Monumental Townhouse with 6 Bedrooms in Historic Oudewater Center

The property at Wijdstraat 21 in Oudewater is a monumental townhouse located in the heart of the historic center of this oldest city in the Groene Hart region of the Netherlands. The residence offers an exceptional amount of space with a living area of approximately 266 square meters, a plot of 163 square meters, and no fewer than six bedrooms spread over four living levels and a basement.

This characteristic townhouse dates back to approximately 1585 and is designated as a national monument, situated within a protected townscape. Over the years, the building has been carefully maintained, with characteristic elements preserved. The various living levels make this property particularly suitable for multifunctional use, such as a shop, home office, or gallery. The property features an attractive open fireplace, remarkable window sections, and beautiful wooden construction beams that contribute to both comfort and the authentic experience of living in a historic building.

The documented history of Wijdstraat 21 begins with a recorded resident from 1585. The property likely sustained only minor damage during the capture by the Spanish army in 1575, allowing it to be reoccupied shortly thereafter. The Geveltekens Oudewater Foundation has traced the residents of the house since 1674. From the 18th century onwards, the building was occupied by various bakers, a history still referenced by the facade sign that remains visible today.

Located on the edge of the lively historic center of Oudewater, residents are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and daily amenities. The city is situated in the middle of the Groene Hart and offers ample opportunities for walking and cycling in the surrounding countryside. In the immediate vicinity, there are several primary schools and sports facilities. Thanks to the proximity to the A12 motorway, cities such as Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are easily accessible, as are bus connections to Gouda and Woerden, among other destinations.

The ground floor features an open living space where living and cooking naturally come together. Upon entering through the entrance, the scale and character of the home are immediately apparent. The Siematic kitchen forms the central point and is equipped with a four-burner gas stove with extractor hood, an oven, and a dishwasher. The living room has an open fireplace and provides direct access to the backyard through a patio door. The beautiful teak floor, executed in classic Doetinchem parquet, underscores the warm and high-quality appearance of the whole. In the intermediate hall, there is a toilet and access to the basement, which offers extra storage space.

The entresol forms a special intermediate floor and houses two bedrooms. The bathroom en suite to one of the bedrooms was newly constructed in 2015 and is functionally furnished with a walk-in shower, a vanity unit, and a toilet. This layout provides a private bedroom suite arrangement that works well for guests or family members seeking additional privacy.

The first floor contains three more bedrooms and a second bathroom, equipped with a walk-in shower, washbasin, and toilet. There is also a washing machine connection on this floor, making laundry logistics convenient. On the landing, there is a storage cupboard containing the central heating boiler, keeping this utility element neatly out of sight.

The second floor offers a versatile space that can serve as a sixth bedroom or alternatively as a hobby room or home office. This level has considerable atmosphere and character thanks to the exposed roof construction, making it a distinctive space within the property. Additionally, there is a storage attic and practical storage space under the sloping roof for seasonal items and other belongings.

The backyard is neatly landscaped and advantageously faces south, ensuring plenty of sunlight throughout the day. With an area of approximately 44 square meters, measuring 5.93 meters deep and 7.49 meters wide, this outdoor space forms a pleasant place to relax and enjoy outdoor living right in the historic city center. The garden has a rear access to Romeijnstraat, which is practical for daily use and provides an alternative entry point to the property. There is also an attached stone outbuilding suitable for storage of garden equipment, bicycles, or other items.

The property has a volume of approximately 984 cubic meters and includes 12 square meters of other indoor space beyond the main living area. The roof is a gable roof covered with tiles, which is typical for historic buildings of this era. Facilities include skylights, mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation options, a flue for the fireplace, and a TV connection for modern entertainment needs.

For heating, the property has a central heating boiler supplemented by an open fireplace that adds both warmth and ambiance during colder months. Hot water is provided by the central heating boiler, which is a Remeha gas-fired combi boiler from 2013 that is owned by the property. The energy label is D, which is common for historic monumental buildings and can potentially be improved with appropriate measures that respect the protected status of the monument.

As a national monument, various subsidies can be applied for, and prospective owners may be eligible for a loan on favorable terms for restoration or maintenance work. More information about these possibilities can be found on the website of the National Restoration Fund. A current Monumentenwacht report is available, providing an independent assessment of the condition of the monument.

In the NVM purchase agreement, various clauses will be included, including an old-age clause, which is standard practice for historic properties and provides appropriate protection for both buyer and seller given the age and monumental status of the building. The property is offered at a price of 885,000 euros, costs to be paid by the buyer. This translates to approximately 3,327 euros per square meter of living space, which reflects both the size of the property and its unique historic character.

Parking is available on public roads in the surrounding area, which is typical for properties in historic city centers. The cadastre reference is OUDEWATER B 2348, with the property being in full ownership without any leasehold or other encumbrances mentioned. The acceptance of the property is in consultation, providing flexibility for the new owner to coordinate the move according to their personal timeline and circumstances.