Living at Raphaelplein, one of the most sought-after locations in the Beethovenbuurt near Olympiaplein, in a light corner house that has been renovated in a unique and high-quality manner. This luxurious and sustainable home not only offers comfort but also security. With over 270 square meters spread across the basement and three light-filled floors, the property includes a spacious and bright living room with a kitchen, two luxury bathrooms, ample storage space, and a practical laundry room. All these spaces are connected by a beautiful staircase and an internal lift. The building is in perfect condition both structurally and in terms of maintenance. The house features a delightful loggia and a easily accessible, intimate roof terrace. The property is optimally lit due to its south and west orientation, ensuring plenty of natural light throughout.
Tour
The property has its entrance on Raphaelplein, at the corner with Tintorettostraat. Upon entering, the hall immediately stands out, complete with an indoor bike storage area, a guest toilet, and a wardrobe. The basement houses a storage room with a fold-out bed and an extra bathroom. Centrally located on this floor is a large open space that can be used for various purposes. On the ground floor, there is a large room currently used as an office/workspace, along with a complete laundry room and an area for technical installations.
Living is mainly concentrated on the first floor, aiming to make the most of the views, light, and privacy. The living room and kitchen on this floor feature seven windows and a loggia balcony. The kitchen, located on the south side and adjacent to the loggia, is modern and from the Bulthaup brand, with Miele appliances. Both rooms have south and west orientations, providing ample light and a pleasant atmosphere. A striking fireplace with dark marble and TV connection is the focal point of the sitting area.
The sleeping areas are strategically distributed across the floors of the house. The owner’s suite occupies the entire second floor and offers a playful space with extra high ceilings and exposed roof trusses. Covering 63 square meters, this suite includes a bedroom with a striking golden wall, behind which a walk-in closet is integrated. The room connects to a spacious, thoughtfully designed bathroom with a walk-in shower, sunshower, double sinks, and a bathtub. The separate toilet is located on the landing, which also provides access to the lift and stairs to the roof terrace.
The property has two private outdoor spaces. The first is on the first floor and adjoins the kitchen. This loggia, with wooden pilasters and a recessed position, offers a sheltered and private space. The owners enjoy having a glass of wine here after dinner.
What the owners will miss
"On the first floor is our large kitchen-living area with a broad view over the square and the lively neighborhood, where we spend most of our time."
Neighborhood
The neighborhood has a young and dynamic character thanks to the many shops, coffee bars, lunch spots, and restaurants on Beethovenstraat and Olympiaplein. Beethovenstraat offers a high-quality selection of bakeries, fishmongers, butchers, patisseries, and wine specialty stores. On Olympiaplein, you will find bakery Le Fournil, cheese shop Fromagerie L’Amuse, and recently, Coffee District. Just five minutes away on Marathonweg is butcher Zikking. On Fridays, there is a farmers' market at Minervaplein offering the purest and most honest products. The wide avenues and green spaces of Beatrixpark, with its modern sculptures and old trees, create a sense of space and are ideal for sports and relaxation. The neighborhood is also known for its excellent primary and secondary schools and its favorable location relative to the Ring Road and Amsterdam Zuid station.
Special features
• Living area approximately 271 m²
• Loggia of approx. 6 m²
• Roof terrace of approximately 26 m²
• Located on leasehold land from the Municipality of Amsterdam with General Provisions 2016. Current period 2001 to 2051, annual ground rent of €3,272. Generally deductible for income tax.
• Perpetual redemption of leasehold under favorable conditions is possible.
• Energy label A
• Renovation year around 2019/2020
• Municipal protected city view
The Corner House
Before the viewing of the current owners’ home took place, we had already met them several times and experienced their enthusiasm as sellers. The impression formed from their living style and the house’s floor plans, combined with our familiarity with the location and type of homes, provided a clear picture.
During the appointment to view the property, together with my colleague Ronald van de Bijl, we were once again warmly welcomed and, above all, pleasantly surprised. The tour of the house proved to be a series of wonders and surprises. The way this house has been renovated, with a completely unique design, is truly impressive. The renovation is exceptionally solid, thorough, and meticulously executed, with modern architecture that stimulates the imagination of anyone who values quality. This modern corner house in an idyllic location has a unique character and offers much luxury, sustainability, and security. It is a house that either immediately appeals or does not feel like home. A house with a statement and “more than perfection.”
