Characterful Former Warehouse Townhouse in Historic Leiden Center
Key Features
Upsides
- Excellent central location in Leiden with all amenities, shopping streets, parks, museums, restaurants, and both train stations within short walking or cycling distance.
- Unique character property as a former warehouse with preserved original details including exposed beams, the original warehouse door on the first floor, and a stylish historic facade in a protected cityscape area.
- Practical energy upgrades have been completed including roof insulation and mostly double glazing throughout the property.
- The property is situated on 25 square meters of privately owned land, providing full ownership of the ground beneath the home.
Downsides
- The central heating boiler dates from 2003 and is over 20 years old, which means it may need replacement in the near future. Additionally, the oven in the kitchen is defective and will require replacement.
- The listing contains inconsistencies regarding the number of bedrooms, with the features stating two bedrooms while the detailed layout description only accounts for one bedroom on the second floor.
- The property has a very small footprint with only 25 square meters of private land, and parking requires a paid permit costing approximately 216 euros annually for the first vehicle.
- No energy label is currently available for the property, which may make it difficult for buyers to assess the actual energy efficiency and potential heating costs.
Description
This distinctive townhouse is situated on Sint Pancrassteeg in the heart of Leiden, tucked away in a small alley between the Hooigracht and the Middelweg. The property is a former warehouse that has been converted into a residential dwelling, offering a unique living experience in one of the most sought-after locations in the city center. The building dates back to approximately 1918, though according to municipal records it may well be older than this official construction year suggests.
The property is located within a protected cityscape area, which means the exterior facade and the character of the building are preserved for future generations. This adds to the historical charm and ensures the surrounding streetscape maintains its authentic appearance. The front facade features a stylish appearance with the original front door still in place, contributing to the authentic character of this remarkable dwelling.
The total living area measures approximately 73.70 square meters, with a total volume of around 293 cubic meters. The house stands on 25 square meters of private land, which is owned outright. The property spans three living levels, each with its own distinct function and atmosphere.
The ground floor has been fully built out and serves as a practical entrance level. Upon entering, you find an open space that can be used flexibly as a hallway, front room, storage area, or workspace. This area contains two built-in closets providing ample storage capacity. The connections for the washing machine and dryer are also located here, making it a functional utility area. The central heating boiler is installed on this level as well.
The bathroom is situated on the ground floor and measures approximately 3.22 by 2.09 meters. This bathroom was renovated in 2008 and is equipped with a bathtub, a separate shower, a washbasin, and a towel radiator. The toilet is also located in the bathroom. The ground floor features attractive tile flooring that gives the space a solid and practical appearance.
The first floor houses the main living area, consisting of a cozy living room with an open kitchen. This combined space measures approximately 6.73 by 4.33 meters, totaling around 29 square meters. A notable feature of this floor is the old warehouse door at the front, which serves as a reminder of the building's original commercial purpose and adds significant character to the living space. The open kitchen is simply appointed and includes a built-in extraction hood with filter, a freestanding stainless steel gas stove with oven, and a freestanding dishwasher. It should be noted that the oven is currently defective. The first floor has wooden floorboards that add warmth and atmosphere to the living area. An open staircase leads from this level to the second floor.
The second floor contains one spacious bedroom measuring approximately 6.73 by 4.17 meters. This room benefits from natural light through four Velux skylights installed in the roof. Additional storage space is available on this level. The roof has been insulated, which contributes to the energy efficiency and comfort of this top floor room.
Throughout the property, several original details have been preserved that enhance the character of the home. Exposed beams are visible in the interior, and of course the original warehouse door on the first floor serves as a striking architectural element. These features combine with the stylish facade to create a home with genuine historical appeal.
In terms of energy efficiency, the property has been partially upgraded. The roof is insulated and the majority of the windows have double glazing. A large portion of the interior has been painted, with the listing indicating this was done in 2026, though this appears to be a typographical error and likely refers to a more recent year. The energy label is not yet available at the time of listing.
The heating system consists of a Remeha central heating boiler from 2003, which is a gas-fired combination boiler that provides both heating and hot water. This boiler is owned by the property and will transfer to the new owner.
