Over Prinseneiland 39, Amsterdam

Unfortunately, there is little information in the building file about the rich history of the warehouse. Based on the Basic Registration of Addresses and Buildings, we have been able to trace the building back to around 1893. On September 1, 1970, the warehouse was designated a national monument (no. 4212). The house stands out as a characteristic historic warehouse, built in traditional brick with decorative accents of natural stone. The façade is dominated by a rhythmic repetition of round arches above the windows, which are finished with carefully laid brickwork. White natural stone bands highlight the horizontal articulation and provide a playful contrast to the warm reddish-brown brick. Narrow, tall windows are placed centrally in the facade, which were once intended to facilitate the movement of goods between floors. The vertical emphasis is reinforced by the symmetrical placement of these windows and the stepped finish of the gable, which rises simply but powerfully against the sky. A green wooden exterior staircase leads to the raised entrance on the ground floor, which is framed by a double arch construction. Subtle details, such as the small consoles under the gable and the robust appearance of the walls, exude the atmosphere of Amsterdam warehouse architecture: functional, sturdy, and at the same time refined in its simplicity. The building has been thoroughly renovated twice. The first time was in 1994, under the supervision of architect Dirk Postma, when the warehouse was transformed into a residential house, divided into two separate units. The building was then thoroughly renovated in 2010 by the current owners, in collaboration with architect Van Zweeden. No expense was spared to achieve a robust yet timeless design.

The main entrance to the house does not open via a classic porch, but via a sturdy double door in the basement – a modest gesture that immediately makes it clear that this house follows its own logic. The entrance leads to an impressive space where history is palpable. Original brick walls, a floor of hand-molded bricks, and a beamed ceiling with industrial air ducts tell the story of a past filled with storage, labor, and craftsmanship. The former cellar is now a space with character: versatile and full of atmosphere. Bicycles can be easily stored here, but the space is much more than a storage room. It is a place where a motorcycle is parked like a sculpture, where wine racks function as wall installations, where workbenches tell stories of precision and passion. A space for collection, imagination, and tranquility. At the rear is a separate storage room with access to technical Services and installations, such as a connection for a washing machine and dryer. In addition, the central heating boiler is neatly concealed here, without detracting from the overall aesthetic. This area has a more functional character, with metal shelving and practical storage options. Here, living begins with a nod to the industrial past, firmly rooted in Amsterdam's soil.

The bel étage
The bel étage is a fascinating composition of height, material, and rhythm. It is a floor that cannot easily be described in standard terms such as "living room" or "kitchen." The ceiling height of 4.60 meters at the front is nothing short of exceptional. The large windows and a wall of rough natural stone combine to form a powerful backdrop. The sitting area is warm and inviting, with a large fireplace as its centerpiece. The light is dynamic and changes throughout the day. Behind the fireplace, the ceiling lowers to a more intimate height. Here, the dining area is located under a wooden beam structure, with a view over the full depth of the space. The kitchen is located at the rear and is fully equipped for those who enjoy cooking and socializing. Stainless steel drawers, a robust stove, double sinks, and a central work block form the functional heart. The view over the inner gardens makes this place surprisingly light, despite the lower ceiling height.

A staircase leads to the first floor, where the loft opens up the space again. The workspace at the balustrade overlooks the living area and the street scene beyond. At the rear is a bedroom/guest room, with a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views of the greenery. The windows are set deep into the facade and catch the morning light. Immediately is a bathroom with a serene atmosphere. Gray, large-format tiles, a walk-in shower with rain function, a floating toilet, and a washbasin with wooden base cabinet combine to form a modest ensemble. On this floor, too, the beams remain visible and give structure to the space.

