Nassaukade 353 H – Fin de Siècle Reimagined

Nassaukade 353 H – Fin de Siècle Reimagined

History and Positioning 

During the fourth expansion of the Canal Belt in 1663 (Vierde Uitleg), the 5-metre-high city wall around Amsterdam was extended across the Amstel river to the east. Surrounding this city wall was a 60-metre-wide canal: the Singelgracht. Eventually, this created an 8-kilometre defence system with 26 pentagonal bastions and eight gates: the Buitensingel. This striking semi-circular enclosure marked the boundaries of Amsterdam until the end of the 19th century. The section of Buitensingel from the Haarlemmerpoort to Overtoom was renamed Nassaukade in 1879, after the royal house of Orange-Nassau. A few years later, in 1887, the newly baptised Nassaukade formed the stage for a grand procession to mark the 70th birthday of Willem III, then king of the Netherlands. The building on Nassaukade 353 was built in 1881, as part of a triplet (together with 352 and 351), with the overall design of the three forming one concept. In subsequent years, the properties were given several purposes, blurring the similarities between them.

A Contemporary Renaissance

In 2024, this historic residence underwent a comprehensive renovation that honours its Fin de Siècle heritage whilst introducing contemporary comfort, energy efficiency and functionality. The owners, relocating due to work commitments, have meticulously restored every detail with the finest materials and craftsmanship.

An Amsterdam School-style front door provides access through a vestibule to the hall. A stunning Italian chequerboard marble hallway stretches elegantly from the front door all the way to the back of the house, creating a magnificent central spine that unifies the entire ground floor. The height and length of this hall contribute to an immediate sense of space—an impression that continues throughout the house.

Ground Floor: Design and Comfort

The ground floor has been completely reimagined. The layout now includes a master bedroom with an en-suite master bathroom, a children’s bedroom with adjacent television or playing room and entrance to a very private garden space right in the heart of the city. This part of the house can be completely closed off to be used as a guest apartment. Located at the front of the house, one finds a spacious room that could be utilised as office, practice or additional bedroom. An additional guest bathroom serves the ground floor, along with a separate guest lavatory, several practical storage solutions, and a laundry room with access to the cellar.

The newly installed underfloor heating system ensures optimal comfort throughout, whilst the insulated flooring provides both warmth and acoustic benefits. The two bedrooms on this floor feature newly laid solid oak parquet flooring in a classic fishbone pattern, combining timeless elegance with tactile warmth. All walls and ceilings have been freshly plastered and painted, creating pristine living spaces that highlight the architectural details.

First Floor: Light-Filled Living

A 19th-century staircase at the front provides access to the first floor, where the ornate baluster head in the shape of an acorn continues to represent wisdom, vitality and endurance. The first floor now features an expansive living area with cosmopolitan character, complemented by a modern kitchen, pantry, powder room, and a dedicated desk and children’s area.

Three large windows at the front overlook the water of Nassaukade, while beautifully original windows at the rear ensure that the main living space is bathed in natural light all day long. The open-plan design seamlessly integrates dining and living spaces, with fireplace options ranging from contemporary tiled designs to hybrid classic-modern styles that honour the building’s transitional architecture. The living area flows naturally to the south-facing roof terrace, creating a perfect indoor-outdoor connection. This inside-outside experience could be enhanced even further by opening up the rear façade with swinging doors, inviting the outdoors in throughout the seasons.

The living spaces upstairs also feature the same refined fishbone parquet flooring in solid oak, further enhancing the home’s sense of continuity and craftsmanship. A custom-designed pantry will be installed adjacent to the kitchen, offering both practical storage and a refined visual complement to the space.

Outdoor Sanctuary

The property now boasts a private courtyard garden at ground level, creating a secure outdoor retreat. This garden space provides direct access to nature whilst maintaining privacy in the heart of the city. Covered seating allows for outdoor enjoyment even in the winter months.

Comprehensive Renovation Excellence

This remarkable transformation includes a brand new boiler and comprehensive underfloor heating system, enhanced insulation (upgrading the overall label to class A) and fireproof ceilings installed on both floors, complete electrical renovation with modern Ethernet infrastructure, and a new drainage system throughout, including the main building drain. The basement has been comprehensively waterproofed with walls drilled, proofed and sealed, whilst every tap, sink, and electrical fitting has been replaced with premium fixtures. The fireplace has been recently cleaned and serviced, and abundant spare tiles are provided for all bathrooms, toilets and hallway flooring. The sizeable cellar—rare in Amsterdam—offers excellent storage space, which is a major asset for families.

Location & Character

Nassaukade 353 remains exceptionally centrally located, within walking distance of both Amsterdam’s historic city centre and the Vondelpark. Situated in the vibrant Helmersbuurt, this green neighbourhood is renowned for its cultural character, galleries, and restaurants, including those on the adjacent Bosboom Toussaintstraat.

The exterior facade continues to exemplify the ‘transitional style’—a sophisticated mix of influences typical of the Fin-de-Siècle period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This architectural heritage now frames a completely modernised interior that seamlessly blends historical character with contemporary comfort.

Property Specifications

Gross Floor Area of the Property: 248 m²
NEN Floor Area – Living space: 179 m²
Gross Volume: 679 m³
Energy Label: A
Cellar Storage Space: 11 m² + various other storages and pantries on both floors 
Roof Terrace: 37 m²
Courtyard Garden: 35 m²

Sources:

[1] Amsterdam City Archives – History of the Nassaukade.
[2] Amsterdam City Archives Collection: Royal House.
[3] Haslinghuis – Janse, Verklarend Woordenboek van de Westerse Achitectuur- en Bouwhistorie, 1997.
[4] DBNL – ‘Fin-de-Siècle’ – M.G. Kemperink

Text: Joep Hoogerwerf
Photography: Gloria Palmer