Historic Canal House in Picturesque Delfshaven

This historic canal house, dating back to approximately 1650, is situated in the heart of Rotterdam and has been meticulously renovated to a high standard. The property is located on Voorstraat, right at the entrance of Historical Delfshaven, an area known for its rich maritime heritage and charming village atmosphere within the bustling city. Originally operating as the well-known Galerie Delfshaven, this building has served as a residential property for many years and now offers a unique opportunity to live in a piece of history while enjoying modern comforts.

The entire building carries a residential zoning designation, while the ground floor benefits from a dual zoning classification (Gemengd-2). This mixed-use zoning provides flexibility for the ground floor to be utilized not only for living but also for purposes such as retail, office space, or a home-based practice. This makes the property particularly attractive for individuals who have dreamed of running a cooking studio, gallery, or atelier from their home. The combination of residential and commercial possibilities adds a distinctive dimension to this already special property.

Spread across four living levels, the house contains five rooms including two bedrooms. The front of the building offers a diagonal view over the water of the Coolhaven and the vibrant Nieuwe Binnenweg. The rear of the property forms part of the municipal monument known as de Aelbrechtskolk and provides a beautiful outlook over the Erfgoedhaven. Living here means being surrounded by history in a neighborhood that feels like a village within the city, yet offers all the amenities and attractions of Rotterdam within easy reach.

The ground floor features a charming split-level living kitchen that serves as the heart of the home. This space includes a robust, stylishly tiled kitchen block and a cozy seating area positioned by the water. The kitchen island was custom-made in 2024 and is equipped with a KitchenAid four-burner induction cooktop with a recirculation system, a Bosch oven, an antique brass Quooker, and a refrigerator-freezer combination. The antique built-in display cabinet and custom-made showcase cabinets provide ample storage for tableware, provisions, and cooking utensils. The stairs leading down from this level take you to the atmospheric souterrain.

The souterrain currently accommodates a pleasant guest and work room at the rear. This workspace is located in the characteristic red wall extension that extends over the water, a feature captured in practically every painting or photograph of Delfshaven. From here, residents can enjoy a beautiful view over the water. The souterrain also includes a toilet with washbasin, accessible via a sliding door. At the front of the souterrain, beneath the stairs, there is additional practical storage space with connections for a washing machine and dryer.

The first floor houses a pleasant, bright through-living room with connections that would allow for the installation of a second kitchen or kitchenette if desired. This space offers a quiet and completely private environment where residents can relax, with the Aelbrechtskolk serving as a picturesque backdrop visible from the windows.

The second floor serves as the bedroom level and is characterized by its impressive ceiling height and visible original old roof beams. The carefully selected materials in the custom-made bathroom make this space particularly noteworthy. The bathroom features a beautiful freestanding bathtub, custom-curved window frames, and a washbasin placed on an antique side table. These elements combine to create a bathroom that would not look out of place in a design magazine. The bedroom itself includes a low wardrobe with a marble top and two clothes racks, demonstrating how function and style have been successfully integrated throughout the property. Waking up here means being able to enjoy a cup of coffee in bed while gazing out over the water for extended periods.

The location offers an exceptional lifestyle. Residents can start their day at AapNootBrood, enjoy a coffee or performance at Altstadt, or have a drink at traditional local pubs like Café De Ooievaar and De Oude Sluis. For evening entertainment, Sonoor offers a sophisticated venue, while Little C provides swimming facilities. Alternatively, residents can simply take a swim in what essentially serves as their backyard waterway. For those who prefer to stay home, the bench by the front facade offers a delightful spot for morning coffee, reading a book, enjoying drinks with friends, or engaging in conversations with neighbors.

The practical aspects of the location are equally appealing. Rotterdam city center and Central Station are both reachable by bicycle in approximately ten minutes. By car, the A13 and A20 motorways can be accessed within ten minutes as well. This combination of historic charm and urban convenience is relatively rare in the Rotterdam housing market.

Several important details about the property warrant mention. This charming canal house from around 1650 is situated on owned land (eigen grond), meaning no ground lease applies. The total living area measures approximately 100 square meters, with an additional 10 square meters of other indoor space. The plot size is 32 square meters and the volume is 400 cubic meters. The front facade is classified as a National Monument (Rijksmonument), while the rear facade is part of the municipal monument de Aelbrechtskolk. The property was thoroughly and carefully renovated in 2018 and again in 2024. The exterior painting of the front facade was completed in 2025. The energy label will be available shortly.

The heating system consists of a gas-fired combi boiler that is owned by the current owner. The property has roof insulation and features natural ventilation along with TV cable connections. Parking in the area is available through paid parking, public parking, and parking permit systems.

It should be noted that both an age clause and a foundation clause will be applied to the sale, which is standard practice for historic properties of this nature. Digital floor plans are available to provide a complete understanding of the layout and dimensions. The handover date is to be agreed upon between buyer and seller.