The former Gouwzee Museum

Built in 1974, but designed with an eye for the historic surroundings. Classic roof lines, a facade with moldings, and divided windows connect to the building traditions of Zaan and Waterland. The baked roof tiles, wooden dormer with curved pediment, and refined detailing give the house a stately, timeless appearance.
This is not a historicizing reconstruction, but a home that honors the style of Monnickendam in a contemporary interpretation.

The decision to buy the house 23 years ago was made in 5 minutes. What makes the house special is its authenticity, the rural atmosphere it exudes, the lovely garden, the coziness of the harbor, and yet an enclave where you can be completely yourself, in the middle of the historic, beautiful, and lively Monnickendam. Amsterdam-Center at 13 km distance, was also a very important fact for us. Furthermore, there is the rustic beautiful nature (including the nearby Hemmeland Park with its beautiful beaches) and the sailboat, a berth practically in front of the door. The house itself was originally part of the smokehouse museum. What is now the large kitchen-diner was previously the museum's film room. Initially, the house consisted of many small Rooms that we have largely broken through, the warm atmosphere that the house already had has been well preserved. Because of the many places where you can sit, you can sit where your mood suits you best. In the conservatory, the garden comes into its own and upstairs we have made a work-/study area cum bedroom with a large dormer window in the attic where you can see a great view of the Gouwzee. Downstairs, in addition to the living room, the large kitchen has an adjoining practice space. There is a private entrance for the practice space. Depending on the seasons, we use the different spaces in the house. We sit mostly in the kitchen, but besides the living room, we are often in the conservatory or in the attic room with the view of the Gouwzee. The old town is a water and bicycle tourist area, which creates a bit of a holiday feeling almost all year round. The historic streets around the harbor have an atmosphere where time seems to have stood still a bit. There are nice terraces and eateries. The best are a small restaurant called Zwarthoed. This is very well known. The restaurant Joon is also a reasonably good restaurant. On the Haringburgwal there is a good pizza restaurant Lievito and there is a good tapas restaurant El Puerto. There is an exceptionally nice beach pavilion; Strandvier and there is a cozy pub, 1614. There are several nice places to have lunch at the old harbor basin. Near the lock there is a good delicatessen store 'Zuid'. There is a fairly good market on Saturdays. In the main street is a good vintage fashion store. 'Vintage brand'. What we will miss the most; the feeling of space, the light, the comfort of a large, atmospheric house, the presence of nature, especially the water, and the personal atmosphere between people.