Over Nieuwe Herengracht 117, Amsterdam

The transformation of a monumental office and warehouse building into a characterful residential home was a special challenge for architect Mark Fuller. A building with a rich history, which has served multiple functions over the course of the last century and undergone several major renovations. The current façade dates from around 1875 and still largely reflects the original design language of that period. The ground floor has been modified several times over the years and has now been carefully refurbished By arrangement the Monument Conservation Department. The original recessed roof has not been restored. Architecturally, the slightly curved windows on the first floor are particularly striking—a refined detail that contributes to the expressive character of the façade. The most evocative phase in the history of the building is undoubtedly that of the Hollandia cinema, which operated between 1912 and 1954. An intimate movie theater that left its mark on the neighborhood. In the years that followed, the building was used for business purposes as office and warehouse space. During a viewing in 2008, the current residents did not see what was there, but what it could become. The potential was recognized, despite the condition of the property: a facade that needed to be repaired, a foundation that needed reinforcement, and asbestos that had to be removed. The involvement of Monumentenzorg (the Dutch monument conservation agency) required not only technical precision, but above all creativity and perseverance on the part of both the clients and the architect. The result is a house with a distinct identity. A property in which history, character, and contemporary living requirements have been subtly brought together. A timeless whole that retains its quality and appeal to this day.

Living is at the heart of this characterful canal-side property. Spread over two levels, with an impressive open staircase as the connecting element, which is not only functional but also architecturally defining for the whole. With its void, this staircase creates a generous sense of space and allows light to flow freely. The load-bearing wall, an original element of the building, has been brought into view as a sculptural object and framed with a steel frame fitted with glass. The garden room on the ground floor connects the building to the garden. An intimate space, perfect as a workspace or simply to relax. The contact with the outside, thanks to the large glass front, makes this space a natural transition between inside and outside. The entire first floor is furnished as a living room with kitchen. A conscious choice, inspired by the panoramic view, the abundance of daylight, and the spacious character. The high ceilings and expressive skylights give the whole an almost monumental appearance. This part of the property was once part of the original cinema, which is still palpable in the studio-like setting. The current residents have reinforced this quality by Location art a prominent Location . The space, although generous, exudes intimacy. The custom-designed fireplace creates a warm focal point, enhanced by a carefully chosen color palette. At the rear, a large glass front opens onto the terrace; at the front, a wide window offers a view of the canal and the park opposite. A room on the canal side extends across the full width of the building and is characterized by a decorative coffered ceiling and robust oak parquet flooring. The wide windowsill forms a natural seating area, where life on the canal can be experienced up close. The kitchen is positioned centrally on the floor, a conscious choice by the architect. This is where sightlines converge: towards the greenery of the garden, the terrace, and the dynamism of the canal. This Boffi kitchen is a paragon of understated luxury. A long wall with built-in cupboards and appliances forms a visually calm surface, while the elongated cooking island invites people to gather. Equipped with high-quality Gaggenau appliances—including a convection oven, American freezer, ice cube machine, wine refrigerator, and Quooker—the kitchen offers a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Adjacent to the kitchen island is a seating area with a bar, finished with a robust wooden top. This creates an informal atmosphere that invites people to gather. This floor as a whole is an ideal setting for entertaining guests, with a seamless connection between the canal side and the garden side.

With a total of five bedrooms and three Bathrooms the house Bathrooms a balanced layout that meets the needs of a family. The bedrooms are spread over the two upper floors, complemented by a separate guest room on the ground floor on the garden side. The entire second floor is furnished as a private suite. On the canal side, there is a spacious bedroom with a view of the water. The room is connected to an open bathroom and a dressing room. The bathroom has a spacious bathtub with a view of the canal, an extra-large walk-in shower, and a double sink. The toilet is located separately. The laundry room is also carefully concealed on this floor. The third floor offers space for three bedrooms a shared bathroom. Two of the three rooms are spacious, located on the canal side and the garden side respectively. The bathroom on this floor has a walk-in shower, a bathtub, and a double sink. There is a separate toilet on the bright landing. On the ground floor, a separate room has been converted into a gym. This space is also ideal for alternative uses, such as a wellness room with a sauna.

At the rear of the property is a sheltered garden, surrounded by mature greenery. An outdoor space with a private character, where tranquility and privacy come together. Thanks to its location, you can enjoy the sun here until the evening. The garden forms a natural extension of the garden room on the ground floor. Inside and outside flow into each other in a natural way, reinforcing each other's functions. Various cupboards have been integrated into the garden, carefully designed for storage without detracting from the aesthetics of the outdoor space. On the first floor, there is a second outdoor space: a spacious Roof terrace approximately thirty-five square meters, Immediately to the dining room. A large glass front opens onto this terrace, which is designed as an extension of everyday life. A place to dine, relax, and enjoy the evening sun. The terrace also adds a green perspective to both the kitchen and the living room, enhancing the experience of light, air, and space on this living floor.

The house is located on Nieuwe Herengracht, in the historic center of Amsterdam. A characterful street with a view of the greenery of Wertheim Park, within walking distance of the Amstel River and the Hortus Botanicus. The immediate surroundings offer a rich variety of culture, nature, and amenities. Several museums are located a short distance away, including the Rembrandt House, the Amsterdam Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the H'ART Museum. Artis Zoo is also within walking distance. For daily shopping and refined specialty shops, the Utrechtsestraat is nearby—a lively street with an artisan bakery, butcher, and pastry shop, complemented by fashion boutiques and delicatessens. On Mondays, the Amstelveld offers a charming flower market; on Saturdays, Location is an organic market Location the Nieuwmarkt. In terms of dining, the neighborhood offers a wide range of options: from a relaxed brunch in the garden of Dignita to classic drinks at Café Eik & Linde or De Druif. For gourmet evenings, there are several Michelin-starred restaurants just a stone's throw away.

accessibility Thanks to its central location in the heart of the city, the building is easily accessible by bicycle. Public transport also offers excellent connections to all parts of Amsterdam. Central Station is within walking distance, and the Waterlooplein metro station provides quick access to Amstel Station, RAI, and the Zuidas, among other destinations. Tram line 14 also stops at Waterlooplein and connects Central Station with the East district, up to the Flevopark stop. The property is easily accessible by car via the IJ tunnel from Amsterdam-Noord or via Wibautstraat and exit S112 from the A10 ring road.

Parking
The property has space to park two cars indoors.

We always say: here you have all the pleasures of Amsterdam without any of the burdens. No other place in Amsterdam is as logistically perfect as this: two trams around the corner, the metro station from which you can reach Central Station in two stops and Amstel in three, less than a five-minute walk away. The IJ tunnel to drive north out of the city and Wibautstraat to the south. Not to mention indoor parking space for two cars and your bikes. We won't find that anywhere else. The combination of peace and quiet at home and the hustle and bustle outside is also unique. Inside, we never had any trouble with neighbors and enjoyed the view of Wertheim Park, while outside we loved visiting the many cafés, restaurants, markets, and museums that surround us. The evening sun on the terrace of De Druif, an Indonesian dish at Café Kadijk, Rita's reading tips at the Zwart-op-Wit bookstore, a beer at Eik en Linde, summer evenings at Artis Zoo, the organic market on Nieuwmarkt, an exhibition at the Jewish Historical Museum; we will miss each and every one of them and will certainly make a detour to visit them from time to time. It is the place where our children grew up, where we organized dinners for friends, started businesses, welcomed guests, read books by the fireplace, lazed around in the garden, and had drinks on the terrace. Each and every one of them unforgettable. We are grateful that we have been able to enjoy this wonderful house in this fantastic location for almost twenty years.