Unique former church apartment with original vaulted ceilings in Museumkwartier
Key Features
Description
This remarkable apartment is situated within the former Sint Martinuskerk, a national monument located in the Museumkwartier of Utrecht. The building was originally designed by architect Alfred Tepe around 1901 and was carefully converted into a residential complex in 1992 under the guidance of architect Dolf de Maar. The conversion preserved the historical architecture while introducing modern conveniences, creating a unique living environment that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary comfort.
The apartment occupies the second floor of this distinctive building and offers approximately 78 square meters of living space. Upon entering, residents are immediately struck by the impressive ceiling height and the original vaulted ceilings that remain fully visible throughout the property. The open-plan layout connects the living area with the kitchen, creating a natural flow for daily life and entertaining. The living room features an oak wood floor and opens onto a south-facing balcony through double doors, offering views over the green courtyard gardens and trees along the singel.
The kitchen is equipped with various built-in appliances and features a hard stone countertop, providing a functional and stylish workspace for meal preparation. The layout allows for interaction with guests while cooking, maintaining the open and social character of the home.
The bedroom is generously proportioned and includes built-in storage solutions, maximizing the use of space while keeping the room organized. Windows in the bedroom overlook the characteristic forecourt of the former church, where the equestrian statue of Saint Martin stands. This detail connects the residence to the rich history of the building and serves as a reminder of its former purpose.
The bathroom is equipped with a walk-in shower and a vanity unit, offering modern amenities in a clean and practical design. A separate toilet facility provides additional convenience for residents and guests. An indoor storage room houses the washing machine and dryer connections, keeping these appliances out of sight while maintaining easy access.
One of the distinctive features of this complex is the shared werfkelders, which are cellars located along the Oudegracht. These historic spaces provide residents with the opportunity to store watercraft such as kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. The cellars also serve as communal areas where neighbors can gather by the water, adding a unique social dimension to the community.
The building is accessible via both elevator and staircase, ensuring convenience for all residents regardless of their mobility needs. A private storage unit is located on the ground floor, offering additional space for belongings and accommodating two bicycles comfortably.
Heating and hot water are provided through district heating, eliminating the need for individual boiler maintenance and providing efficient, sustainable energy for the home. The building features roof insulation and double glazing, contributing to energy efficiency despite the historic nature of the structure. It is worth noting that an energy label is not mandatory for protected monuments, reflecting the special status of buildings of historical significance.
The location places residents at the heart of Utrecht's cultural district. The Oudegracht, museums, theaters, restaurants, and terraces are all within easy walking distance, offering an exceptional array of leisure and cultural opportunities. The Twijnstraat, Ledig Erf, Zocherpark along the singels, and the Kromme Rijnpad leading toward Amelisweerd are all accessible on foot, providing green spaces and recreational routes for walks and cycling. Utrecht Centraal railway station, station Vaartsche Rijn, and the tram connection to Utrecht Science Park are all nearby, ensuring excellent public transport connections for commuting and regional travel.
The monthly service costs amount to approximately 323 euros, covering the maintenance and management of the shared spaces and building. It is anticipated that these costs will increase by approximately 30 percent following the VvE meeting scheduled for May. A separate prepayment of 172 euros is required for heating costs. The apartment ownership includes an 81/3871 share of the community, and the property is held in full ownership without any leasehold complications.
Living in a national monument offers a unique experience that transcends ordinary residential property. The building's gotische forms, monumental details, and impressive proportions create an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate in modern construction. The serene quality of the space, with its flood of natural light through the large church windows, provides a sense of tranquility that contrasts remarkably with the vibrant urban environment surrounding the property. Residents enjoy the paradox of experiencing the dynamic energy of the city while returning to a hidden retreat of silence and space.
The protected status of the building and its setting ensures the preservation of its historical character for future generations. This designation reflects the cultural and architectural significance of the former church, making ownership of this apartment a participation in maintaining and celebrating Utrecht's heritage.
In summary, this apartment represents a rare opportunity to reside within a piece of Utrecht's history while enjoying all the comforts of modern urban living. The combination of architectural beauty, historical significance, central location, and quality construction creates a residence that appeals to those seeking not merely a place to live but a unique lifestyle experience shaped by culture, history, and the rhythm of the city.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
Walk-in shower (inloopdouche) explicitly mentioned in bathroom description.
Bathtub
Only a walk-in shower is listed; no bathtub mentioned anywhere in the listing.
En-Suite Bathroom
Only one bathroom is listed (1 badkamer), and it is not described as ensuite or directly accessible from the bedroom.
Guest Toilet
Separate toilet room (separate toiletruimte) is explicitly mentioned in the listing.
Bidet
No bidet is mentioned in the listing.
Double Shower
Only a single walk-in shower is mentioned, no double shower described.
Shared Shower
This is a private apartment; the shower is part of the private bathroom, not shared.
