Icon for Sale: Van Schijndel House

Architect: Mart van Schijndel, 1992
Utrecht, Netherlands
€ 1.900.000
DSTRCT x Forbes Global Properties

The unique qualities of the architecture have not gone unnoticed. The house has been widely published (nationally and internationally), and it featured on the cover of the Architecture in the Netherlands, Yearbook 1993-1994.
In 2014, a monographic book about the house was published (112 pages), in which it is extensively documented.

Cover Architecture in the Netherlands, Yearbook 1993-1994

It can rightfully be called a Gesamtkunstwerk, as everything has been designed in one handwriting down to the (partly built-in) furniture. The concept combines contemporary materials with new techniques and is considered an example of carefully crafted minimalist architecture. Glass facades and glass doors hinge on a silicone sealant seam are examples of the innovative techniques used in the design of this extraordinary residence.
Although the house is in the middle of the most picturesque part of Utrecht's historic centre, the courtyard where it is located is an oasis of calm. Two patios provide ultimate peace and shelter and the large glass façades of the central space allow an abundance of light to ripple throughout and feels ultra spacious.

Hidden Gem

On the trafic free cul-de-sac of Pieterskerkhof square is the entrance to the courtyard. A wide glass door then leads to the entrance of the house, with private parking (covered).
Immediately after entering, the surprisingly generous and flexible central living space unfolds with an impressive ceiling height and two carefully designed and planted patios. The attention to detail creates a peaceful living environment with a zen-like quality in which light and colour play create a poetic atmosphere. Thanks to the two intimate patios, daylight pours in and, because the upper parts of the facades are made of frosted glass, there is a maximum of light with utmost privacy. The glass doors in the three corners can be opened, intertwining indoors and outdoors.
In the back wing of the house is the library with sitting area and fireplace. There is also a study/workroom, now used as an archive, and a workshop cum storage room. Here there is the possibility of creating an additional bedroom with bathroom on the ground floor.
At the front is the kitchen with plenty of storage space, designed in
the style of the house with its distinctive minimalist character. Next to the kitchen is a utility/laundry/drying room and toilet. Finally, on the ground floor is a bathroom and extensive spa with sauna, steam bath, solarium, hot tub and shower.
The staircase is an eye-catcher at the heart of the house. The loft landing on the first floor overlooks the central living space with double ceiling height. From the mezzanine, you reach the master bedroom and the second bedroom/study. Both rooms have direct access to the bathroom. The primary bedroom has built-in deep apothecary cabinets with plenty of storage space and a built-in closet equipped with an extra sink.

A Poetic Urban Retreat

The house closely matches the needs of its residents. The layout is uncluttered and provides space for both relaxation and work. The house offers many opportunities to entertain, inspire and gather - a place where guests can be received, atmospheric dinners can be organized or even an intimate living room concert can take place. But equally, it exudes tranquillity. Here one can retreat completely from the hustle and bustle of city life. Or come to oneself, without renouncing the benefits of the city.

Carefully Preserved

The house is offered by the partner of the original architect, who has lived in the house since its completion in 1992. Since then, the house has been carefully preserved with respect for the integrity of the original design. All its original features, materials, colour schemes and layout, have been preserved. In addition, there is documentation available from the architect's archive, including sketches, drawings and material samples - valuable for future maintenance and preservation.

Book review on Van Schijndel House, RTV Utrecht, 2014 (4 min.).

To Summarize

• Architect: Mart van Schijndel
• Year of construction: 1992
• Municipal Monument since 1999 (then the youngest monument in the Netherlands)
• Freehold property – no ground lease
• Private covered parking space on gated inner courtyard
• Approx. living space surface: 180 m² (NEN measured)
• Approx. plot size: 280 m²
• Number of rooms: 6
• Two tranquil patio gardens with terrace + front courtyard
• High ceilings ranging from 2.30m to 5.15m
• Two bedrooms
• Two full bathrooms
• One of them private wellness with shower, whirlpool, solarium, sauna and steam room
• Option for additional bedroom and bathroom on ground floor
• Preserved in original condition, incl. design documentation and archive
• Internationally recognised architectural icon
• A rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind retreat in the very heart of Utrecht
• Utmost privacy
• At the very heart of historic city cnetre of Utrecht
• Only 34 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport
• Documentation and original design drawings available
• Sale by first owner

Asking price
€1,900,000

Remarkable Heritage with Future Value

In 1999, the Van Schijndel House was designated a municipal monument - at that time the youngest monument in the Netherlands. It is part of the international Iconic Houses network, which connects exceptional 20th-century architects houses that have become house museums. This cultural status not only highlights the design quality but also offers opportunities for conservation and restoration support.

Van Schijndel House – Rietveld Award 1995

Trailer of the documentary with a tour through the house by Mart van Schijndel that was screened at the Rietveld Award ceremony at Muziek Centre Vredenburg in January 1996.
Photo: Imre Csány/DAPh
The documentary (45 minutes) can be streamed IN THIS LINK.
Password:
80ODF!V"3e\M
English subtitles / Dutch spoken.

George Marcus included the Van Schijndel House in 2014 in his book "Total Design: Architecture and Interiors of Iconic Modern Houses”, where it is featured amongst 17 other creations of some of the twentieth century’s greatest architects and designers, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Alvar Aalto and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Schedule a Private Viewing

This home deserves an owner who truly values its unique story and design.
The selected estate agents take ample time for personal and exclusive viewings.
Appointments can be scheduled easily by phone or email.

DSTRCT | Forbes Global Properties
Imke Henning

Herengracht 136 A
NL - 1015 BV Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Office: +31 (0)20 330 9454
Mobile: +31 (0)6 27 51 28 96
Mail to: email
Website: www.dstrct.com

or

Grifhorst Makelaardij Exclusief
Marco Grifhorst

Adriaen van Ostadelaan 19
NL - 3583 AA Utrecht
The Netherlands

Office: +31 (0)30 74 00 100
Mobile: +31 (0)6 55 74 06 36
Mail aan: email
Website: www.grifhorst.nl

Posted Februari 18, 2026