A classic and listed canal house classified as a national monument, consisting of a ground floor, first floor, two upper floors, and an attic. The black façade and the ornamental consoles adorning the neck gable lend it an elegant appearance. The period rooms and the 19th-century staircase enhance its allure. This generously designed residence comprises a front house and a bright rear house, connected by a stately and comfortably navigable staircase. The property offers versatile functionality.
The property
The total area is approximately 466 m², currently divided into four more or less independent residential units. The property is suitable for private residence, investment, or development. This charming monument is situated in a prime location and is located on freehold land. The deep and sunny backyard is complemented by a double-width garden house. The garden also features a double plot width. Plans for renovation and restoration are in place, and several subsidy schemes.
The outdoor space
Rear Garden: An oasis in the city center, as the gardens between the Keizersgracht and Herengracht are the widest and least built-up. Additionally, the rear overlooks the Gouden Bocht, featuring extra-large and impressive properties. Properties 503 and 505 have so far been used as a shared garden. At the back of the garden stands a garden house spanning the width of both plots. According to the current property boundaries, the plots will be separated cadastrally. The garden house will be sold with number 503, including a portion of the garden from 505. The garden will then be approximately 150 m² in size.
Neighborhood guide
Keizersgracht 503 is located in the Grachtengordel-Zuid, in a quiet part of the Spiegelbuurt. It's close to the Rijksmuseum, Amstelveld, and numerous amenities from local shops and specialty stores to cultural institutions, top restaurants, traditional brown cafes, and galleries. This neighborhood comparatively has a lot of young residents aged between 25 and 44 years. This location is easily accessible, and the Vijzelstraat metro station is within walking distance.
Specifications
• Living area approximately 466 m²
• Deep garden with a charming garden house
• Situated on freehold land
• Foundation repair is required
• National monument located in a nationally protected cityscape and UNESCO World Heritage site
• Sellers will include an asbestos, age, and non-occupancy clause in the deed of sale
• Project notary: Dentons in Amsterdam
• For more information, visit the websites of the National Monument Portal, the Restoration Fund, and the Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) regarding possibilities.

The Merchant
The heirs have engaged our office to advise them on the sale. Their property on the Keizersgracht holds a long history and unique character. For the family, the house has many aspects and dimensions, which is why they sought our consultation in advance. This file covers nearly everything I find fascinating as a real estate agent, including structural matters, subdivision of a cadastral parcel, registration, environmental considerations, renovation, government subsidies, and possibly the reinstallation of a foundation.
In this process, we provided the family with full transparency, allowing me to become well acquainted with the property. I see it as a beautiful canal house, originally built as a merchant’s home with a garden house, later expanded with a double rear annex, which makes it truly unique.
It is a remarkable property with diverse usage possibilities and a wonderful opportunity for its future owner. In my opinion, this will likely be a developer or an investor, although a family seeking ample space is also a possibility. Ultimately, the market will decide.
Otte van Apeldoorn | Real Estate Agent Broersma Residential

Designvision
Merchant’s house with monument number 2374.
This elegant merchant’s house dates back to 1680, making it part of the fourth expansion of the canal belt. It was built on behalf of Laurens Wittebol, a broker and merchant. He was also the client for the neighboring properties at 501 and 505, with which 503 forms a magnificent neck-gabled triplet. Until well into the eighteenth century, the three properties remained under single ownership.
At the end of the nineteenth century, this property underwent a significant renovation. Among other changes, the tiered staircase was removed, and the entrance was lowered to align with the canal level. In the same period, the three-story back house was added. Later, the properties at Keizersgracht 503 and 505 were combined on the ground floor. The sale will restore the parcel division between 503 and 505.
Notable features of 503 include a freshwater reservoir under the hallway and the striking neck gable. It is adorned with a floral motif, and its list-shaped pediment features coats of arms.




