Zevenhuizen 13, Alkmaar, building in the Netherlands
Zevenhuizen 13 is a historic residence in Alkmaar and part of the Hofje van Paling en Van Foreest, protected as a Rijksmonument since 1969. The building is part of a small courtyard complex featuring a shared garden space where residents historically performed daily tasks like laundry and tended to plants.
The hofje was founded in the 1500s by wealthy couple Pieter Paling and Josina Van Foreest to provide housing for poor women, particularly Catholics. Significant architectural modifications occurred in the 1800s, including the replacement of the pointed gable roof with a more modern design in the 1860s.
The hofje reflects a tradition of community care where wealthy residents built small housing complexes for people in need. This courtyard embodies how daily life was organized around shared spaces, with residents tending gardens and maintaining their homes together.
The building is easily accessible on foot and situated near other historic sites such as churches and old city walls in Alkmaar. The courtyard and surroundings are wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming for all visitors to explore.
The courtyard garden was once a special bleaching field where women laid out linens to whiten them using sunlight and water, a common practice before modern washing machines. Water came from a pump, as piped water did not reach the houses until much later.
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