Keizersgracht

Historic Houseboat in the Heart of Amsterdam

Unique, luxurious, and detached living in the very center of Amsterdam on the Keizersgracht! It sounds like a dream – but this is one that can actually come true.

Where the Keizersgracht flows into the Brouwersgracht, it's peaceful and quiet – especially by Amsterdam standards. Moored at the quay, right next to the famous Pastoorsbrug, the historic two-master Bestevaer (built in 1906) has found an ideal resting place and a new future. No longer transporting cargo over the Wadden Sea and along the rivers of the Hanseatic cities of the Netherlands, she now proudly showcases her rugged beauty on the Keizersgracht – one of Amsterdam’s most iconic canals. Once the city’s main trade route, today it’s one of the most prestigious residential addresses in the capital.

The 17th-century canal houses are a reminder of the Dutch Golden Age – of wealth, success, and the blossoming of art and science. A better location for this majestic ship is hardly imaginable. Measuring 26 meters in length, the vessel has been completely restored and renovated from bow to stern. The current owner discovered the ship around six years ago and had it completely rebuilt at a shipyard in Rotterdam. Everything – and that truly means everything – was either restored or renewed with deep respect for the ship's history. Every square centimeter was addressed: from all the teakwood, masts, blocks, and rigging, to the windows and anchor winch.

From One Enthusiast to Another
“Everything you see looks old, but is actually new,” says the owner, gazing up the masts toward the blue sky. Bestevaer is an awe-inspiring presence, arguably the most beautiful historic houseboat in Amsterdam.
When purchasing the vessel, he already owned the unique mooring location – a more beautiful place to live in Amsterdam was hard to imagine.
“The ship is technically ready to sail, but of course, it will never leave this spot,” he explains. “Fortunately, the City’s aesthetics department understood my dream and was willing to cooperate – they, too, want beautiful ships in the city.” Getting the hull to this location was an incredible adventure. The ship was then finished right here at the quay. He points out the beautiful ‘sheer' – the slightly curved horizontal line of the ship’s structure. A vessel like this passes from one enthusiast to another. You need an adventurous spirit, an eye for craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for artisanal work. “Look at this curved window,” he says. “A carpenter spent a month working on that. Everything is handcrafted from teak, built as it was when the ship first launched in 1906. It’s the way it should be. You need to feel that to truly enjoy it.”

Pure Perfectionism
The beautifully arched stained-glass door opens into the galley – a stylish, modern ship’s kitchen with a marble cooking island and all the appliances you'd expect in a 2025 kitchen, including a wine fridge.
The ship offers approximately 120 m² (1,292 sq ft) of living space, divided into a living area, three bedrooms, two luxurious bathrooms, a dressing room, laundry room, plenty of storage, and even a Turkish steam bath adorned with stunning glass mosaic.
The walls are finished with exquisite wallpaper by Élitis and Rubelli. Custom-made Murano chandeliers and wall sconces showcase Italian craftsmanship at its finest. The cozy living room features a custom-made lounge bed in the classic boudoir style of the legendary brand Brett. From here, you can enjoy films on the white cinema screen with studio-quality sound. The cast iron wood stove can heat the entire ship.

Every detail reveals the perfectionism with which the renovation was carried out and the passionate curation of the interior – everything meticulously chosen and fitted on-site. “It’s a world of its own - very protected, very intimate,” the owner says. “Literally everything is here: climate control, underfloor heating, air conditioning, alarm system, excellent insulation, and full smart-home automation. Even the windows open via the system.”
The specially crafted wrought iron gate on the quay keeps unwanted visitors out, and together with the police surveillance cameras on the Pastoorsbrug, there are a total of nine security cameras focused on the ship. There may be no safer place to live in Amsterdam.

The buyer becomes not only the owner of a perfect and unique houseboat with a fascinating story, but also of the mooring spot – at one of the most beautiful locations in Amsterdam. That alone is of immense value, simply because mooring locations (of this size) are no longer available. Altogether, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The ship is being offered fully furnished and turn-key.

Bestevaer is a ship with a soul – a Gesamtkunstwerk of the highest order – steeped in history, authenticity, and charm at a prime location in Amsterdam. Just a seven-minute walk from Central Station, five minutes to the Haarlemmerstraat and Jordaan Market, and ten minutes to Dam Square and the Nine Streets. Everything you need is right at your fingertips.

This is waterside living in its purest form! And that priceless feeling of freedom? It comes included.

DISCLAIMER
All information, including but not limited to measurements, is provided for indicative purposes only; no rights can be derived from it. Adjustments for over- or under-measurements are excluded. The offer is non-binding, and delivery will be arranged by mutual agreement. The requirement for written agreements applies at all times, even if one or more parties qualify as professional entities.

INTERESTED?
We can understand your enthusiasm. We strongly advise serious parties to schedule a non-binding viewing appointment.