Kessens is eind 2014 geopend door Anna en Casper Holtkamp. Zij hebben elkaar leren kennen in het buitenland en besloten samen een lunchroom te beginnen in Amsterdam. Kessens serveert een diversiteit aan wereldse gerechten en natuurlijk onze Amsterdamse trots: Holtkamp. Je kan kiezen tussen bijvoorbeeld eieren met truffelroom en bellini’s voor het ontbijt, een klassieke uiensoep en salades voor de lunch. Er is een handjevol wijnen per glas, maar ook alcoholvrije bubbels en een huisgemaakte limonade.
This magnificent apartment, located in a prime location within the canal belt, stands out as one of the most unique residences in terms of appearance, outdoor space, size, finish, and quality. It distinguishes itself with its spacious dimensions, measuring nearly 10 meters wide and boasting ceilings of over 5 meters high, as well as large windows that provide abundant natural light. As part of a sturdy and robust former bank building, this approximately 468 m² apartment has been thoughtfully and seamlessly integrated into the whole. The owners have opted for modern and understated materials and finishes, which, together with the original elements, offer a luxurious ambiance without being excessive.
Tour
The living and kitchen area together form the vibrant heart of the apartment, where generous proportions, impressive ceiling heights, and seamless transitions create a harmonious experience. The fireplaces offer subtle intimacy, while the bespoke Poggenpohl kitchen with island, equipped with PITT cooking, Gaggenau appliances, two dishwashers, a wine climate cabinet, and Quooker, invites long evenings of dining. Every space exudes understated luxury, enhanced by high-end finishes, carefully selected materials, and the playful dynamic of the centrally positioned patio.
The four bedrooms are thoughtfully designed, each with its own atmosphere, natural light, and connection to the outdoors. Every room resonates with the apartment's refined sense of calm and luxury. The three bathrooms are finished with high-quality materials and bathed in natural light, where serenity and comfort take center stage. The generous master bathroom, directly adjacent to the primary bedroom, features a freestanding bathtub, herringbone parquet flooring, double vanity, and an integrated sauna. The two additional bathrooms offer spacious walk-in showers and freestanding baths, with the interplay of light and space creating an almost meditative atmosphere.
To the rear, a green urban oasis of approximately 115 m² unfolds, where nature, light, and architecture converge. A carefully designed terrace with pergola forms an extension of the interior and offers a sheltered setting for long evenings outdoors. The combination of the terrace, garden, and the peaceful patio of approximately 9 m² at the heart of the home makes the outdoor space an integral part of the living experience, offering complete privacy amidst the vibrancy of the city.
Neighborhood
Urban living on one of the main canals of UNESCO heritage. Located on the Keizersgracht in a section without houseboats and with a beautiful view of the Westerkerk and the Onze Lieve Vrouwenkerk. In the immediate vicinity, current residents find a rich selection of specialty shops (bakery, cheese shop, florist, patisserie, etc.), delicatessens, and the supermarket (AH/Jumbo). There are also numerous cozy coffee shops and fine restaurants to be found. Via the Rozengracht, there is good access to the Ring A10. Tram lines 10, 13, 14, and 17, as well as various bus lines, stop on the Rozengracht. Both the Central Station and Station Zuid are reachable within 10 minutes via the metro at Rokin.
With the presentation of this property on our website, we have collected the coolest hotspots in the area.
Details
• Living area approximately 468 m²
• City garden of approximately 115 m²
• Located on freehold land
• Interior architect: Interior Studio van Maanen
• VvE service costs €375 per month
• Fully renovated in 2018
• National monument
• Protected cityscape
• Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Arion en de Dolfijn
In the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district, hidden within an impressive national monument, lies Arion and the Dolphin: an exceptional loft apartment where space, light, and understated luxury merge seamlessly. The nearly ten-meter-wide façade and imposing ceiling heights of over five meters lend the residence a rare sense of grandeur. Expansive windows create a constant dialogue between inside and out, allowing daylight to define the very essence of the experience.
The integration of the apartment within the former bank building is both robust and refined. Studio van Maanen’s design brings together the raw strength of the original structure and the serenity of contemporary materials. With a living area of approximately 468 m², this residence represents a unique discovery within the historic city center, a place where tranquillity and monumentality effortlessly enhance one another.
Judith de Jong | Makelaar Broersma Wonen
On the prestigious Keizersgracht, number 213 presents itself as a building that reflects both Amsterdam’s rich history and the architectural evolution of the early twentieth century. Originally built in 1910 to a design by H.J.M. Walenkamp, the property embodied the restrained grandeur of neoclassicism. Between 1918 and 1919, it underwent a major transformation under the direction of architect P.H. van Niftrik, commissioned by F.A. Sorel, director of N.V. De Globe. The original sandstone façade gave way to a more businesslike yet refined rationalist architecture, a reflection of the emerging corporate culture of that era. The renovation was executed by De Kondor, a construction firm renowned for its craftsmanship and precision.
Today, Keizersgracht 213 stands as a powerful interplay between classical allure and rationalist sophistication, a tangible reminder of Amsterdam’s dynamism and drive for innovation in the early twentieth century. The building housing Arion and the Dolphin still breathes the atmosphere of its original function: solid, impressive, and with a clear eye for structural detail. During its redevelopment in 2017–2018, Studio van Maanen introduced a subtle layering through the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and steel, harmoniously merging light, space, and monumentality.
At the heart of the apartment lies a centrally positioned courtyard, which draws in additional light and connects the various living areas into a harmonious whole — a refined interplay where past and present enhance one another with elegance.
The living area and kitchen together form the beating heart of the apartment. Generous proportions, impressive ceiling height, and seamless transitions between spaces create a sense of harmony throughout. Various seating and work areas form a lively yet calming environment. The fireplace adds a subtle intimacy, while the open kitchen invites long evenings of dining and conversation.
The custom-made Poggenpohl kitchen with island combines aesthetic refinement with practical functionality and is equipped with PITT cooking, a Gaggenau oven and steamer, two dishwashers, a wine climate cabinet, refrigerator/freezer, and a Quooker. Every space exudes understated luxury, enhanced by high-quality finishes and carefully chosen materials. A patio introduces both light and movement into the interior, ensuring that each room possesses its own unique atmosphere and character.
The residence is located in one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after areas, just around the corner from the Westertoren and the Herenmarkt. The neighbourhood offers an authentic village-like atmosphere, blending culture, culinary hotspots, and daily conveniences. Think of bakery Wolf, The Hoxton, Soho House, and the many charming boutiques in the Nine Streets, all within walking distance. The Anne Frank House is also nearby, adding a touch of historic significance to this vibrant and characterful part of the city.
Accessibility
The property is located in the northern canal belt of Amsterdam’s city centre. The area is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, and on foot. The nearest tram stop is only a few minutes’ walk away. There are several cycling routes and bicycle parking facilities nearby for secure storage. Amsterdam Central Station is a 10-minute walk from the property. Via the routes along the IJ towards West, the IJ Tunnel, and the Piet Hein Tunnel, the A10 ring road can be reached quickly and conveniently.
Parking
Parking is available through a permit system on public roads (permit area Centrum-2c). With a parking permit for Centrum-2c, you may park anywhere within the Centrum-2 zone.
A residential parking permit costs €326.65 for six months. Currently, the waiting time for this permit area is approximately 30 months. A second parking permit is not available in this zone. (Source: Municipality of Amsterdam, October 2025)