The location of this property is one of its strongest attributes. Situated in the absolute center of Leiden, all urban conveniences and attractions are within easy reach. The Plantsoen park, the main shopping streets of Haarlemmerstraat and Breestraat, and various supermarkets are all nearby. The Albert Heijn supermarket on the Hooigracht is approximately a two-minute walk away. The Singelpark, the market, various museums, restaurants, and other entertainment venues are all within walking distance.
For commuters and students, the property offers excellent accessibility. Leiden Central Station is approximately a six-minute bike ride away, and Lammenschans Station is also about six minutes by bicycle. The LUMC medical center, the Bio Science Park, and various university buildings are all easily accessible from this central location. The main highways including the A4, N434, N11, and A44 can be reached quickly by car.
Parking in the area falls under Zone A in the city center. A parking permit for the first vehicle costs approximately 54 euros per quarter. Various parking options are available in the vicinity, including paid on-street parking, public parking areas, parking garages, and permit parking.
The property is being offered at an asking price of 399,000 euros, costs payable by the buyer. This translates to approximately 5,392 euros per square meter of living space. The property is currently available and the transfer date can be negotiated, with the possibility of a relatively quick handover if desired.
This townhouse presents an opportunity for those who appreciate living in a historic setting with unique character features. The combination of a former warehouse conversion, preserved original details, and an unbeatable central location makes this a distinctive property in the Leiden housing market. The practical layout with the bathroom and utility functions on the ground floor, the main living area on the first floor, and the bedroom on the top floor follows a logical pattern that makes efficient use of the available space.
It is worth noting that there appears to be a discrepancy in the listing regarding the number of bedrooms. The features section mentions two bedrooms, while the detailed layout description only describes one bedroom on the second floor. Prospective buyers should verify the actual bedroom count during a viewing. Additionally, the defective oven in the kitchen will likely need to be replaced by the new owner, and the 2003 central heating boiler, while functional, is approaching an age where replacement may be considered in the coming years.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a 'douche' (shower) in the bathroom.
Bathtub
The listing explicitly mentions a 'ligbad' (bathtub) in the bathroom.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is located on the ground floor, while the bedroom is on the 2nd floor.
Guest Toilet
The only toilet is located inside the bathroom. There is no separate guest toilet mentioned.
Heated Towel Rail
The listing explicitly mentions a 'handdoekradiator' (heated towel rail) in the bathroom.
Bidet
A bidet is not mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Rain Shower
A rain shower is not mentioned in the listing.
Double Shower
A double shower is not mentioned in the listing.
Shared Shower
The property is described as a 'zelfstandige stadswoning' (independent townhouse), so facilities are not shared.
Shared Toilet
The property is an independent townhouse, so the toilet is not shared.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing mentions a single 'wastafel' (sink), not double sinks.
Bathroom Heated Floor
The listing mentions 'fraaie plavuizen vloer' (beautiful tile floor) but does not mention floor heating.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
Listing describes a terraced house in an alley without mentioning a balcony.
Rear Garden
Property has 25m2 of land, located in an alley; no garden is mentioned.
Front Garden
Property is located in an alley; no front garden mentioned.
Side Garden
Terraced house in an alley; no side garden mentioned.
Terrace
No terrace mentioned in the description.
Rooftop Terrace
No rooftop terrace mentioned in the description.
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area mentioned.
Fenced Yard
No fenced yard mentioned.
Patio
No patio mentioned.
Veranda
No veranda mentioned.
Guest House
Property is a 74m2 single-family home with no separate guest house.
Waterfront
Located in the city center near canals, but no direct waterfront access is mentioned.
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
Located in the city center of Leiden; no equestrian facilities.
Small Livestock Facilities
Located in the city center of Leiden; no livestock facilities.
Private Outdoor Pool
No private outdoor pool mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No private outdoor jacuzzi mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No private tennis court mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
Leiden is completely flat and has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
Located in a sheltered alley (steegje) with Velux skylights on the top floor, restricting city views.
Remarkable Garden View
There is no garden on the property.
Remarkable Sea View
Leiden is an inland city with no sea views.
Remarkable Harbour View
Property is located in a city center alley, not at a harbour.