Shared Toilet
This is a private apartment; the toilet is private and separate from the bathroom.
His & Hers Sinks
Only a 'wastafelmeubel' (sink cabinet) is mentioned, indicating a single sink, not his and hers.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions a 4 m² balcony on the south with view of the inner gardens.
Rear Garden
No private rear garden is mentioned. The listing refers to shared inner gardens and green areas visible from the balcony, but these are communal spaces, not private.
Front Garden
No private front garden is mentioned.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned.
Terrace
While a small balcony exists, a proper terrace is not described. The 4 m² balcony is too small to be considered a terrace.
Rooftop Terrace
No rooftop terrace is mentioned.
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area is mentioned.
Fenced Yard
No fenced yard is mentioned.
Patio
No patio is mentioned.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned.
Guest House
No guest house is mentioned.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden is mentioned.
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
No mountain views as this is an urban listing in Utrecht.
Remarkable City View
The apartment is located in the city center of Utrecht with views over the inner gardens and binnentuinen. While not a typical city skyline view, the urban setting provides noteworthy views.
Remarkable Garden View
The listing mentions views from the balcony over the green inner gardens and trees along the singel (city canal). This is unexpected in the city center.
Remarkable Sea View
No sea view possible as Utrecht is an inland city.
Remarkable Harbour View
The Oudegracht is a historic canal with werfkelders (work cellars), giving some harbor-like character, but not a traditional harbor view.
Remarkable Landmark View
The building is the former Sint Martinuskerk, a Rijksmonument designed by architect Alfred Tepe around 1900. The statue of Saint Martinus stands on the forecourt. The vaulted ceilings and Gothic forms are remarkable architectural features.
Interior Comfort
Central Heating
Stadsverwarming (district heating) is explicitly mentioned for both heating and hot water.
Hardwood Floors
Eikenhouten vloer (oak floor) is explicitly mentioned in the living room description.
Exposed Beams
Originele gewelven (original vaults) are explicitly mentioned as a key feature visible throughout the apartment, particularly in the living room.
Private Indoor Pool
No pool mentioned. Listing mentions storage in basement for canoe and SUP board.
Private Indoor Sauna
No sauna mentioned in the listing.
Built-In Wardrobes
Ingebouwde kastruimte (built-in storage space) explicitly mentioned in the bedroom description.
French Doors
Openslaande deuren naar het balkon op het zuiden (sliding/folding doors to south-facing balcony) are explicitly mentioned.
Ornamental Plasterwork
Strak gestuukte kruisbogen (smooth plastered cross arches) are explicitly mentioned as a unique design feature of the apartment.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing emphasizes historical, church-based architecture with original vaulted ceilings and oak floors. While it mentions modern comfort, there is no Scandinavian design language described.
Modern
The apartment mentions fully equipped kitchen with built-in appliances and modern city living comfort, but the overall emphasis is on preserving historical character and original features.
Industrial
The former church building with Gothic forms and monumental details has some industrial character, but it is primarily presented as a heritage monument rather than industrial space.
Mediterranean
Property is located in Utrecht, Netherlands with no Mediterranean characteristics or styling mentioned.
Classic
This is a former Sint Martinus church (1901, designed by Alfred Tepe), a Rijksmonument with original vaulted ceilings, Gothic forms, and protected cityscape status. The entire listing centers on historical architecture and heritage.
Exterior Style
Traditional / Historic
The building is a former church (Sint Martinuskerk) designed by Alfred Tepe around 1900, converted to apartments in 1992. It is a Rijksmonument in a protected city view area. The original vaulted ceilings are still fully visible.
Early 20th Century
The building was designed around 1900 by architect Alfred Tepe, representing early 20th century architecture.
Post-War Functional
This is clearly a pre-war historic building (1901), not a post-war functional building.
Modernist
While the apartment has modern conveniences and was renovated in 1992, the building is fundamentally historic/traditional in character.
Newly Built
The building dates from 1901 and is a historic Rijksmonument. It is clearly not newly built.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
No kitchen island is mentioned. The description suggests a more traditional kitchen layout with open connection to living area.
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing explicitly states 'De leefruimte staat in open verbinding met de keuken' (The living space is in open connection with the kitchen), confirming an open/semi-open kitchen layout.
Boiling Water Tap
Boiling water tap (Quooker-style) is not mentioned in the listing.
Shared Kitchen
This is a private apartment with its own kitchen. No shared kitchen facilities are mentioned.
Designer Kitchen
The kitchen features a 'hardstenen werkblad' (hard stone countertop) and built-in appliances, suggesting some quality, but it is not explicitly described as a design kitchen. The church was converted in the 1990s, so the kitchen is not necessarily contemporary.
New Kitchen
The church was redeveloped in 1992 under architect Dolf de Maar. The kitchen could be from that period (about 30+ years old) or could have been updated since. No specific information about recent renovation is provided.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing explicitly states 'Soort parkeergelegenheid: Betaald parkeren' (type of parking: paid parking). No private parking is mentioned. There is no dedicated or private parking space included with the apartment.