The second floor
The second floor is entirely furnished as the master bedroom. On either side are two full bedrooms; in the middle is an elegant bathroom and a hallway structure that connects everything. The room at the rear is spacious and light, with five semicircular south-facing windows that bring in the greenery of the inner gardens. In the middle of the floor is the bathroom—a luxurious space where symmetry and serenity come together. The bathroom has two sinks, a double walk-in shower, a freestanding bathtub, and a separate toilet. At the front is the master bedroom: spacious and classically furnished, with a view of the Realengracht. The room feels cozy, partly due to the repetition of wooden ceiling beams, the warm floor, and the soft light that enters through three windows.

The third floor is designed for living itself. No partitions, no barriers—just space and light. From facade to facade, a spacious, open floor extends, where living, cooking, and socializing flow effortlessly into one another. At the front is a large dining table with a view over the Realengracht. The windows capture the northern light and allow soft daylight to flow deep into the space. Centrally located on the floor is the kitchen: a long, solid cooking island with every conceivable amenity. The worktop is surrounded by a wall with built-in appliances, bookshelves, and china cabinets, making this space feel like a home library with a culinary purpose.
Above the cooking area, three large skylights bring an unexpected vertical dimension to the space. The light falls directly from above and moves with the rhythm of the sun. At the rear, the whole is rounded off with an intimate sitting area, which is remarkably light in character thanks to the windows in the rear and side walls.

The fourth floor
Under the roof, a floor full of character, privacy, and surprising views unfolds. At the rear is an intimate bedroom with two south-facing windows. This room has its own adjoining bathroom and feels like a serene suite high above the city. The bathroom is compact but complete, and subtly integrated into the volume of the roof. The central area of this floor serves as a traffic area and flows effortlessly into the terrace. Here, inside and outside merge seamlessly. At the front is a stylish study, furnished under the trusses and overlooking the Realengracht. The room is elongated and has a window in the gable, offering an impressive panorama of the city.

The terrace on the fourth floor forms a sheltered outdoor room, fully integrated into the structure of the roof. The wooden decking, planters, and glass floor panels create an atmosphere of both privacy and lightness. The passageway between the Rooms part of the terrace and is somewhat hidden. This creates a continuous outdoor space with various uses: from breakfast table to reading corner, from city view to green setting. The roof provides shelter, the light does the rest.

Located in a beautiful and peaceful location, overlooking the Realengracht waterway and offering a beautiful view of the Drieharingenbrug bridge. From here, the Noordermarkt, Westermarkt, and Westerpark are within walking distance. Both on Prinseneiland and Bickerseiland, as well as in the Jordaan, you will find various cozy cafes, excellent restaurants, quality shops, and good caterers. This place is also conveniently located for public transport and major roads. Central Station is within cycling distance and even easily accessible on foot. Living on Prinseneiland is a unique experience: the combination of tranquility and dynamism is special. The residents form a diverse community and often live there for a long time — which says a lot about how pleasant it is to live in this area. Prinseneiland has always been popular with artists such as Jacob Olie and Breitner. Even today, there are still relatively many artists and craftsmen living there.

accessibility Located on one of the most distinctive islands of the Western Islands, Prinseneiland 39 combines the tranquility of an enclave with the convenience of the city. This place feels sheltered, almost secluded—and at the same time is surprisingly accessible. From here, it's just a few minutes' walk to Central Station, the hub for metro, bus, and ferry connections, as well as international trains. The North/South line is also within easy reach, as are the roads leading to the A10 ring road via the IJ riverbanks or the Spaarndammerbuurt neighborhood. For daily travel, a different rhythm applies: everything is within cycling distance. The Jordaan, Westerpark, Haarlemmerbuurt, Museumplein, or Plantage — the city unfolds from here in a radial, light-footed, and free manner.

parking facilities Parking is available via a permit system on public roads (Centrum-2a permit area). With a Centrum-2a parking permit, you may park in Centrum-2. A parking permit for residents costs €326.65 per 6 months. There is currently an 18-month waiting list for this permit area. A second parking permit is not possible in this area. (Source: Local authority , May 2025).