Description
There’s a charming old building on the Ceintuurbaan that’s hard to miss. It’s called the Huis met de Kabouters, or “House with the Gnomes” in Dutch, and the name makes perfect sense once you look up.
As you walk along the Ceintuurbaan in De Pijp, you’ll spot this striking 19th-century building. Its playful details give it a storybook feel, though it’s very much part of everyday Amsterdam life.
A. C. Boerma designed the building, which dates back to 1884. He brought together several styles, including Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival and a touch of Swiss chalet design. It’s an unusual mix, but it works.
The real talking point is up on the roof: two gnomes, each about two and a half metres tall, tossing a ball back and forth. A local legend says they switch the ball at midnight. I can’t vouch for that, but it’s a fun story to keep in mind when you pass by.
The first time I stopped to look properly, I was struck by how much character the place has. You don’t often see a building that seems to tell its own little story.
Key Features
Here are a few details to look out for:
1. The gnomes, of course. Standing two and a half metres tall, they’re hard to miss. Some visitors think they represent the contractors who built the place; I prefer to imagine they’re simply enjoying the view.
2. The facade pairs brick with sandstone and plenty of ornament. Look for putti, those chubby little angel figures, along with eagles and other decorative details.
3. Three wooden bay windows add to the house’s character. They look like lovely spots to settle in with a book and a cup of hot cocoa, though I’ve only admired them from the street.
4. Gothic Revival details include lancet windows and gargoyles. It has a hint of Notre Dame about it, with a few extra gnomes and rather fewer hunchbacks.
5. You’ll also spot Renaissance Revival touches, including kruiskozijnen (cross-windows) and stone blocks that give the facade an older feel.
6. Swiss chalet-style wood carvings add another unexpected detail. They’re not quite enough to make you yodel, but they’re worth a closer look.
7. The building measures 27 metres wide, 13 metres deep and 17 metres high. It contains 12 apartments, making it a substantial home as well as an elaborate facade.
8. The building has been a rijksmonument since 1984. In other words, the Netherlands recognises it as an important historic building and protects it.
9. The gnomes’ meaning remains a bit of a mystery. Some people connect them to the original owner’s name, Van Ballegooijen, which is sometimes linked to “ball toss” in Dutch. That’s a pleasing theory, even if no one knows for sure.
Best Time to Visit
The Huis met de Kabouters is here all year, so you can stop by in any season. Still, the time of year changes the feel of the street and the light on the facade.
Spring (April-May): A lovely time to visit. The weather starts to warm up, tulips appear around the city, and the evening light makes the roof details easier to admire.
Summer (June-August): De Pijp gets busy, and you can easily include the house in a longer neighbourhood walk. Expect more people around, especially if you’re hoping to take a photo.
Fall (September-October): My favourite season for a visit. The crowds thin out, the weather can still be pleasant, and autumn leaves make a nice backdrop for the gnomes.
Winter (November-March): Don’t rule it out. It can be chilly, but the house looks lovely under a dusting of snow. And if you believe the story about the gnomes switching the ball on New Year’s Eve, this is the season to keep an eye on them.
Night owls might enjoy passing by around midnight. You probably won’t catch the gnomes in action, but you never know.
How to Get There
The Huis met de Kabouters is at Ceintuurbaan 251-255 in De Pijp, near the Nieuwe Amstelbrug over the Amstel. Here are a few easy ways to get there:
By Tram: Take tram 3 or 12 and get off at the Ceintuurbaan stop. From there, it’s a short walk.
By Metro: Take metro line 52, the North-South line, to De Pijp station. The building is about a 10-minute walk away.
By Bike: This is Amsterdam, after all. Rent a bike and cycle over; it’s a handy way to explore the neighbourhood, too.
On Foot: If you’re already in De Pijp, it’s an easy walk from most parts of the neighbourhood. Just follow the sound of gnome laughter. Kidding, of course.
By Unicorn: Just kidding. Wanted to see if you were still paying attention!
Tips for Visiting
Here are a few tips to make your visit to the Huis met de Kabouters more enjoyable:
1. Bring a camera: The house makes a great photo subject, but don’t just snap a picture and move on. Take a moment to notice the details beyond the gnomes.
2. Respect the residents: This is a residential building, and people live here. Please don’t peer into windows or ring the doorbells.
3. Visit at different times: The light changes how the building looks, from morning through to evening. If you’re nearby more than once, it’s worth seeing it again.
4. Explore the neighbourhood: De Pijp has plenty to keep you busy. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market or stop for a beer at the nearby Heineken Experience.
5. Learn the lingo: Try saying “Huis met de Kabouters” to impress your friends. It’s fun, I promise!
6. Bring binoculars: You might feel a little conspicuous, but they can help you spot the details high up on the facade.
7. Join a walking tour: Some tours of De Pijp include the Huis met de Kabouters, and a guide can share more about its history and architecture.
8. Don’t climb on anything: The gnomes may look tempting to get closer to, but admire them from the ground.
9. Spread the word: Tell your friends about this unusual corner of Amsterdam. It’s a lovely building to have in the neighbourhood.
10. Have fun: This is a quirky piece of Amsterdam history. Enjoy the odd details and let your inner child have a little fun.
Keep your eyes open and your curiosity about you. Maybe you’ll come up with your own theory about what the gnomes mean. If you do, let me know; I’ve got a bet going with a friend!
Happy exploring. May your travels bring you as much joy as the Huis met de Kabouters. And remember, in the immortal words of some gnome somewhere, “Life’s too short not to toss a ball around on a rooftop every now and then. ” Okay, I made that up, but it does sound like something a gnome would say, right?