Remarkable Landmark View
Property is situated in a hidden alley (steegje), limiting views of landmarks.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is not mentioned anywhere in the property description or features list.
Central Heating
The listing explicitly states heating is provided via its own CV boiler (Verwarming via eigen CV, ketel).
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the description of the living areas or features.
Hardwood Floors
The first floor is specified to have wooden floorboards (houten vloerdelen).
Tiled Floors
The ground floor is specified to have beautiful tiles (fraaie plavuizen).
Laminate Flooring
The floors are described as real wood (houten vloerdelen) and tiles (plavuizen), with no mention of laminate.
Carpeted Floors
There is no mention of carpeted floors in the property description.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is not mentioned; heating is provided by a central CV boiler.
Walk In Closet
There is built-in storage (vaste kasten) and storage space in the bedroom, but no specific walk-in closet is mentioned.
Home Office
The ground floor space is explicitly described as suitable for a workspace (werkkamer).
Skylight
The second-floor bedroom features 4 Velux skylights (velux dakramen).
Exposed Beams
The listing explicitly notes original details including visible beams (balken in het zicht).
Bay Window
No bay window is mentioned in the layout or features.
Private Indoor Pool
The property is a 73m2 urban home with no mention of a pool.
Private Indoor Sauna
There is no mention of a sauna in the property details.
Built-In Wardrobes
The description mentions 2 fixed closets (vaste kasten) on the ground floor.
French Doors
The listing mentions an original front door and an old warehouse door, but no French doors.
Ornamental Plasterwork
There is no mention of ornamental plasterwork; the original details focus on beams, doors, and the facade.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No Scandinavian design elements such as light woods, minimalism, or specific Nordic styling are mentioned in the listing.
Modern
The house is a former warehouse built around 1918 with original details, an older CV boiler from 2003, and a simple open kitchen, indicating it is not modern.
Industrial
The property is explicitly described as a former warehouse (voormalig pakhuis) and features visible original beams and an old warehouse door.
Mediterranean
There are no Mediterranean architectural features like terracotta roofs, stucco walls, or courtyards mentioned; it is a traditional Dutch urban home.
Classic
Built in 1918, located in a protected cityscape (beschermd stadsgezicht), and retains original details like a stylish facade and original front door.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Former warehouse built around 1918, located in a protected cityscape, featuring original beams and doors.
Early 20th Century
Built in approximately 1918.
Post War Functional
Built in 1918, which is before WWII.
Modernist
Characterized as a former warehouse with traditional original details, not modernist.
Newly Build
Constructed around 1918, it is an existing building.
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Listing explicitly mentions 'losse vaatwasser' (freestanding dishwasher)
Oven
Listing mentions oven but notes it is defective ('oven is defect')
Kitchen Island
Not mentioned and the living/kitchen area is only 29m2 total, making an island unlikely
Open Plan Kitchen
Listing explicitly states 'woonkamer met open keuken' (living room with open kitchen) multiple times
Stove
Listing explicitly mentions 'los RVS fornuis (gas)' (freestanding stainless steel gas stove)
Induction Stove
Stove is explicitly described as gas, not induction
Boiling Water Tap
Not mentioned and kitchen is described as 'eenvoudige' (simple)
Downdraft Extractor
Listing mentions 'inbouw afzuig/filterkap' (built-in extractor/filter hood), which is a traditional hood, not downdraft
Shared Kitchen
Listing states 'zelfstandige stadswoning' (independent city house)
Design Kitchen
Kitchen is explicitly described as 'eenvoudige open keuken' (simple open kitchen)
New Kitchen
Building is from 1918, kitchen described as simple with loose appliances and defective oven, no renovation mentioned
Parking & Storage
Parking
Listing mentions parking zone A with permit costing €54 per quarter, and lists 'Betaald parkeren, openbaar parkeren, parkeergarage en parkeervergunningen'.
Storage Room
Listing mentions 'veel bergruimte' (lots of storage), 'vaste kasten op de begane grond' (fixed closets on ground floor), and 'bergruimte' on 2nd floor. Features list also shows 'Schuur/berging Inpandig'.