Kees Kemp | Real Estate Agent, Broersma Wonen
Architecture
The architecture of The Corner House tells the story of both its exterior and interior. Originally built as part of a block in the typical 1930s style and anchored in Berlage’s urban plan, it reflects the architectural tendencies of that era. In the 1930s, the Amsterdam School style was prominent, characterized by robust and detailed designs, with a focus on artistic ornaments and sculptural details rather than frivolity.
The Corner House is part of a relatively large block on Tintorettostraat and Raphaelplein. The block was designed by architect C. Franswa, known for his many designs of buildings and blocks from that period. The façade, with its masonry and heavy window frames, retains the style of that time, with a distinctive feature being the loggia balcony on the first floor facing Tintorettostraat.
The interior of The Corner House has been entirely renovated to the point where it can almost be considered a new build. In collaboration with an architect and structural advisor, the property has been reconfigured with a new basement level for additional space and a private elevator. Significant attention has been given to the quality of materials, installations, and sustainability. The property thus carries a sustainability label.
In addition to luxury, the house also includes necessary passive and active security features, such as burglary protection and an extensive alarm system. A striking feature of the design is the large void to the basement level, which serves as a statement piece and visually connects the floors. Another notable element is the new staircase, which connects all living levels in a beautiful and pleasant manner.
The Corner House is a home for those seeking modern luxury and comfort in a well-thought-out and stylish design.
Living and cooking
Living in The Corner House is primarily concentrated on the first living level, designed to make the most of views, natural light, and privacy. This floor features a spacious living room and a living kitchen, both equipped with seven large windows and a loggia balcony.
The kitchen, located on the south side and adjacent to the loggia, is a modern Bulthaup kitchen equipped with high-quality Gaggenau, Bora and Siemens appliances. The design is sleek and minimalist, giving the kitchen the appearance of an object rather than just a functional workspace. This “clean desk/kitchen” approach contributes to a tidy and sophisticated look. The dining area is spacious enough to host a large gathering, fostering a social atmosphere.
Both rooms on this floor face south and west, ensuring an abundance of natural light and a pleasant living environment. A striking fireplace, made of dark marble and with a TV connection, serves as the focal point of the seating area and integrates seamlessly into the overall design.
The ground floor offers a generous reception hall, with two rooms at the front. Currently, these spaces are used as a home office and a large laundry room. There is the potential to create two additional bedrooms on the ground floor, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Sleeping and bathing
The sleeping areas in The Corner House are strategically distributed across different levels of the home. The master suite occupies the entire second floor, offering an exciting and playful space with extra-high ceilings and exposed rafters. Spanning 63 square meters, this suite features a bedroom with a striking golden wall, behind which is a built-in walk-in closet. The room connects to a spacious, thoughtfully designed bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower, sunshower, double sinks, and a bathtub. A long built-in bench and additional windows enhance the comfort and luxury of this space. A separate toilet is located on the landing, which also provides access to the elevator and the stairs leading to the rooftop terrace.
The lower ground floor houses a storage room with a fold-down bed and an additional bathroom. Central to the lower ground floor is a large open area that can be used for multiple purposes. This space benefits from natural light and interaction with the upper entrance area through a large void.
The rooftop terrace and loggia
The property features two private outdoor spaces, each contributing to the comfort of living in its own way. The loggia on the first floor is accessible from the living kitchen and faces south. This loggia, with wooden pilasters and a recessed position, provides a sheltered and private spot for relaxation. It is an ideal setting for a romantic moment, such as enjoying a glass of wine after dinner.
The second outdoor space is a pleasantly sheltered and private rooftop terrace. Access is provided via a gentle staircase from the landing on the second floor, leading to a roof extension with an entrance to the terrace. This sunny terrace is beautifully decked and equipped with a pergola with integrated, adjustable slats that can be closed to keep the terrace sheltered from too much sun or a light shower. For evening use, there is terrace heating and outdoor lighting, and two storage areas for items such as cushions.
