Over Cabotstraat 21H, Amsterdam

Architecture
The Admiralenbuurt is situated between Admiralengracht, Erasmusgracht, Orteliuskade and Postjeswetering. A number of façades on the eastern side of Admiralengracht are also considered part of the neighbourhood from an urban planning perspective. The area forms part of Plan West—Amsterdam’s early twentieth-century urban expansion project, developed as a continuation of the renowned Plan Zuid. In addition to the Admiralenbuurt, Plan West encompassed the Postjesbuurt (also known as the West-Indische Buurt) and the Hoofddorppleinbuurt. All residences in this area were designed in the distinctive Amsterdam School architectural style by the architects involved in the development plan. De Amstel’s Bouw Vereeniging played a pivotal role in reigniting privately commissioned housing during this period, acting both as developer and advocate. One of its prominent board members, J.A. Bangert, was instrumental in the realisation of numerous properties and often collaborated with his brother on residential projects. The architectural ensemble comprising six parcels—including nineteen residences and two shopfront dwellings—at Cabotstraat 19 through 25 and Vasco da Gamastraat 46 and 48, was designed by J.A. Bangert. The building at Cabotstraat 21, as previously mentioned, is a fine example of Amsterdam School architecture, a movement that flourished in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, from approximately 1910 to 1940. Defining characteristics of the Amsterdam School—clearly present in this building—include:

• Use of brick: The façade is constructed entirely in brick, featuring meticulous masonry.
• Repetition and symmetry: Windows are symmetrically arranged in a rhythmic pattern.
• Vertical accents: Drainpipes and window placements highlight vertical lines.
• Geometric forms: Straight contours and block-like window shapes are typical.
• Subtle ornamentation: While overt decoration is absent, attention to detail is evident—for instance, in the decorative brickwork between windows.

This property thus represents a remarkable example of early twentieth-century urban residential architecture, embodying the functional elegance and refined expressiveness of the Amsterdam School.

Wining and dining
Access to the apartment is granted via a private entrance directly from the street. The living is positioned at the front of the residence and offers an unobstructed view over Balboaplein. Serving as the heart of the home, this space comfortably accommodates both a lounge and dining area—ideal for moments of relaxation and conviviality. Large windows allow generous daylight to pour in, enriching the overall ambience of the space. The open-plan kitchen is designed in a timeless black palette, complemented by stylish white and taupe-toned tiles. A granite countertop adds both elegance and durability. The kitchen is fully equipped with a range of built-in appliances, including a Quooker tap, oven, dishwasher, four-burner gas hob, extractor hood and fridge-freezer combination. A well-maintained laminate floor completes the space, seamlessly enhancing the inviting atmosphere throughout.

Rest and refresh
Both bedrooms are directly connected to the living area and situated at the quiet rear side of the residence. Currently, the smaller bedroom is configured as a walk-in closet, allowing the main bedroom to offer ample space for a double bed and a dedicated workspace. This principal bedroom also grants direct access to the sun-filled garden. The second bedroom features bespoke built-in cabinetry. The walk-in closet provides generous storage capacity and is often considered a luxurious amenity. Should additional space be desired, the current configuration can easily be adapted to create a second full bedroom, enhancing the home’s flexibility. The bathroom has been recently refurbished and includes a bathtub with shower function, a toilet, a washbasin with vanity unit, and a designer radiator.

Garden
Both bedrooms offer access, through elegant French doors, to the sunny garden at the rear—an unexpected and delightful feature of the apartment. Thanks to the position on the corner of the building block, the view extends freely into the surrounding greenery, enhancing the sense of openness and privacy. This south-facing garden of approximately 33 square metres is a serene retreat, offering an escape from the urban rhythm. A place where one can unwind in peace or enjoy leisurely outdoor moments, such as a relaxed barbecue on a warm evening.

