Yesterday at 6:00 PM • Edited yesterday at 6:44 PM
A former cinema is for sale in the historic center of Geertruidenberg. The building on Brandestraat has been converted into a home, but its film history is still visible. Seller Evert currently lives there with his family. “It was just so unique and distinctive that we immediately fell for it.”
Evert and his wife Margot had long wanted to live in a special building. “That was a kind of dream. Such an old, historic building that has been transformed into a home seemed fantastic to us. When we saw this, we actually fell in love immediately. Not because it was a cinema per se, but mainly because of the appearance and atmosphere of the building.”
Former ticket counter
The cinema was converted into a home in 2007, but if you look closely, you can still clearly see the past. “The entrance is still intact, just like the facade. There are still original projectors and you can see where the passage to the small hall used to be, which is now bricked up. The old ticket counter is also still there. Where you used to buy tickets, the toilet is now located.”
Romantic character
Visitors immediately notice that character. “People often say that this is the most romantic house they have ever been in,” says Evert. “That’s in the atmosphere and the warmth. You can sit in so many different places: with friends in the former cinema, in the courtyard or at the bar in the living room. Everywhere you create a different setting and experience.”
Although Evert is now used to the size of the house, the character continues to impress. “We came from a 1930s house of one hundred square meters. Within a week we got used to the space, but the character continues to surprise you every day. Especially now that we know we are leaving, we sometimes really walk around here in amazement. It feels like a privilege to live here.”
Vivid memory
The house has a living area of 341 square meters and is for sale for € 985,000 at buyer’s costs. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, several outdoor areas and a large multifunctional room at the front. It is now used as a photo studio and meeting location. “That really runs smoothly. It is a building to share, also for business purposes. People are always overwhelmed when they enter.”
That feeling also recognizes the environment. “Everyone from Geertruidenberg knows this building. People often say: ‘I once went to the movies here.’ That memory really still lives here.”
To the big city
Evert and his family leave for the big city. “Mainly because of our children. But what I will miss most? The romance. But also my bedroom and the large bath.”