Neighborhood
Residents of the Beethovenbuurt continue to enjoy the urban planning legacy left by architect Berlage in the previous century. His design included wide avenues, green spaces, and a varied building style. Characteristic of this 1930s neighborhood, which is almost entirely surrounded by water, are the spacious homes in the Amsterdam School style. The facade stones and bridge sculptures by Hildo Krop, who was honored with the title City Sculptor of Amsterdam, also add to the neighborhood’s charm.
The area now has a young and dynamic character thanks to the numerous shops, coffee bars, lunch spots, and restaurants on Beethovenstraat and Olympiaplein. Both locations offer a high-quality selection of bakeries, fishmongers, butchers, patisseries, and wine specialty stores. On Olympiaplein, you will find the bakery Le Fournil, cheese shop Fromagerie L’Amuse, and recently, Coffee District. Just five minutes away on Marathonweg is butcher Zikking. On Fridays, there is a farmers’ market at Minervaplein offering pure and honest products. The broad avenues and green spaces of Beatrixpark, with its modern sculptures and old trees, create a sense of space and are ideal for sports and relaxation. The neighborhood is also known for its excellent primary and secondary schools and its favorable location relative to the Ring Road and Amsterdam Zuid station.
Accessibility
The main roads leading to the A2/A4/A10 are very easily accessible. Public transportation is within walking or biking distance. Tram 24 or bus N84 stop at Minervaplein, just a few minutes’ walk away. Zuid Station is a 5-minute bike ride, making Schiphol Airport quickly reachable.
Parking
Parking is available via a permit system on public roads (permit area Zuid 2.2). With a parking permit for Zuid 2.2, you may park in Zuid-1, Zuid-2, and Zuid-8. A resident parking permit costs €186.29 per 6 months. Currently, there is no waiting list for this permit area. A second parking permit costs €465.73 per 6 months. (Source: Municipality of Amsterdam, August 2024).
What the owners are going to miss
UNIQUE: A newly built house in a 1930s residential area with typical Amsterdam style, right in the heart of Oud-Zuid Amsterdam. Over the course of 2.5 years, we have completely rebuilt the house from roof to “living basement” within the renovated original outer walls. We have truly made it our home with attention to the smallest details, using high-quality materials and the latest technologies. Optimal living comfort is guaranteed; nothing has been spared. We designed the house to be suitable for all stages of life, with access to all floors via a central stairwell and a spacious lift. Each floor has been given a specific function, making the five living levels used to their full potential and giving it the feel of a vertical apartment. In the summer, our unique rooftop terrace offers 100% privacy, and we love spending our days there. On the first floor, we have our large living kitchen with a wide view over the square and the lively neighborhood, where we spend most of our time. The house radiates tranquility and is a pleasure to return to every day. We have put a lot of effort into the acoustics of the home using soothing materials. Once the front door closes, the house wraps you in a blanket of calm. It feels like a home in the middle of the forest. It is nothing but peace and quiet. This makes the house very special and pleasant. The Raphaelplein feels like a village within the city. It is a neighborhood with original residents, expats, and young families, with plenty of space and greenery. The location makes the city accessible, and within 15 minutes, you can reach Vondelpark, Beatrixpark, and Amsterdamse Bos. Tram, metro, train, highway, and airport are just around the corner. For us, Cornelis Schuytstraat and Beethovenstraat are the areas where we get all our daily necessities. The many restaurants and terraces within a 1 km radius, offering every cuisine from around the world, are very appealing to us. We built this house with the intention of living here forever. However, a unique opportunity has arisen for us to buy a penthouse with a 360° view of Amsterdam. The materials, finishes, and attention to detail used in Raphaelplein will again form the basis for our new home. We couldn’t wish for anything better. Raphaelplein 39 is a fantastic house on a unique corner, with a French balcony and a rooftop terrace with plenty of light, tranquility, and sunshine throughout the entire house. We wish the new residents as much enjoyment from the home as we have experienced.