Storage Room
The listing mentions a 'ruime berging' (spacious storage) on the ground floor in the building's entrance area, with space for at least two bicycles. Additionally, there is an indoor storage room with washer/dryer setup inside the apartment.
Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing. The parking is described as 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking) which refers to street/public parking, not a garage.
Automatic Garage Door
No mention of any garage, let alone an automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No mention of any garage in the listing.
Attic
The apartment is located on the 2nd floor of a former church (former Sint Martinuskerk). No attic space is mentioned or applicable to this unit. The building has 5 floors and the apartment is on the 2nd floor.
Cellar
The listing mentions 'gezamenlijke werfkelders aan de Oudegracht' (shared werfkelders/cellar vaults along the Oudegracht canal) which are communal storage areas in the basement accessible to residents. However, this is a shared communal space, not a private cellar assigned to the apartment. The listing does not mention a private cellar for the unit itself.
Bike Storage
The ground floor storage ('ruime berging') is explicitly mentioned to have space for 'twee fietsen' (two bicycles). This constitutes a bike storage facility.
Covered Parking
No covered parking is mentioned. The listing only mentions 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking) which refers to street-level paid parking, not covered parking.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing. The only parking mentioned is 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking) at street level.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned in the listing.
Shed
The listing describes storage areas (private berging on the ground floor and an indoor storage room inside the apartment), but no separate shed in a garden or exterior area is mentioned.
Free Street Parking
The listing states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking), meaning parking is not free. This indicates street parking requires payment.
Parking Spot Sale Price
The listing does not mention any parking spots for sale. No sale price for a parking spot is provided.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing clearly indicates a VvE (owners association) with service costs of €323.16 per month and multiple VvE checklist items confirming the association's existence and operations.
Leasehold
The listing specifies 'Eigendomssituatie: Volle eigendom' (full ownership/freehold), indicating this is not a leasehold property.
Chamber of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist explicitly shows 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' confirming registration at the Chamber of Commerce.
Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly shows 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja' confirming annual meetings are held.
Owners Association Fees
Service costs of €323.16 per month are explicitly mentioned, indicating the owners association charges fees.
Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist explicitly shows 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja' confirming a reserve fund exists.
Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist explicitly shows 'Onderhoudsplan: Ja' confirming a maintenance plan exists.
Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist shows 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' confirming buildings insurance is in place.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing explicitly states 'Bereikbaar via lift en trappenhuis' (Accessible via lift and staircase) in the description. This confirms the building has an elevator for accessing the 2nd floor apartment.
Intercom
The listing mentions 'brievenbussen en intercom' (mailboxes and intercom) at the entrance of the building.
Gated Community
This is a city center apartment building in a historic monument. No gated community features are mentioned or implied.
Wheelchair Accessible
The building has an elevator (making the 2nd floor accessible by lift), which suggests some wheelchair accessibility for reaching the apartment. However, the listing does not explicitly state the apartment itself is wheelchair adapted or fully accessible inside.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
The listing mentions 'inpandige berging met opstelling voor wasmachine en droger' indicating space and connection for a washing machine is available in the indoor storage area.
Washing Machine Connections
The presence of 'opstelling voor wasmachine' in the storage room indicates washing machine connections are available.
Laundry Room
There is an indoor storage with washer/dryer setup mentioned, but no dedicated laundry room is specified in the listing.
Dryer
The listing explicitly mentions 'opstelling voor wasmachine en droger' in the indoor storage, indicating space for a dryer is available.
Smart Home
No smart home features or systems are mentioned in the listing description or features.
Ventilation System
The listing explicitly lists 'mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation) under 'Voorzieningen' (facilities).
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Not mentioned in the listing. Given that this is a 1901 Rijksmonument (national monument) converted from a church, solar panels would likely be noted as a special feature if present. The building's historical status and preservation requirements make solar panel installation unlikely.
Double Glazing
Explicitly stated in the energy section: 'Isolatie: Dakisolatie en dubbel glas' (Insulation: Roof insulation and double glazing).
Triple Glazing
Only double glazing is mentioned under insulation. As a monument building from 1901 converted in the 1990s, triple glazing is highly unlikely. The listing specifically only mentions 'dubbel glas'.
Roof Insulation
Explicitly stated in the energy section: 'Isolatie: Dakisolatie en dubbel glas' (Insulation: Roof insulation and double glazing).
Heat Pump
The listing states 'Verwarming: Stadsverwarming' (Heating: District heating) and 'Warm water: Stadsverwarming' (Hot water: District heating). No heat pump is mentioned. District heating is a separate system from individual heat pumps.
Home Battery
Not mentioned anywhere in the listing. Given the age of the building (1901) and the fact that it uses district heating, a home battery system is unlikely and would typically be noted as a special feature.