in the 19th century with a cornice facade typical of that architectural period. The property underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2018, successfully blending its historic character with contemporary comfort and luxury.
The property is located in the heart of Gouda's historic centre, placing residents within walking distance of an array of amenities. The vibrant market square, numerous shops, boutiques, and restaurants are all easily accessible on foot. The train station can also be reached by walking, making this an excellent location for commuters. Additionally, the surrounding area offers access to schools, childcare facilities, sports clubs, and major roads. The South Holland polder landscape and the Hollandse IJssel river are within walking distance, providing opportunities for peaceful walks in nature.
The ground floor of the property welcomes visitors with a bright and compact hallway housing the meter cupboard. From this entrance, one can access both the front living room and the spacious kitchen. The living room at the front offers a beautiful view of the harbour and features an impressive mantelpiece and wooden flooring. The ceilings in this room reach an impressive height of four metres, creating a generous sense of space. A fixed staircase in the living room leads to the mezzanine level.
The kitchen is positioned beneath the mezzanine in a slightly lowered section. This generous space is equipped with a peninsula and various built-in appliances, including a Bora induction cooktop, dishwasher, fridge-freezer combination, oven, and a Quooker instant boiling water tap. The kitchen provides ample storage space and is finished with a composite worktop. The flooring consists of tiles, while the walls combine sleek plasterwork with robust, characteristic stone walls that reflect the building's heritage.
At the rear of the ground floor, a hallway with a skylight provides access to a separate toilet and a laundry room with space for washing appliances. An authentic built-in safe is located under the stairs to the mezzanine, a remnant of the building's storied past. From the kitchen, there is direct access to a wine and storage cellar, adding a unique feature to the property.
The mezzanine level features a stylishly finished landing with a luxurious oak wall incorporating glass elements. This level provides access to the staircase leading to the first floor as well as one of the four bedrooms. This generous bedroom is situated at the rear of the property and benefits from a beautiful wooden floor. The room includes an en-suite bathroom that is accessible exclusively from the bedroom. This fully tiled bathroom is equipped with a wall-mounted toilet, a modern washbasin, and a spacious walk-in shower with both a rain shower and a hand shower. The bathroom also includes an electric towel radiator, underfloor heating, and double glazing for year-round comfort.
The first floor is accessed from a landing that also connects to the staircase leading to the second floor. At the front of this level, there is a generous room with a slightly lower floor compared to the landing. The high, ornately decorated ceiling gives this space an impressive appearance and offers a beautiful view over the Oosthaven. At the rear of the first floor, the second bedroom is currently used as an office space and includes a practical built-in wardrobe. The entire floor is finished with smooth walls and elegant wooden floors, creating a stylish and harmonious atmosphere.
The second floor features a landing that provides access to a built-in cupboard, the second bathroom, two bedrooms, and an additional study space. This level is distinguished by the impressive height of the roof ridge, with authentic wooden beams left exposed to give the rooms a characteristic and warm appearance. The bedroom at the front of this floor is bright thanks to a large skylight and benefits from an open, airy feel created by the visible roof structure. The bedroom at the rear is similarly light and atmospheric due to attractive windows and a light finish. The centrally located second bathroom is practically arranged and includes a toilet, a washbasin with cabinet, a skylight, and a spacious shower cabin with a rain shower.
The property has several notable features that contribute to its appeal. Eight solar panels were installed in 2023, helping to reduce energy costs. The roof insulation adds to the energy efficiency of the home. A Remeha Avanta HR CW4 central heating boiler was installed in 2017 and is included in the sale. The property also benefits from an alarm system and a fibre-optic internet connection. There is an option to purchase a parking space at the nearby Fluwelenhof, which is particularly valuable given that the immediate area has paid parking and operates on a permit system.
As a listed national monument situated within a protected townscape, this property carries with it certain considerations regarding maintenance and alterations. Owners of such properties typically need to comply with specific regulations to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the building. The Energy Label C rating reflects the balance between the building's historic nature and the improvements made during the 2018 renovation, including the roof insulation and solar panels.
The total living area measures 226 square metres, spread across five living levels. There is an additional 14 square metres of other indoor space, likely including the cellar and storage areas. The plot size is 86 square metres, and the property has a volume of 915 cubic metres. The asking price equates to approximately 3,075 euros per square metre of living space.
This canal house at Oosthaven 20 represents a distinctive opportunity to own a piece of Gouda's history while enjoying modern living standards. The combination of historic details such as Gothic key pieces and carpenter's marks in the roof structure with contemporary amenities creates a unique living environment in a highly desirable central location.

