Bolwerkstraat 22311 LZ LeidenLevendaal-Oost

Spectacular loft apartment in the former Van Wijk Wool Blanket Factory. Living in the heart of Leiden’s industrial heritage. This city loft is more than just a unique apartment. It represents living in an important chapter of Leiden’s urban and industrial history. A place where industrial craftsmanship seamlessly merges with contemporary living and the rhythm of this distinctive city. Bolwerkstraat 2 is therefore an address full of character, ideal for anyone who not only wants a home, but also a piece of a remarkable story. The building in which this top-floor apartment is located was once part of the operations of Gebroeders Van Wijk & Co, a leading textile factory that produced blankets, knitting yarn, and socks from 1795 until the mid-20th century, playing a significant role in Leiden’s industrial development. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the factory was a major employer, located along streets such as the Hogewoerd and Levendaal. The wool industry formed the backbone of Leiden for centuries. As early as the 16th century, wool was woven and produced here, until large-scale industrial textile production eventually gave way to new economic activities in the 20th century. These characteristics make the building—with only four apartments—not only architecturally valuable, but also culturally and historically rare in the heart of Leiden. The apartment itself combines authentic industrial charm with modern comfort. Think open, high spaces, exposed structural elements, and large windows. A loft-like experience with a sense of spaciousness that is rarely found in this way in Leiden’s city center. On the ground floor, there is a shared entrance with an intercom panel, elevator, technical facilities, and a storage room. The staircase marks the vertical route to the front door of number 2. The main living floor, with its open layout, was originally delivered as one large open space. Today, this level functions primarily as a living area, but the layout is flexible and lends itself well to other uses. Tall windows provide views over the rooftops and façades of the surrounding, mostly historic and charming buildings. Inside, a sleek floor with underfloor heating, a modern kitchen, a pellet stove, and neutral tones create a pleasant whole. The balcony faces west, enjoying sun for most of the day. Full-width sunshades provide comfort year-round, offering protection from heat and allowing you to sit outside even during a summer shower. There is also a unique view of the preserved tower belonging to this apartment. Once used as a water reservoir for the entire factory complex, it now serves as a particularly beautiful bedroom—but more on that later. The living room, open kitchen, and dining area flow naturally into one another. The luxurious kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, including a fridge-freezer, dishwasher, induction cooktop, oven, microwave, and a boiling water tap. The taupe-colored cabinetry and white walls create a calm atmosphere, while the shape of the countertop and the abundant artwork add liveliness and a contemporary feel. This is an interior to admire, but also to live in—spacious, creative, and inviting. A floor where cooking blends with relaxation and even sleeping, as the large bedroom is located at the rear of this level. This bedroom is more than just a place to sleep—it is a pleasant space to be. Large windows allow daylight to flood in, air conditioning provides both cooling and heating, and shutters offer privacy when desired. The carefully chosen materials and layout create an intimate, atmospheric space. The bathroom adjoins the bedroom as a natural extension—a sleek, neutral space that is fully equipped. Light, air, and space take center stage, with daylight entering through a large skylight that emphasizes the thoughtful architecture. The finish is timeless, featuring a bathtub, a shower, and a wide sink. On the other side of the living room, also at the rear, there is an internal storage room. In addition to storage space and technical installations such as the heat pump, inverter for the 16 solar panels, and meter cupboard, this room also houses connections for a washing machine and dryer. Next to it is a separate toilet with a small sink. Located on the third floor, integrated into the height of the tower, you truly experience the home’s unique vertical character. At the top of the tower lies a bedroom unlike any other. The ridge is exceptionally high, with the original beams fully visible and painted in a rich oxblood red, making the building’s history and structure tangible. Light enters through windows near the mezzanine, keeping the space airy and open—almost like a mini loft. Beneath this level is a clever intermediate floor, ideal as a workspace, dressing room, or creative corner. It is both connected to the bedroom above and intimate enough to function independently. The tower thus combines a spectacular sense of height with practical functionality—a sleeping area with a workspace or dressing area below, making smart use of vertical space. Living here is literally layered. This home is located on Bolwerkstraat, a side street of the Hogewoerd—one of the most characterful streets in the historic city center. Here, Leiden shows its best side: rich history, remarkable architecture, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Within minutes, you can be at the terraces along the Nieuwe Rijn, enjoy dinner at a quality restaurant, or stroll through the shopping streets around Pieterskerk. Culture and leisure are literally around the corner: the Academy Building, museums, cinemas, the City Concert Hall, and the historic Leiden Theatre are all within walking distance. Practically speaking, the location is also ideal. Leiden Central Station, LUMC, and the Bio Science Park are about a ten-minute bike ride away. By car, the A4, A44, and N11 highways are reachable within minutes, offering convenient connections to The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Schiphol, and Utrecht. Bolwerkstraat offers both tranquility and connection to the city. You live in the shelter of an intimate historic building, while everything that makes Leiden unique is within easy reach—a place that slows down city life without sacrificing its advantages. Curious to see how beautiful it looks inside? For a great first impression, view the extensive photo series, 360-degree images, clear floor plans (2D and 3D) with virtual tour, or the professional video on Funda (or YouTube). Enjoy viewing! Key features at a glance: - Unique loft apartment in the former Van Wijk Wool Blanket Factory - Parking garage accessible via Bolwerkstraat, with two private parking spaces available for purchase (€40,000 each) - Option to install a charging station at the parking spaces (already implemented at others) - Located on Bolwerkstraat in Leiden’s historic city center - National heritage monument with industrial character and authentic details - Multiple floors, each with its own atmosphere and function - High-quality finish, minimalist and bright - Spacious living room with open kitchen and adjoining balcony - Tower with high ridge: bedroom above, mezzanine as workspace/dressing room - Walking distance to Nieuwe Rijn, cafés, restaurants, shopping streets, and cultural hotspots - Excellent accessibility: Leiden Central, LUMC, and Bio Science Park within 5–10 minutes - Train connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, and Schiphol - Located on the western side of the city with good access to N11 and A4 highways - Delivery in consultation (possible at short notice) Additional information: - Real video available on Funda and lekmakelaars.nl (no slideshow) - Detailed 2D and 3D floor plans available on Funda - Virtual tour via Matterport visualization—explore all rooms interactively General information: Parties are only legally bound once a written purchase agreement has been signed (physically or electronically). - The purchase agreement will follow the latest NVM model Additional clauses may apply (e.g., age clause for homes over 50 years, materials/asbestos clause for homes built before 1993) - A bank guarantee or deposit of 10% of the purchase price is required - This information has been compiled with due care by LEK® Makelaars, but no rights can be derived from it. No liability is accepted for inaccuracies or omissions or their consequences. All stated measurements and surfaces are indicative. NVM conditions and standard general terms apply LEK® Makelaars respects the privacy of its clients and interested parties. Despite the utmost care, no liability is accepted if information is unlawfully obtained by third parties