Neighbourhood  
Tucked along the edge of vibrant De Baarsjes, Cabotstraat is a charming residential street where history and contemporary urban life meet. Developed during the post-war reconstruction era, the neighbourhood offers a harmonious blend of traditional brick architecture and modern influences. The area’s cultural heartbeat is found at the Chassé Theater—a beloved local venue for film and live performance. For culinary delights, highlights include Bakkerij Fort Negen, renowned for its artisanal breads and perfect Sunday croissants enjoyed in the morning sun; Volare, an Italian restaurant offering authentic dishes in a relaxed setting; and Edel, a waterside bar and restaurant ideal for laid-back afternoons. With both Rembrandtpark and Vondelpark within walking distance, the neighbourhood strikes an appealing balance between urban energy and natural calm. Just a ten-minute cycle from the Jordaan, yet mornings here begin with birdsong in the garden. Cabotstraat combines a warm sense of community with a highly practical location in the heart of Amsterdam.

Connectivity
The apartment is easily accessible by bicycle, car and public transport. The A10 ring road can be reached in under five minutes via exits S105 or S106. Multiple tram and bus lines run along nearby Postjesweg, Hoofdweg and Jan van Galenstraat—including trams 7, 13 and 17, providing direct access to Central Station and Nieuw Sloten, as well as bus connections to Sloterdijk and Zuid stations. From Hoofdweg, there is also a direct bus service to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Sloterdijk Station is reachable by bicycle within fifteen minutes.

Parking
Parking is typically available right in front of the residence, with a secured parking garage just a five-minute walk away. Parking is regulated via a resident permit system (permit zone West-1.2). A parking permit for residents costs EUR 192.81 per six months and allows for parking throughout zone West-1. At present, there is a waiting time of approximately eight months for this permit area. A second resident permit is not available within this zone. In addition to street parking, permit holders may also park free of charge in the nearby De Wending, Piri Reis and Mercatorplein garages.
(Source: City of Amsterdam, April 2025)

Vanaf het eerste moment voelde deze woning als een warme, geborgen plek. De indeling is compact en overzichtelijk, wat het geheel bijzonder geschikt maakt voor twee personen. De living met open keuken vormt het kloppend hart van het huis – een ruimte waar met plezier wordt gekookt, getafeld en ontspannen. De keuken is relatief recent vernieuwd en uitgerust met een Quooker; een verfijnd detail dat comfort toevoegt aan het dagelijks gebruik.
Wat deze woning extra bijzonder maakt, is de rust van de tuin. Zodra de deuren naar buiten openen, verdwijnt de stad op de achtergrond. In de ochtend hoor je vogels fluiten – een verrassend contrast met het levendige stadsleven daarbuiten. De zonnige ligging op het zuiden maakt het een ideale plek voor een ontspannen begin of afsluiting van de dag. Ook over parkeren is nagedacht: er is doorgaans ruimte voor de deur en een ondergrondse parkeergarage bevindt zich op vijf minuten loopafstand, toegankelijk met vergunning.
De ligging in De Baarsjes is levendig en in ontwikkeling, met tal van fijne adressen binnen handbereik. De Kinkerstraat, Ten Katemarkt en De Hallen liggen op loopafstand – perfect voor een snelle boodschap, een goed glas wijn of een film.
Voor visliefhebbers is De Zeeduivel in de Jan Pieter Heijestraat een aanrader. Even een haring of een bakje kibbeling eten hoort er gewoon bij. En voor mensen met een bootje: je kunt deze op steenworp afstand in de Admiralengracht leggen. Na een lange dag varen in de sloep, de boot aanleggen en daarna BBQ’en in de tuin met vrienden – een topdag!

We gaan vooral de sfeer en het gemak van deze plek missen. Het huis voelt ruim en licht, maar toch compact en knus – echt een huis voor een stel. De rust in de tuin, de gezellige woonkamer, de fijne buurt en de praktische ligging maken het een heerlijke plek om te wonen.