Industrial Character Property in Heart of Naarden Vesting

Naarden Vesting is one of the best preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands, known for its unique star shaped fortifications. The town has a rich cultural scene and a pleasant atmosphere with various amenities within walking distance. Residents can enjoy terraces, restaurants, the weekly market, cultural venues like the Arsenaal, the impressive Grote Kerk, and the beautiful town hall. The location combines the charm of a historic setting with practical connectivity to larger cities. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Hilversum are easily accessible via nearby highways, and the area is surrounded by nature reserves that offer recreational opportunities.

Pastoorstraat 1 is situated just a short distance from the Grote Kerk, placing it in the heart of this historic area. The building has an interesting history, having been originally constructed around 1900 as part of a bakery that was located on the Bussummerstraat. Elements of this industrial past are still visible in the building's design, particularly in the facade layout that recalls the grain loft (meelzolder) that was part of the original bakery operation.

The property underwent significant transformation in the 1980s under the direction of architect Koen van Velsen. Van Velsen would later serve as Rijksbouwmeester, the chief government architect of the Netherlands, which speaks to the quality and significance of his work. His approach to the renovation emphasized light and spatial qualities, and these principles are evident throughout the building. The most striking feature is the glass staircase that creates a transparent connection between the floors, and the void (vide) that runs through the building, creating a sense of openness and vertical connection that is unusual in this type of historic building.

The open kitchen and bathroom were added at a later stage, complementing the original architectural transformation. The result is a property that successfully combines historical elements with modern living requirements, creating a loft like atmosphere within a traditional streetscape.

The ground floor entrance immediately conveys the character of the building. The light filled entry space is dominated by the open glass stairwell and the high void that draws the eye upward through the building. This creates an industrial yet elegant atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the property. From the entrance, you access the main ground floor space, which measures approximately 30 square meters. This room has herringbone parquet flooring, which adds warmth and character to the space. The ground floor also contains a toilet with a washbasin, providing basic facilities on this level.

The first floor is primarily dedicated to the bedroom, which measures approximately 20 square meters. This is a comfortable size for a main bedroom and includes an en suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and washbasin. An unusual feature is the small internal balcony that is accessible from the bedroom and hangs freely in the void, providing an interesting architectural detail and a connection to the vertical space of the building. Also located on the first floor is a closed technical room that houses the central heating boiler and provides space for a washing machine, keeping these practical elements out of the living spaces.

The second floor contains the main living area, consisting of a living room with an open kitchen spanning approximately 30 square meters. A wide skylight (lichtstraat) runs across this floor, bringing natural light into the space and enhancing the sense of openness. The kitchen is modern and equipped with built in appliances, making it functional for daily use. From the kitchen, there is access to a modest storage area for additional space. A small landing leads to the stairs that ascend to the rooftop terrace.

The rooftop terrace is one of the property's most distinctive features. Measuring approximately 10 square meters, it provides an outdoor space with a direct view of the Grote Kerk, one of Naarden's most prominent landmarks. This combination of private outdoor space and historic city view is rare in the densely built environment of the Vesting.

In terms of technical specifications, the property has an energy label C. It has partial double glazing, which provides some insulation benefits while maintaining the character of the historic building. Heating and hot water are provided by a gas fired combination boiler (Intergat 28/24 CW4) from 2013, which is included in the purchase. The roof is flat and covered with bituminous roofing material. Additional features include air conditioning, an alarm system, skylights, and TV cable connection.

The property is classified as a terraced house (tussenwoning) and is situated within a protected city or village view (beschermd stads of dorpsgezicht), which means there are restrictions on modifications to maintain the historical character of the area. The total living area is 102 square meters, distributed over three floors. The plot size is 45 square meters and the volume is 325 cubic meters. The property has one bedroom, one bathroom with shower, toilet, and washbasin, plus one separate toilet on the ground floor.

Parking is available on public roads in the area. The property is described as partially furnished. The asking price is 599,000 euros costs koper, meaning the buyer is responsible for transfer costs and other purchase related expenses. This translates to approximately 5,873 euros per square meter of living space.

The combination of factors that define this property makes it a distinctive offering in the Naarden Vesting real estate market. The industrial character, combined with the architectural pedigree of the renovation and the prime location within the historic fortifications, creates a property that appeals to those seeking a home with character and history. The transformation from bakery to residential space represents an interesting chapter in the building's history, and the visible references to this past add to its authenticity.

The three floor layout, while requiring climbing stairs, creates a clear separation between the different functions of the home. The ground floor can serve as an additional living or working space, the first floor as the private bedroom area, and the second floor as the main social space with the kitchen and living room. This vertical organization is typical of transformed industrial or commercial buildings and contributes to the loft like atmosphere that characterizes the property.

The location within Naarden Vesting means that daily amenities are within easy walking distance, reducing dependence on car travel for basic needs. At the same time, the proximity to major roads makes commuting to employment centers in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Hilversum practical. The surrounding nature areas offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, adding to the quality of life in this location.