Background information:
In the prosperous provincial towns, trading centers for rural areas, notables were building appropriate housing. Think of the doctor, notary, mayor and bank managers.
The property "Grotestraat 196" was originally built in 1879 for 1 family. In the days of the horse and carriage, the carriage was preferably parked indoors. The coach house was the appropriate place for it. In the coach house they also kept the harnesses that were necessary for the horses. This was separated from the stable, because carriages and harnesses had to remain clean.
This particular coach house also had a bakery in the back. Baking bread, but also drying and smoking sausages was done at home.
Architectural details:
Richly decorated facades had to spread the wealth. Side and rear were kept simpler. Indoors too, luxury was created by paneling and decorated ceilings with stucco.
The façade was right on the street, they had no front yard. An elevated pavement of stone kept the pedestrian traffic in front of the façade a little distant, so that a little more privacy was created in the house. There was a backyard with driveway along the left side of the house.
Some years later a coach house was built. This coach house has brickwork in cross connection. The large wooden doors at the front were intended for the carriage. On the side are two smaller doors. The first for the coach house and the second door is for the bakery. The small doors at the rear were used for the heating material.
The coach house has a hipped roof with a front cornice and of course a chimney for the bakery.
