1/5 Photo: Zoomin Photography/Hofstaete Makelaardij Oz
Living as in a history book. You should not describe life in the oldest stone house in Woudrichem. In the fortified city, the house is better known as the Jacoba van Beierenhuis or the monastery. The age -old house on Molenstraat has recently been on sale. “We have lived here with pleasure, but we are ready for the next step,” say the current residents Eelkje and Chris van de Kuilen.
As soon as the current house has been sold, the couple leave their history in Woudrichem. “If you come to live here, you will also get a rich history and beautiful old stories,” says Chris.
He dives into his historical knowledge with great enthusiasm. “Our house is popularly known as the Jacoba van Beierenhuis or the monastery. After the Second World War, a pastor has refurbished this building and gave twelve nuns shelter in that period performing a lot of social work in society. Older residents still keep beautiful memories of it. Everyone was welcome in the monastery.”
Halfway through the monumental Huis van Eelkje and Chris on Molenstraat and the Maas and Waal rivers is a statue of Jacoba van Bavaria. “At the time, the Countess of Holland had several possessions in the Netherlands, including our house. That still had outbuildings and a tower in that period. In the early fifteenth century, Jacoba van Bavaria signed the Peace Convention ‘Kiss van Woudrichem’. She then lived in Woudrichem for some time.”
Tough house
Eelkje and Chris searched for a house in Woudrichem six years ago and were immediately charmed by the characteristic building. “It is really medieval. On the inside and the outside it still has authentic elements such as fireplaces, beam ceilings and doors. It is a tough house, with a lot of history. The chapel where the nuns followed the masses at the time now serves as a music room.”
The house on Molenstraat is the oldest stone building in the town. It is even older than the church and the gate in Woudrichem that date from the same time. “Because of the appearance and history, our house is a national monument. According to rules, the appearance of the house must remain the same. For example, solar panels should not be laid. Inside, residents have more freedom, although you are not allowed to do anything with the beams and fireplaces.”
Roof terrace
Chris and Eelkje have well maintained their house. “It is a large building. We have completely painted it on the outside. New residents don’t have to do anything about it anymore. It is completely fine. Inside it is of course a personal taste of the new residents.”
The building also has a roof terrace. “It is a nice and sunny place. From the terrace you see the boats passing by on the rivers.”
Potential buyers from the monumental house have to pay 1,275,000 euros to call themselves the new owner of the building. “It is a generous building. Ideal for new residents who, for example, opt for the combination of living and working in the house.”
Special Brabants Koophuis
In a special Brabants Koophuis we share a special house every Friday that is for sale in our province. That does not only have to be the largest, smallest, oldest or most expensive owner -occupied home, but it can also be a home with a special story or a separate design. Is your special house for sale or do you have tips for us? Mail to [email protected]
View all special Brabant owner -occupied houses here.