A property that exudes grandeur and boasts a rich history, perfect for those who appreciate space, character, authenticity, and a home with a story to tell. Behind the stately facade lies a surprisingly spacious residence with multiple floors, beautiful period features, and a delightful city garden. This impressive monument enjoys a peaceful setting just steps away from the town's shopping heart and within walking distance of the Waal River.
Key Features:
Double medieval vaulted cellar beneath both the front and rear of the house
Large hallway, front room with high stucco ceiling, garden-facing rear room with fireplace, hallway, garden-facing dining kitchen, utility room, and pantry cellar on the ground floor
Landing; guest room in the main house and a study above the kitchen on the mezzanine level
Three spacious bedrooms, two with wardrobes, and a fully equipped bathroom on the first floor
Landing; two additional bedrooms and an attic with potential on the second floor
Large storage attic on the third floor
National Monument
Gross volume: 1,990 m³
Living area: 408 m²
Period of construction: 16th century
Plot size: 320 m²
Ground Floor Layout:
The imposing entrance hall is as large as an average living room. The marble floor continues into an adjoining hallway paved with natural stone. To the left is the expansive living room and en suite, measuring an impressive 70 m². The living room features high stucco ceilings, tall windows with stained glass transoms, two natural stone fireplaces, window seats, interior shutters, fitted cupboards, and herringbone parquet flooring. At the rear, two pairs of French doors open onto the garden.
Adjoining the hallway are the cellar, utility room, and dining kitchen. A glass panel in the cellar floor reveals the historic water well below. The utility room occupies the former outdoor space of what was once the western house when the property consisted of two separate homes. The hallway retains the original 18th-century pump with a stone basin and brass taps. The dining kitchen is furnished with a classic kitchen unit featuring built-in appliances and a terrazzo countertop. From the kitchen, there is a pleasant view of the garden.
Mezzanine Level Layout:
Above the kitchen is a study, accessed via a fixed staircase. From this room, there is a clear view of the rear facade of the property. Off the stairwell is a charming bedroom/study with herringbone parquet flooring and wooden paneling. Two large sash windows provide a view into the study above the kitchen.
First Floor Layout:
This floor radiates the atmosphere of the 16th century. At the front is a 40 m² bedroom that once served as a living room. Three large sash windows offer views of the broad Gasthuisstraat. The floor features wide wooden planks, and there are two built-in cupboards. At the rear is an even more imposing bedroom with a beam-and-rafter ceiling, white-painted wide floorboards, and a full-width fitted wardrobe with elegant panel doors. Two sash windows provide views of the garden.
This floor also hosts two additional bedrooms, both featuring wide floorboards, beamed ceilings, and traditional windows. The bathroom is equipped with a bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet.
Second Floor Layout:
On this floor, there is a landing and two heated rooms at the rear, most likely former maid's quarters. At the front, a large heated attic space with two large gable windows and three skylights provides ample storage or living potential.
Third Floor Layout:
From the second landing, a staircase leads to a second attic. This 17th-century staircase is believed to be the oldest surviving example in Zaltbommel. The attic has a floor area of over 60 m². A sash window in the south gable ensures plenty of natural light.
The History:
In the early 19th century, the house was home to Lion Philips and Feijtje Presburg. Lion was a Jewish tobacco merchant and investor in Zaltbommel, while Feijtje was the daughter of a Jewish textile trader from Nijmegen. Two of their many grandchildren, Anton and Gerard Philips, would later go on to establish the world-renowned Philips company. Beyond their family ties, Lion and Feijtje played a significant role in the life of their nephew, Karl Marx. They managed his inheritance, hoping to prevent him from squandering his fortune. Marx's mother believed him to be a spendthrift and sought to protect him from financial ruin. He had to make ends meet on the modest income he earned from writing books and articles. In 1861, the house came into the possession of Henriette Philips, a daughter of Lion and Feijtje, and her husband, Dr. Antonie van Anrooy. During the winter of 1863, Marx stayed with them for several months, suffering from painful boils that confined him to the house on Gasthuisstraat. Under the medical care of his host, Marx worked on Das Kapital, the book that would later make him world-famous.
Special Features:
Rarely does a property come to market in Zaltbommel with so many authentic elements preserved or restored. The house underwent a complete restoration in the 1990s under the supervision of the Dutch Heritage Agency and has been carefully maintained ever since. The Monumentenwacht conducts a thorough inspection every two years, with the latest report available upon request.
Originally dating back to the 16th century, the house features a double vaulted cellar running the full depth of the property, accessible from the garden. The property is heated via an Intergas HRe boiler. In front of the house lies a charming stone stoop with wrought-iron railings on either side. Behind the property is a delightful city garden with a rear entrance to Koningstraat. This evergreen garden is arranged with terraces paved in traditional brick, bordered by low hedges and shrub-lined beds.
After 35 years of cherished living and working here, the current owner is now ready to pass this remarkable home on to someone who will equally appreciate its grandeur and historical significance.