ANTWERP CITY CENTRE - Townhouse ‘De Rosenhoedt’ with garden

Description

This listed stepped-gable house is situated in the heart of Antwerp’s historic centre, on the charming and iconic Keizerstraat. It is very centrally located, close to the Meir, the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady. The street is one of the oldest in the city and owes its stately character to the patrician families who lived there from the 16th and 17th centuries onwards — with Mayor Nicolaas Rockox as its most famous historical resident. The characteristic stepped gables along the street mostly date from the second half of the sixteenth century, with later alterations in the seventeenth century. The property at number 36, together with the adjoining number 34, forms part of this listed heritage. The whitewashed stepped gable, with its terraced silhouette, small staggered window openings and decorative wall anchors, is a beautifully preserved example of Antwerp townhouse architecture. Behind the front door, an entrance hall with original terracotta floor tiles welcomes you, where the exposed old wooden beams immediately reveal the authentic soul of the house. A real eye-catcher is the library: a light-filled space with an impressive bookshelf reaching up to the ceiling, a desk area and French doors leading to the garden — an ideal spot for reading, working or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. A surprisingly green, ivy-lined city garden with a pond and a cosy seating area serves as an extension of the ground floor — a true oasis in the heart of the city. Authentic timber-beamed ceilings set the tone throughout the entire property. The spacious living room combines high ceilings with plenty of natural light and offers space for a generous seating area. Adjacent to this is the dining room, also featuring a timber-beamed ceiling, with an open view to the kitchen and a second terrace, offering views over the historic rooftops of Antwerp city centre. On the top floor of the house are two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom. A real highlight of this property is the impressive cellar with barrel vaults dating back to the 13th century. The rough, whitewashed walls, the vaulted ceilings and the old stone staircases exude centuries of history and create a unique, atmospheric space — perfect as a wine cellar or a special storage area. A rare opportunity to live in a living piece of the city’s history, with all the charm of yesteryear and all the benefits of the bustling city centre within easy reach.