Uiterstegracht 562312 TE LeidenPancras-Oost

Living with a story! “17th-century history, 21st-century comfort” On the Uiterstegracht, in the heart of the historic city center of Leiden, stands a house that is more than just a monument. This is a place where history can be felt—a place where ideas circulated, where discussions were held, laughter echoed, and thoughts were shared deep into the night. A house that has been part of Europe’s greater story. A house with meaning, as this property is inextricably linked to Rinus van der Lubbe, the well-known citizen of Leiden who made world history in 1933 by setting fire to the Reichstag in Berlin as a call to resist Hitler’s terror. In the 1930s, this house offered shelter to guests, lodgers, and like-minded spirits. It was known as an open and welcoming home, where conversations at the kitchen table were just as important as having a place to sleep. A tangible reminder of that time remains visible to this day: the bluestone memorial plaque in the façade commemorates Van der Lubbe and marks this house as a special historical site within the city. But let one thing be clear: this is not a museum house. This is a home to live in now. Today, the property shines as a comfortable, stylish, and surprisingly light-filled residence. The previous and current owners undertook major renovations in 2014 and 2020, and you can see, feel, and notice this in every detail. In close collaboration with, among others, Erfgoed Leiden, this national monument was carefully restored and modernized, with deep respect for its history and with today’s level of comfort. This includes completely renewed installations, new electrical systems, high-quality finishes, bespoke solutions, a thoughtful layout, a classic yet contemporary kitchen, and tasteful décor that perfectly complements the character of the house. In effect, you are purchasing an almost new home, wrapped in a 17th-century shell. Even before entering, take a moment to admire the façade. In 2014, extensive historical color research was carried out, and the current color scheme was chosen based on this research. A subtle, light, and historically accurate shade that shows how the house would have looked around 1650—a rare and beautiful example of how restoration can also enhance aesthetics. The right-hand door in the façade leads to something rarely seen in the city center… Behind this door lies a rarity in central Leiden: a private alley with direct access to the garden and a stone storage room. Bicycles, a motorbike, storage—everything neatly out of sight yet directly connected to the house. The garden faces west, is sunny, and offers ample privacy. Here you can enjoy the afternoon and evening sun while living in the heart of the city—a perfect place to relax, dine outdoors, or maintain a city garden. Once inside, one thing immediately stands out: everything in this house exudes careful, stylish craftsmanship. In 2014, this monumental property was completely renovated—no corner was left untouched. Immediately on the right you will find an extensive meter cupboard, followed by a practical storage closet. Around the corner is a bespoke coat rack for jackets. Then there is the impressive staircase, inviting you to explore the first floor. Beneath the stairs is the first toilet, smartly and tastefully designed. The charming eat-in kitchen, accessible through the first door on the right, is a culinary domain. If you love cooking and dining together, this space will enchant you. Everything has been thought through down to the last detail—from the large 6-burner gas stove, the spacious refrigerator and separate freezer, to the custom-made Belgian bluestone countertop, both robust and elegant. The classic kitchen perfectly suits the character of the house while offering all modern conveniences. The natural stone floor, also Belgian bluestone, flows seamlessly into the solid oak floor of the living room, creating a sense of calm and harmony while clearly defining the living areas. The generous living room can be accessed both from the kitchen and from the hall, offering space for a large seating area and ample room for, for example, a dining area or a children’s play space. What truly makes this room special is the natural light streaming in through the large windows along the alley and the rear façade, pleasantly combined with the home’s open position on one side. The result is a living room that feels both light and spacious. From the living room, you also have access to the sunny rear garden. The first floor offers just as much character and comfort as the ground floor. The wide, easily navigable staircase leads to the landing, which provides access to three bedrooms, the bathroom, and the second fixed staircase to the attic. The front bedroom overlooks the charming Uiterstegracht and is illuminated by two large windows capturing the morning and afternoon light. Space has been used optimally by utilizing the alcove as a sleeping area—an excellent and perfectly measured spot for a large