Bouwbergstraat 78, Brunssum
A Monument in Decline
Despite its status as a Rijksmonument since 1967, the half-timbered cottage at Bouwbergstraat 78 has fallen into serious disrepair. The building — once described in its official designation as “eenvoudig doch gaaf vakwerkhuis” (simple yet well-preserved) — now shows extensive structural damage.
Construction fencing surrounds the property. Sections of the loam-and-straw infill between the oak beams have crumbled away, exposing the underlying stonework and masonry inner walls. The roof is sagging, windows are boarded up, and vegetation has encroached on the site from all sides.
According to local heritage expert Ramon Ranschaert, the masonry inner walls that were added over time kept the structure standing — but also prevented the timber frame from breathing, causing the wood to rot. The full structure was documented by Coen Eggen, author of a booklet on vakwerk (half-timbering) in Limburg.
The last Schmalschläger to live in the cottage was Harry Schmalschläger, who invested considerable effort to maintain the building’s monumental character. After the family left, the cottage changed hands and its condition deteriorated rapidly.
Photo Record (2019)
Photos from the Foto’s Brunssum community archive, documenting the state of the cottage.
Earlier Photos
The Future
As a nationally protected monument, the cottage’s preservation is a matter of cultural heritage law. Local residents have voiced their frustration at the state of the building — many remember the care Harry Schmalschläger took to keep it in good condition. The current owners have expressed their intention to restore the cottage, but progress has been delayed.
For now, the oldest Schmalschläger home in the Netherlands stands fenced off and slowly crumbling — a reminder that protection on paper does not always translate to preservation in practice.
Bouwberg House →