Restoration of monumental Haarlem farmhouse finally begins after 21 years

The restoration of the historic Stolpboerderij Noord-Akendam in Haarlem-Noord has officially commenced after two decades of decay. Designated as a municipal monument in 2005, the farmhouse is the final remaining example of its specific architectural style in the area. Efforts to secure the building were led by local residents and neighborhood platform chair Thea de Roos, who chronicled the struggle in a new book. The city council has allocated three million euros to acquire the leasehold from Staatsbosbeheer and fund the necessary renovations. Following the completion of the project, which is expected by the end of next year, the site is intended to serve as a community meeting space and a resource for the adjacent funeral home. Current resident Gerard is also slated to return to the property once the work is finalized. This long-awaited preservation effort transforms a once-neglected site into a functional asset for the local neighborhood.