In a former school building, an exceptionally large and unique ground-floor apartment with WOW-factor: lots of character, historic charm, all on one level, with a wonderful garden.
In the popular and green Betondorp, in the heart of the Watergraafsmeer, lies this remarkable ground-floor apartment in the former school building “De Scheepskameel” (1926). A home with a rare combination of space, atmosphere, and comfort. The impressive ceiling heights, the nearly all-around garden, and the many authentic details make this house immediately striking. Here, you can live in complete peace, with plenty of privacy, surrounded by greenery, while the center of Amsterdam is always within easy reach.
The neighborhood is characterized by its monumental garden village style, parks and sports facilities, highly regarded primary schools, and excellent connections to public transport and main roads. A pleasant, green living environment with all urban amenities close by.
Historic Character and Modern Luxury in Harmony
This home beautifully combines historic charm with contemporary living comfort. Authentic elements, such as original school wall tiles, windows with wood frames, tiled stove niches, and paneled doors, have been carefully preserved, giving the house a unique appearance. The high ceilings and large windows provide an abundance of light and a particularly spacious feel.
The finishing by the current owners in 2006 and 2018 was carried out to a high standard and still feels contemporary and well-maintained. The house is move-in ready, has an ideal layout, and has been thoughtfully designed down to the last detail. In short: a home with a clear WOW-factor that continues to impress.
Layout
You enter the building through the communal hall, shared with the two other apartments.
From the spacious entrance with built-in cupboards and wardrobe, you walk down the long corridor, lined with original wall tiles, and enter the very generous living kitchen in the former gymnasium: the beating heart of the home. This atmospheric space – with the original hardwood gym floor – features a large four-meter kitchen island with a concrete countertop, a Viking gas stove (2006), Quooker (2006), Siemens dishwasher (2021), and freestanding fridge/freezer (Samsung 2016). There is space for a four-meter dining table, perfect for long dinners. There is also a fireplace with room for two armchairs, making this a space where cooking, living, and socializing come together effortlessly.
Adjacent, behind a steel and glass partition, is an additional room currently used as an office but also ideal as a playroom or study. Behind this is the utility room. From the living kitchen, French doors open onto the beautifully landscaped southeast-facing garden, equipped with a pizza oven, trampoline, and wooden shed.
At the rear is a large industrial-style studio: an ideal workspace, studio, hobby room, or home office. Also perfect for an au-pair, for example.
Next to the kitchen is the cozy and spacious living room, formerly a classroom, which is very bright due to the large windows. Through the French doors, you can access the sunny southwest-facing garden.
The bathroom and toilet were renovated in 2018 to a high standard. The generous bathroom features marble slabs in Rainforest Green, light natural stone on the walls and floor, and Moroccan zellige tiles on the back wall. It includes a large walk-in shower with wall and rain shower, a freestanding oval bathtub, a toilet, and a vanity unit with marble countertop and double sinks. The separate toilet features a toilet and urinal, with luxurious Belvedere quartzite on the floor and back wall.
Additionally, there are four bedrooms, including a spacious master bedroom. Three of the four bedrooms are located in former classrooms, each with good proportions, ample light, and garden views. There is also a separate boiler/laundry room.
A Rare Opportunity
Quote from the current owners:
“A house like this only comes along once; it is incomparable. We have lived here for 20 years with incredible joy and raised our children here. Learning to ride a bike indoors; large garden as a playground; endless dinners; ideal party location. With a heavy heart, we have decided that it is time for a new phase for our home. New owners who will hopefully care for this house with as much love and dedication and get as much out of it in return."
Details
• Apartment in a former school building
• Living area: 327 m² with 3.60 m high ceilings
• Entirely on one level with an ideal layout
• Perpetual leasehold bought off
• Built in 1926, fully renovated in 1998, 2006, and 2018
• Fireplace replaced in 2022 with a closed fireplace
• Energy label A
• Solar panels installed in 2022, 24 units, 9480 Wp
• Indoor bicycle storage
• Authentic details combined with modern finishes
• Hassle-free parking; two permits available
• Conveniently located near main roads
• Spacious living and working area with plenty of natural light
This information has been compiled by us with the necessary care. On our part, however, no liability is accepted for any incompleteness, inaccuracy or otherwise, or the consequences thereof. All specified sizes and surfaces are indicative. Buyer has his own duty to investigate all matters that are important to him or her.
The estate agent is an advisor to the seller regarding this property. We advise you to hire an expert (NVM) broker who will guide you through the purchasing process. If you have specific wishes regarding the house, we advise you to make this known to your purchasing broker in good time and to have them investigated independently. If you do not engage an expert representative, you consider yourself to be expert enough by law to be able to oversee all matters of interest. The NVM conditions apply.