bed. The middle room lies quietly between the front and rear of the house and is ideal as a child’s room, home office, or guest room. The main bedroom at the rear is light, spacious, and tranquil. One side of the room is fully fitted with a bespoke wall of wardrobes in the style and charm of the house—testament to refined taste and an exceptional eye for detail, while offering remarkable practical storage space. Adding extra charm to this floor are the original beams, combined with new structural elements that have been left visible. This interplay of old and new gives the floor a classic yet warm appearance and reinforces the feeling of living in a house with both historical value and modern comfort. The bathroom is stylish and functional, equipped with a shower, second toilet, and washbasin. The second floor is accessible via the fixed staircase and offers ample space. The current residents have created a fourth bedroom/home office here after fully insulating the roof. Technical installations and connections are in place, along with sufficient daylight and opportunities for further customization. At the rear, a very spacious storage area has been created, housing the central heating system and offering room for seasonal items, sports equipment, and extra supplies. A particularly historic detail is the old attic hatch, which is even mentioned in books about Rinus van der Lubbe. This element has been preserved and provides a tangible connection to the rich past of this home. Why this house is unique: - Local monument dating from approx. 1650, fully modernized in 2014 and 2020 - Located in the city center, yet remarkably quiet—including the garden - Historic façade and authentic colors based on extensive research - Private alley with direct access to the garden and a spacious stone storage room - Generous open-plan kitchen, light-filled living room, and solid oak floors - Sunny west-facing garden - Four bedrooms and a spacious attic with additional storage - Central location in Leiden’s historic center, within walking distance of shops, schools, restaurants, the university, public transport, and cultural venues - Atmospheric and peaceful living in the heart of the city, with all amenities within reach - Freehold property (full ownership of the land) Additional information: - The seller has recently commissioned a building inspection report from a certified inspection company, Perfectkeur, to provide insight into the (good) state of maintenance of the property. This report is available for review during viewings or can be provided in advance via your MOVE account. - An extensive report of the color research, including photos and color charts, is available through a MOVE account. - A real video (not a slideshow of photos) is available via Funda. - For an even clearer and more spatial impression, see the 2D and 3D floor plans on Funda. - Comprehensive 360-degree photos for a complete top-to-bottom view of the property. - Virtual tour using a Matterport visualization; by clicking the walking icons in the 3D visualization, you can explore all rooms with ease and choose your own route—highly recommended! - An age clause (monument) and materials clause (due to year of construction) apply. - Monuments are exempt from the requirement to provide an energy label at the time of notarial transfer. Nevertheless, the sellers have applied for one. Given its age, the property can certainly be considered energy-efficient. While improvements are always possible, a great deal has already been done. This house is a story in itself: a place where history and modern luxury meet, where living is a pleasure, and where every detail reflects love and craftsmanship. It is a home for those who want to live differently, for whom character matters more than standardization, and who do not want to sacrifice comfort for city-center living. Some houses you buy with your head—this one you buy with your heart as well. -------------------------------- General information: - Parties are only bound once a written purchase agreement has been signed, either physically or electronically. - The purchase agreement will be drawn up in accordance with the latest NVM model. Additional clauses may apply, such as an age clause for homes older than 50 years and a materials/asbestos clause for homes built before 1993. A bank guarantee or deposit of 10% of the purchase price is required from the buyer. - This information has been compiled by LEK Makelaars with due care; however, no rights may be derived from it. No liability is accepted for any incompleteness, inaccuracies, or consequences thereof. All stated dimensions and surface areas are indicative. The NVM conditions and customary General Terms and Conditions apply. - LEK makelaars respects the privacy of its clients, as well as that of interested parties, bidders, and buyers. Despite the utmost care, LEK makelaars cannot be held liable if information is unlawfully obtained by third parties. Questions? Feel free to call us. We are happy to assist you.