Groot Groenewoude

       This house, situated at 151 Oude Gracht in Utrecht, was purchased by Judith Elisabeth's second husband, Anthony Kerkhof in 1765, and inherited by her upon his death.  It became the residence of three generations of Reitzes, including Jan Frederik Reitz.

       C.L Tomminck Groll, in a thesis dated 1963, entitled Medieval Homes in Utrecht states that it was "the most fantastic of all medieval houses in Utrecht" with a history dating back to about 1351, at which time it was already known as "Groot Groenewoude."  At that time it was the largest house in the area.  It had a street frontage of nine metres, was thirteen metres high and consisted of a cellar and five upper floors.  In addition to the living quarters, the house was also use as storage for agricultural products - hence the high ceilings, which made the house so imposing.

          Overe the years, many architectural and structural changeas were made.  In 1770 the original facade was modified, and in 1876 the top and the roof structure were removed.  In 1889 another floor was removed, and extensive intenal renovations and remodelling took place.  Floor to ceiling heights were lowered, and the front was demolished and replaced with a new facade. 

          It now serves as a shop. with a new facade and glass shop windows.

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