Over Oude Looiersstraat 20H, Amsterdam

Architecture
The architecture of Oude Looiersstraat in Amsterdam beautifully reflects the city's rich history and cultural heritage. The street is a harmonious mix of various architectural styles, mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, with a few later additions. Known for its narrow, deep canal houses with imposing facades, the street offers an impressive sight. Stepped gables, bell gables, and neck gables are common and characteristic of Amsterdam's Golden Age architectural style. The use of brick, often combined with sandstone accents around windows and doors, dominates the architecture. The brick facades are sometimes embellished with ornaments and gable stones that indicate the original function or residents of the house. Many houses bear facade stones with inscriptions or images referring to the profession of the original inhabitants, such as tanners. These stones offer a fascinating insight into the history and use of the buildings. Decorative elements such as ornate door frames, carved consoles, and wrought-iron railings adorn the facades, while traditional gabled roofs with tiles dominate the skyline. Skylights and dormer windows are often added to create extra space and light. Inside the houses, original wooden beams are often visible, adding an authentic and historic atmosphere. High ceilings with stucco and decorative moldings contribute to a feeling of space and elegance. Many of the buildings in Oude Looiersstraat have been carefully restored to preserve their historic character, including original facades, windows, and doors, as well as internal features such as staircases and floors. Some buildings have undergone modern adaptations, such as new windows or skylights, while retaining their historic appearance. With its narrow street and tall, characteristic houses, Oude Looiersstraat exudes an intimate, almost picturesque atmosphere, thanks in part to the cobblestone pavement that contributes to the historic ambiance. Oude Looiersstraat offers a fascinating overview of traditional Amsterdam architecture, where historical charm and modern livability go hand in hand. Both residents and visitors cherish this beloved place, where careful restoration preserves its unique historical value while the street adapts to the needs of contemporary urban lifestyle.

The second floor is a continuous living space dominated by light and atmosphere. On the street side is the living room, with wide windows that fill the space with daylight and offer views of the historic facades of Oude Looiersstraat. The sleek fireplace and original wooden floor give the interior a warm and characterful look. The layout feels open and inviting, with space for a generous sitting area that forms the social center of the floor.
At the rear is the kitchen, designed in a practical L-shape with a light-colored worktop and double sink. Sleek high-gloss white fronts contrast subtly with the wooden floor, creating a contemporary balance. The kitchen is equipped with various built-in appliances, including a hob, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and freezer. The window frame at the rear provides pleasant light, while the French doors offer direct access to the balcony. This connection to the outside enhances the spaciousness and makes the kitchen a light, lively place to cook and dine.

The first floor is entirely devoted to rest and comfort. At the rear is a spacious closet room that Immediately to the Roof terrace via French doors. At the front is the sleeping area, where wide windows offer views of the characteristic facades of Oude Looiersstraat.
The third floor is also a sleeping floor with two bedrooms a central bathroom. The rear room is spacious and overlooks the green courtyard, while the second bedroom has a more intimate character. Centrally located on the floor is the bathroom, designed in a neutral style and equipped with a walk-in shower, washbasin, and toilet. A hatch provides access to the storage attic, which adds practical storage space to the house.

Sleeping and bathing
Upon entering the ground floor, there is an access door to the studio space. This space is divided into a dressing room with a makeup table and mirror at the front. In addition, there are two large French doors leading to the street, giving you Immediately to the studio. There is also a separate toilet, a meter cupboard, and a storage cupboard. You will also find a kitchen unit on the wall, complete with a hob, double sink, refrigerator, and freezer. At the rear is the spacious rectangular studio space with a maximum height of approximately 3.37 meters.
A staircase leads to the office space in the rear building. This space, located Immediately the studio, has a mansard roof construction with several Velux windows that provide ample daylight and a view of the courtyard. Here, too, there is a fixed cupboard wall with plenty of storage space. Adjacent to the office is a dark room for developing photographs. This office floor is Immediately the Roof terrace the first residential floor and has a door leading to this terrace.

Outdoor space
The Roof terrace approximately 20 m² is located on the first floor, between the front and rear sections of the house. This provides a sheltered location with plenty of privacy, while the open setting ensures plenty of sunlight. On the second floor, there is an additional balcony accessible from the kitchen.

The property is located in a charming neighborhood in the heart of Amsterdam, where historic allure and modern vibrancy come together. This central location offers a rich cultural and social experience for both residents and visitors. The Oude Looiersstraat itself is an atmospheric street with characteristic facades and a dynamic atmosphere, surrounded by florists, boutiques, and inviting cafés. The character of Amsterdam's canal belt unfolds in the immediate vicinity, with countless monumental buildings, museums, and galleries. There is also a wide range of culinary options: from authentic brown cafés to refined restaurants serving international cuisine. A short distance away is the lively Jordaan district, with its winding streets and traditional markets on Noordermarkt, Westerstraat, and Lindengracht. Here, a diverse range of boutiques, craft shops, and local delicacies form an essential part of everyday life.

Accessibility
The apartment is easily accessible by car via the S100, S105, and S106 from the A10 ring road. Thanks to its favorable geographical location in the city, Schiphol Airport, among other places, can be reached within 19 minutes by car. Various public transport facilities can be found in the vicinity. There are several tram and bus stops on Rozengracht, Leidsestraat, and Marnixstraat (Elandsgracht bus station). The Rokin metro stop is a 3-minute bike ride away, providing connections to Amsterdam Noord and the Zuidas.

parking facilities Parking is available via a permit system on public roads (Centrum-2d permit area). With a Centrum-2d parking permit, you may park in Centrum-2. A parking permit for residents costs €326.65 per 6 months. There is currently a 17-month waiting list for this permit area. A second parking permit is not possible in this area. (Source: Local authority , September 2025).

I have spent most of my life here in Amsterdam, on this street, in this house. Living and working in the same building was ideal for me, with only 16 steps between my home and my office. I have lived and worked here for 38 years, sharing joys and sorrows, getting to know my neighbors, welcoming many famous people, and creating my best work.
It is a lovely, light-filled house where the sun shines on the front in the morning and on a large terrace in the afternoon. And on the second floor, there is a balcony where you can enjoy summer evenings for an extra hour.
The ground floor has a high ceiling, which is perfect for a photo studio. But it's just as good for a painter or gallery. In my wildest dreams, I see a mezzanine and a large skylight with lots of daylight. I used to be able to park my car inside, but after several renovations, the layout has changed. With a few adjustments, it could be possible again. You can often park your car in front of the door or in the parking garage. And it's the Elandsgracht neighborhood that feels like a small village, but a creative and cosmopolitan one. Your daily shopping is around the corner, there are great shops in the Nine Streets, nice restaurants, and you're surrounded by the best art galleries. A little further away is Leidseplein with its theaters, Paradiso, Melkweg, cinema, and the most beautiful museums! And all within walking distance.
Saturday afternoon in the Jordaan feels like Soho in New York; there are certainly a lot of people around during the day. This street has no through traffic, so you don't hear the buzz inside. Unless it's King's Day or the Dutch national soccer team wins a cup. Then you're in the middle of a city celebrating!
But Amsterdam, and certainly this neighborhood, is magical on an early Sunday morning when the sun rises just above the canal facades, the terrace on the corner is being set up, and a single cyclist rides by. It's the best time to walk your dog or go outside with your camera!