De entree op grachtniveau loopt door in een gang met marmeren plavuizen die achter in het pand toegang geeft tot de zonnige keurtuin. Er is een kamer aan de voorzijde en een achterkamer die uitkijkt op de patio. Aan het eind van de negentiende eeuw is hier een achterhuis bijgebouwd van maar liefst drie lagen, met op de begane grond een aangename tuinkamer. Kenmerkend voor dit koopmanshuis uit de gouden eeuw is ook de kelder, met als extra bijzonderheid dat er onder de gang nog een origineel vers drinkwaterreservoir aanwezig is.
De eerste verdieping
Deze verdieping is circa vier meter hoog en heeft drie ramen aan de gracht. De ramen gaan open met monumentale espagnoletten. Ook de haard in rococostijl draagt bij aan de elegante uitstraling. De voorgevel ligt op het zuiden. Dit maakt dat de zonnestralen die op het water in de gracht vallen, door de ramen reflecteren op het plafond. Dit geeft de ruimte een prachtig licht. Aan de achterzijde wederom aan het lichthof hebben eerdere eigenaren gebruikgemaakt van de hoogte door een entresol te construeren. Zo is een knusse, prettige slaapplek ontstaan met eigen sanitair. In het achterhuis is een aparte studio met openslaande deuren naar een balkon met avondzon aan de tuin. De studio is voorzien van een pantry en een badkamer met douche.





Second floor
On this floor as well, the high ceiling creates a unique spatial effect. The front part of this floor houses an independent living unit with a front room with a fireplace and a bedroom at the back. Between the bedroom and the living room, there is a kitchen. The rear part on this floor has a separate, atmospheric studio with two windows offering a view of the garden. This studio also has its own kitchen and bathroom.
Third floor
Just like on the second floor, the front part of this floor contains an independent unit. This consists of a living room, a bedroom, a simple kitchen, and a bathroom with a bathtub, sink, and toilet in the middle. The whole has an area of about 62 m² and a practical layout.
Fourth floor
This floor in the main house is divided into two approximately equally sized studios with lofts, of 20 m² and 23 m² respectively.
Thus, the building is currently divided into independent apartments and studios.



One of the attractive features of this property is the beautiful formal garden. An oasis in the city center; and precisely in the place where the gardens between the Keizersgracht and the Herengracht are at their widest, with the least amount of building. Here, at the rear, lies the Golden Bend with its extra-large and imposing buildings.
The section of the formal garden behind Keizersgracht 503 and 505 has so far been used as a communal garden for both properties. At the back, there is a garden house across the width of the two plots. In accordance with the current boundary separation, the plots will be split in the land registry. The garden house is being sold with number 503 and a section of the garden from 505.




Keizersgracht 503 ligt in de Grachtengordel-Zuid, in een rustig gedeelte van de Spiegelbuurt. Vlak bij het Rijksmuseum, het Amstelveld en talloze voorzieningen van buurtwinkels en speciaalzaken tot culturele instellingen, toprestaurants, bruine cafés en galerieën. Deze buurt heeft naar verhouding veel jonge inwoners van tussen de 25 en 44 jaar. Zo is deze locatie makkelijk bereikbaar en is de metro halte Vijzelstraat op loopafstand.
Bereikbaarheid
De verbindingen met het openbaar vervoer zijn uitstekend. Zo is de Noord/Zuidlijn vlakbij en zijn er goede tramverbindingen vanaf de Leidsestraat en de Vijzelgracht die om de hoek liggen. Alle haltes zijn op enkele minuten lopen.
Het pand ligt op loopafstand van een supermarkt en het Centraal Station en met de fiets is bijna elke plek binnen de ring binnen 20 minuten te bereiken. Daarnaast is de dichtstbijzijnde uitvalsweg in de nabije omgeving op ongeveer 5 minuten rijden.
Parkeergelegenheid
Parkeren is mogelijk via een vergunningenstelsel op de openbare weg (vergunningsgebied Centrum-2f). Met een parkeervergunning voor Centrum-2f mag u parkeren in Centrum-2. Een parkeervergunning voor bewoners kost € 315,60 per 6 maanden. Momenteel is er voor dit vergunningsgebied een wachttijd van 12 maanden. Een tweede parkeervergunning is in dit gebied niet mogelijk. (Bron: Gemeente Amsterdam, oktober 2024).



