Unique, fully renovated monumental canal house in an absolute prime location, with asunny and completely secluded city gardenAs early as the 17th and 18th centuries, Rapenburg was praised as one of the most beautiful anddistinctive canals in the Netherlands. To this day, this majesticcanal, with its monumental buildings, stately facades, and characteristic bridges, is consideredthe crown jewel of Leiden.The history of this building goes back even further: the foundation of the vaulted cellar datesback to the 15th century. The plots Rapenburg 41–45 are located on the site of theformer Hieronymus Monastery, giving this property an exceptional historicallayering.Rapenburg 45 is an exceptional 17th-century national monument, situated in oneof the city's most prominent and beloved locations. The property boasts an impressiveapproximately 345 m² of living space, combined with a beautifully landscaped, sunnycity garden offering complete privacy – a rarity in the historic city center.The location is unsurpassed: directly opposite the National Museum of Antiquities andjust a few steps from the world-famous Hortus Botanicus. All the delights ofLeiden city life are within walking and cycling distance: high-quality shops,excellent restaurants, theaters, museums, and cultural venues. The immediate surroundings are characterizedby private residences, tranquility, and discretion.Since purchasing the property in 2010, the current owners have completely renovated and improved the building's sustainability to an exceptionally highstandard, with great respect for its historiccharacter. For example, a large number of the windows have recently been fitted with the latestvacuum glazing, making this national monument not only aesthetically impressive butalso meeting the highest modern standards for comfort andenergy efficiency.The interior exudes history and class, featuring beautiful beamed ceilings, anelegant array of Delft Blue tiles in the hallway, and an impressive monumentalstaircase leading to the upper floors. A special historical detail: this building has had several notable residents throughout thecenturies, including Princesses Beatrix and Margriet during their studies in Leiden.LAYOUTGround floorSpacious and bright entrance. From here, access to the kitchen/diner: a beautiful, atmosphericspace with two tall windows facing the canal and French doors leading to the garden. Theluxurious Bulthaup kitchen is naturally equipped with all high-qualitybuilt-in appliances. On the garden side, a wide gas fireplace provides extra warmth andambience in the dining and living area.The long hallway, featuring stucco, including the family crest ofthe 18th-century residents, and Delft Blue tiles on both sides,leads to a hall with access to the garden and stairs to the basement. This basement iscurrently used as a laundry room. On the street side, there is also avaulted cellar, ideal for storage or wine. Furthermore, on the ground floor, you will find aguest toilet and at the end of the hallway a multifunctional room, suitable as astudy, playroom, or guest room.First FloorThe monumental staircase leads to the first floor. At the rear of the house isa bedroom with a modern en-suite bathroom, as well as a separate toilet. At thefront of the house is the impressive, very spacious, and bright living room. Facing the garden is anintimate sitting room surrounding the fireplace; at the front is a spacious living room, three windows wide, with a magnificent view of the canal and the historic cityscape.Second FloorLanding with built-in wardrobes. At the rear is the generousmaster bedroom with a private roof terrace, extensive wardrobes, and luxurious en-suite bathroom. This bathroom also connects to the spacious room at the front,currently used as a study, but also perfectly suitable as a full-fledgedbedroom.Third floorLanding, bathroom with shower and toilet. At the front is a particularly spacious and attractive bedroom with a dormer window and built-in wardrobe. Here you'll also find the hatch with a loft ladder to the large attic space, where the central heating system is located, among other things. At the rear is another bedroom with a dormer window.GardenThe beautifully landscaped city garden faces west and offers optimal sun exposure.Several seating areas have been created for both sun and shade. The absolute tranquility at the rear of the building is striking: an oasis of peace in the heart of the city,perfect for relaxing moments or long dinners with friends and family.ParkingYou can park on the street with a parking permit. There is a unique opportunity to purchase three parking spaces in the nearbyenclosed parking garage. Price upon request.SummaryAn exceptionally stylish, historic, and comfortable canal house of exceptionalquality, in one of the most beautiful locations in the Netherlands. A rare combination ofhistory, luxury, privacy, and space.DETAILS• Located in an absolute prime location opposite• Unique and prestigious 17th-century national monument situated on the most beautiful canal in Leiden• Beautifully landscaped, sunny west-facing city garden with complete privacy and multiple seating areas• The building has been fully renovated and made sustainable to a very high standard since 2010, while retaining historic details• A large number of the windows have recently been fitted with high-quality vacuum glazing, exceptionalfor a national monument• High living comfort combined with historical allure• Extensive presence of original style features, including- Beamed ceilings- Monumental staircase- Delft Blue tiles in the hallway- Luxurious Bulthaup kitchen/diner with high-quality built-in appliances- Multiple atmospheric fireplaces• Very suitable for living and working from home• Multiple bathrooms and toilets, ideal for a large family or guests• Roof terrace off the master bedroom• Quiet location with only private residences on either side• Historic building with a remarkable residential history, including that of Princesses Beatrix and Margriet during their Leiden residency Study time• Located within walking and cycling distance of shops, restaurants, museums, theater, and the university• Excellent accessibility by car and public transport• An exceptional, rare, and high-quality property in the historic heart of Leiden.
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