Over Keizersgracht 29, Amsterdam

Keizersgracht 29 forms part of the protected cityscape of Amsterdam’s canal belt, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. The property is also designated as a national monument – a status that is immediately reflected in the classical façade composition, lofty ceilings, and original period features such as mantelpieces, exposed timber beams, and the iconic hoisting beam beneath the roofline.
The house was originally constructed around 1618 by commission of Elbert Goykens, known as Snoeck, a prosperous merchant who had five townhouses built on this site – now known as Keizersgracht numbers 21 through 29. Keizersgracht 29 was first crowned with a stepped gable, typical of the early 17th-century architectural style. In 1692, this was replaced by the current elegant neck gable, bringing the house in line with the architectural fashion of the time. This transformation highlights the building’s rich architectural history and its capacity to evolve through the centuries.
Around the mid-17th century, in approximately 1668, the house became the residence of Jan Corver – a prominent figure who was elected mayor of Amsterdam no fewer than nineteen times.
The property’s former role as both a residence and a storage facility is evidenced by the impressive hoisting wheel still present in the attic. This authentic lifting mechanism remains remarkably well preserved and is even still functional today – a tangible link to the building’s original use as a merchant’s house.
The layout of the house – featuring an upper ground floor, mezzanine levels, basement, and attic – reflects the classic canal house typology, where living and working were historically combined. The floor plans reveal a generously wide and deep structure with both a front and rear house, and an impressive depth of approximately 24 metres.

The lower ground floor of this monumental residence is surprisingly spacious, with a total area of approximately 125 m² (including other internal space). Original features such as a 17th-century wine cellar, robust wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and alcoves give this level a distinctive character.
The layout is both practical and versatile, comprising multiple storage rooms, technical spaces, and functional areas. These are currently used as a hobby room, bicycle storage, walk-in closet, laundry area, and boiler room.
At the rear, facing the garden, is a charming kitchen-diner — a cosy space to gather or to step straight into the approximately 129 m² garden with a morning coffee.

Upper Ground Floor
On the upper ground floor (bel-etage), the front section of the house features two formal en suite rooms with views over the Keizersgracht. The ceilings soar to nearly 3.60 metres in height. Both the front and rear rooms are generously proportioned and full of atmosphere, featuring a fireplace, ornate stucco ceilings with decorative mouldings, grisaille wall paintings by Adriaan de Lelie, and views of the patio that separates the front and rear sections of the house. The rear room also includes a secondary kitchenette.
In the rear wing, overlooking the garden, is an additional living room with its own bathroom and a private terrace that provides direct access to the garden. This space is currently used as a guest suite but could just as easily serve as accommodation for an au pair or as an independent studio or workspace.

The first floor features an exceptionally spacious living room with a pantry at the front, offering full-width views over the canal. At the rear, overlooking the garden, is a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private bathroom. This level can be used as a self-contained living space, if desired.

Second and Third Floor
The second and third floors currently comprise two self-contained apartments — one at the front of the house (approximately 125 m²) and one at the rear (50 m²) — separated by a rooftop terrace. Each apartment has its own kitchen and bathroom.
On the third floor, at the front, is the original 17th-century hoisting wheel, which is still operational. This level also provides access via an internal staircase to the attic, which has a ridge height of 2.10 metres and is currently used for storage.

The garden, featured in the Tuingrachtenboek of the Keizersgracht, is exceptionally deep. Various seating areas allow for enjoyment of the sun throughout the day. A planting layout and bloom calendar are available.

The area surrounding Keizersgracht 29 is one of the most picturesque and charming parts of Amsterdam. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a unique blend of historic beauty and modern vibrancy. This stretch of the canal and the city embodies understated elegance — central yet relatively undisturbed by tourism.
Keizersgracht is one of Amsterdam’s three principal canals, forming the iconic canal belt together with Herengracht and Prinsengracht — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canals are lined with magnificent 17th-century townhouses, known for their distinctive façades, narrow builds, and ornate gable stones.
The neighbourhood is steeped in culture and history. Along the canals and in nearby Prinsenstraat and Herenstraat, one finds a wealth of galleries, art shops, and antique dealers, complemented by trendy boutiques, designer stores, and local artisan shops. The neighbouring Jordaan and Haarlemmerstraat districts add to the area’s unique character.
In addition, the area is known for its lively and high-quality selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars — from refined dining to cosy cafés full of local flavour.
Keizersgracht 29 also enjoys a favourable location in relation to many cultural landmarks, all within walking distance — including Felix Meritis, De Rode Hoed, and several intimate independent cinemas.

Accessibility
The apartment at Keizersgracht 29 is exceptionally well connected, whether by bicycle, car, or public transport. The A10 ring road can be reached within ten minutes via exit S105 or S106.
Several tram stops are located nearby, including tram lines 13, 17, and 2, offering connections to Central Station, Museumplein, and Amsterdam West. Additionally, various bus routes run along Marnixstraat and Rozengracht, providing direct access to destinations such as Station Zuid and the Rivierenbuurt.
Amsterdam Central Station is just a ten-minute walk away, giving easy access to the extensive tram, bus, and metro network located there. The Nieuwezijds Kolk is only five minutes on foot and offers additional tram connections. Station Zuid is also quickly reached by bicycle via Amstelveenseweg. The North/South metro line (line 52), accessible via Rokin or Vijzelgracht station, provides a fast link to both Station Zuid and Station Noord.
Thanks to this central location, nearly every part of the city — as well as Schiphol Airport — is easily accessible, making this an ideal home for both daily commuting and international travel.

Parking
Parking is available via a residential permit system for public street parking (permit area Centrum-2c). With a Centrum-2c permit, parking is allowed throughout the larger Centrum-2 zone. A residential parking permit currently costs €326.65 per six months. At this time, there is a waiting period of approximately 29 months for a first permit in this area. A second permit is not available.
In addition to on-street parking, permit holders may also park free of charge in the Oosterdok Eiland parking garage.
(Source: Municipality of Amsterdam, May 2025)