Two houses built at the beginning of the 17th century were combined around 1765 and extended at the rear. Since the conversion to form the ‘Oude Mannenhuis’ in about 1875 the building has been continually adapted, extended and renovated. After the departure of this Wijnaendt van Stijnfundatie in 1998 the building was technically restored and adapted for the benefit of the De Geus publishing house. Its new function makes it possible to reinstate the spaciousness of the 18th- and 19th-century building phases. By using colours that were ubiquitous in the various periods in which the rooms gained their form and decoration, this spaciousness has been further accentuated. Around the roofed-in inner courtyard, room has been created for the offices, a small shop and an authors’ apartment. The garden, the inner courtyard and part of the ground floor have been equipped multifunctionally for cultural events and as a meeting area for staff.
