SPECTACULAR LOFT IN A FORMER CHAPEL – ‘SINT GREGORIUSKAPEL’
Would you like to live in a historic, monumental chapel? Opportunities like this are few and far between: an exceptional home with unparalleled character, historic elements and ambiance. Located in Gregorius Chapel, a part of Gregorius House in Utrecht. This former monastery is in a truly unique location at the heart of the historic inner city of Utrecht, in the shadows of iconic Dom Church tower. Directly by the city’s most elegant canal, with its characteristic domed cellars and nearby welcoming city parks as well as the hustle and bustle of Utrecht’s shopping streets and nightlife.
In this architecturally transformed home, everything is focused on showcasing the authentic details and stunning geometrical shapes of the chapel using minimalist furnishings and finishes. On sunny days, the sleek white finishes form a stunning backdrop for the colors of the stained glass windows so that the ancient biblical stories come to life. With a huge living room of no less than 125 square meters, there is no shortage of space here. Peacefully and quietly located in the former monastery garden, the chapel is beautifully tucked away in the middle of Utrecht’s bustling city center.
History
On the remains of an old chapel, this chapel was built in 1922 and became part of the monastery building St. Gregory’s House. It housed the monastic community of the Brothers of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Brothers of Utrecht. These formed a congregation within the Catholic Church.
At that time there was a great demand for good education for society’s underprivileged children. One result of this was the development and growth of Catholic education in Utrecht. At that time the Brothers of Utrecht were in charge of a number of schools in Utrecht. In its heyday, the Gregorius School had more than 750 students. Later, number declined and the monastic community saw an aging population.
After the last Brothers of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart left the Gregorius House in Utrecht in 2005 and moved to De Bilt, the Gregorius Chapel also became vacant. With the departure of its last residents, the opportunity arose to transform this fantastic spot into housing of an unprecedented standard.
Utrecht
Gregorius Chapel’s two entrances on Herenstraat and Nieuwegracht are located in the very popular Museum Quarter with many historical sites within walking distance. The world-famous canals with their unique canalside yards and cellars just dozens of meters from your front door. The numerous welcoming restaurants, terraces and cafes are just around the corner.
The chapel is located at approximately 10 minutes’ walking distance from Central Station, several bus stops and offers good access by car to the various highways A2, A12, A27 and A28. On-street parking is readily available. A covered parking space is optional based on availability.
Living at Herenstraat 4K gives you the opportunity to own a historic piece of Utrecht city center with all amenities around the corner.
CHARACTERISTICS
BUILT IN approx. 1922
RESIDENTIAL FLOOR AREA approx. 250 sqm
VOLUME approx. 1.522 cbm
PLOT SIZE approx. 256 sqm
DESCRIPTION
GROUND FLOOR
You wind through the corridors, past the other apartments, to reach one of the two front doors. A few steps up and you have arrived at the former Sint Gregorius Chapel. After you enter the apartment through large double doors, you will walk into the spacious hall. From here you can access the two bedrooms on either side and a restroom.
As soon as you open the double doors, the sheer sense of space and light of the living room will overwhelm you. Let your eyes wander and take in the stained glass windows, the elegant cast flooring with underfloor heating (throughout the house) and the overall minimalist white finishes. The remote controlled skylights and blackout curtains that were installed during the renovation, together with the original stained glass windows, lend the space its exquisite atmosphere and pleasant light. The lighting plan (operated by means of a home automation system) also gives the room a spectacular look at night. The sleek Bulthaup kitchen blends in flawlessly and is equipped with a 5-burner induction hob, combination oven, dishwasher, Quooker and separate refrigerator/freezer.
At the rear is the former sacristy which is now used as a study. The current residents have very recently had a passenger elevator installed. This created a second entrance. From Nieuwegracht you can quickly reach your study upstairs via the centuries-old entrance door of the monumental Loenersloot House, which can be remotely controlled via a transmitter, without having to use the original entrance.
In addition to this study at the rear, there are two more bedrooms at the front on this floor. The second front bedroom is accessed through a walk-through dressing room and has a mostly open-plan bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and a double vanity. Next to this bath-bedroom is a modern shower room with a double shower and a toilet. The second bedroom / laundry room is located on the other side of the chapel’s reception hall.
DESCRIPTION
FIRST FLOOR
Al elegant cantilever staircase leads up to the first floor. This is where the choir used to stand by the organ. A large “spur” has been created here where you can sit, work or sleep. The current occupant has had a beautiful four-poster bed made by the still fully-functioning pipe organ. This original pipe organ is in good condition. From this fantastic height, you look out over the entire living room below.
A small hallway with a restroom leads to the generous, south-facing and secluded approx. 35 sqm roof terrace. A wonderful private spot out of the wind to enjoy the sun.
SPECIFICATIONS