Garage
No mention of a garage anywhere in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage exists, so no double garage.
Attic
The 2nd floor is described as a bedroom with velux skylights under a 'dwarskap' roof, but it's explicitly called '2e etage' (2nd floor) not 'zolder' (attic). It's a converted upper floor, not a traditional attic space.
Cellar
No mention of a cellar (kelder) in the listing or features.
Bike Storage
No specific mention of bike storage (fietsenberging) in the listing.
Covered Parking
No private covered parking mentioned. The 'parkeergarage' listed refers to public parking in the area, not a private covered spot.
Underground Parking
No mention of underground parking facilities.
Ev Charging
No mention of EV charging facilities or infrastructure.
Workshop
No workshop (werkplaats) mentioned. The ground floor has a 'werkkamer' (home office), which is different from a workshop.
Shed
Features list 'Schuur/berging Inpandig' but 'inpandig' means integrated into the main building, not a separate shed structure.
Street Parking Free
Listing explicitly states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking) and permit costs €54 per quarter, confirming it's not free.
Street Parking Permit
Listing explicitly mentions 'parkeervergunningen' and '1 vergunning ca. € 54,00 per kwartaal' for zone A parking.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
The €54/quarter (€18/month) is a permit fee, not a rented parking spot. No mention of renting a dedicated parking space.
Parkspot Sale Price
No parking spot for sale mentioned in the listing.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly describes the property as a 'zelfstandige stadswoning' (independent townhouse) with 'volle eigendom' (full ownership) on its own ground, indicating no Owners Association is present.
Leasehold
The listing explicitly states 'Volle eigendom' (full ownership) and mentions it is on '25 m2 eigen grond' (own ground), meaning it is freehold, not leasehold.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
There is no owners association for this independent property.
Oa Annual Meeting
There is no owners association for this independent property.
Oa Fees
There is no owners association for this independent property.
Oa Reserve Fund
There is no owners association for this independent property.
Oa Maintenance Plan
There is no owners association for this independent property.
Oa Buildings Insurance
There is no owners association for this independent property.
Open Viewing
No open viewing days or times are listed in the text; it only mentions that acceptance is in consultation and can be short-term.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing describes a 3-story townhouse built in 1918. There is no mention of an elevator, which is highly uncharacteristic for this type of historic property.
Private Entrance
The property is listed as an independent city house with its own ground floor entrance.
Automatic Gate
The house is located in a narrow alley in the city center with no mention of any gates.
Gated Community
It is an independent house in a public city center alley, not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The house spans three floors with the living area on the first floor and bedroom on the second floor, accessed via an open staircase with no elevator.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
Explicitly stated: 'aansluiting voor de wasmachine en droger' (connection for washing machine and dryer) on the ground floor.
Laundry Room
The ground floor space is described as 'open ruimte geschikt als: hal / voorkamer/ berging of werkkamer' - an open space suitable for multiple purposes, not a dedicated laundry room.
Smart Home
No smart home features or systems mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Ventilation System
Features section explicitly lists 'Mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation).
Cable Tv
Features section explicitly lists 'TV kabel' (TV cable) as a provision.
Water Softener
No mention of water softener; not a common feature in Dutch homes.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
No mention of solar panels anywhere in the listing description or features section.
Double Glazing
Listing explicitly states 'De woning is bijna geheel voorzien van dubbel glas' and features section confirms 'grotendeels dubbelglas'.
Triple Glazing
No mention of triple glazing. Since double glazing is specifically mentioned as a feature, triple glazing is unlikely to be present but not explicitly ruled out.
Roof Insulation
Explicitly stated in listing: 'het dak is geïsoleerd' and confirmed in features section as 'Dakisolatie'.
Heat Pump
Heating is provided by a Remeha CV gas boiler from 2003. No heat pump is mentioned or implied.
Home Battery
No mention of a home battery system anywhere in the listing. This would be an unusual feature to omit if present.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
No additional energy efficiency measures are mentioned beyond double glazing and roof insulation. The CV boiler is from 2003 (older, less efficient model). The energy label is listed as 'not available' / 'volgt', suggesting it may not meet current efficiency standards typical for this era building.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.