A new home for Sinterklaas, thanks to Living Stone

In a beautiful corner of Spain, surrounded by olive trees and rolling hills, St. Nicholas’s stately home has stood for centuries. It is a house full of stories and secrets, where every nook and cranny holds memories of many years filled with children’s joy, gifts, and the scent of freshly baked cookies. But the years are beginning to take their toll, even on the good old man.

Sinterklaas, who’s been around for a few centuries now, felt it was time to find a slightly smaller, cozier little house. A place where he could enjoy the Spanish sun in peace, yet still large enough for his horse Bad-Weather-Today, his faithful helpers, and of course the mountains of toys. And preferably, as close as possible to a dock for his steamboat, so he can always get to the children quickly.

His helpers were playing in the garden with Bad-Weather-Today when Saint Nicholas called them over. “Dear helpers,” he said with a warm smile, “I’m getting older, and this house has become a bit too big for an old man like me. What do you think about me finding us a new place?”

The helpers exchanged a brief glance. They all knew how much Saint Nicholas loved his house and how long he had lived there. But they understood, too. “That sounds like a wonderful plan, Saint Nicholas,” said one of the helpers. “But how are we going to sell your house?”

Sinterklaas gave a wink. “I’ve already found someone to help me,” he said mysteriously. Sinterklaas pulled out a card bearing the name: Living Stone. “I heard they’re really good at finding new residents for special houses like mine,” he said proudly.

Once he had made up his mind, he called Living Stone. The real estate agents at Living Stone couldn’t believe their ears.“Sinterklaas? The real one?” they asked in unison. They were honored—in fact, they were overjoyed. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance to sell the home of the good old man.

Not long after that, the real estate agent from Living Stone stopped by to take some photos. “What a special house, Sinterklaas,” said the agent as he looked around with a smile. “This is sure to be a warm home for a large family.” And so Sinterklaas’s house went up for sale. 

Sinterklaas and his helpers set to work together to get the house spick and span.“We want it to look just as festive as the smile on a child’s face when they open a present,” said Sinterklaas with a smile.

The helpers brought out dust cloths and buckets of soapy water. Together with St. Nicholas, they cleaned and brightened up every nook and cranny. In the large living room, they set out bowls full of tangerines, and in the kitchen, they baked speculaas and pepernoten. The wonderful scent of the holidays and festivity filled the air. Saint Nicholas himself made sure his big red cloak and miter were neatly hung on the coat rack, as if he were ready to leave at any moment.

“Of course I’ll miss the grand fireplace,” Sinterklaas sighed softly, gazing at the imposing structure in the living room. But he also smiled, because he knew that his new little house, however small, would have enough room for what really mattered: a cozy spot for Bad-Weather-Today, a few rooms for the helpers, and above all, a large attic where he could store all the presents.

His new home would be a bit more modest, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea and located near a steamboat landing. He thought it would be wonderful to continue making the trip to Belgium from his new home for many years to come.

Living Stone solemnly promised that they would find a new owner who would cherish Saint Nicholas’s house with just as much love and respect as he himself had always done.“We consider it an honor, Saint Nicholas, to be able to sell your house,” said the real estate agent.

Once the house looked spotless, all the helpers gathered one last time. They placed freshly picked flowers by the door, polished the silverware, and hung the red curtains neatly. Saint Nicholas watched with satisfaction and gave each of them a big wink. “Thank you, my friends. Through your efforts, this house is filled with so much love and joy.”

As the days went by, one family came to look at the house, then another, and then another. And finally… the house was sold! Sinterklaas gave the new owner a firm handshake. "Take good care of this house," he said. "It’s a place full of warm memories."

And that evening, as the sun set behind the Spanish hills, Saint Nicholas sat in his big armchair by the fireplace one last time. He looked up for a moment at the Spanish stars, which shone as if they understood his adventure. Although it was a farewell, it also felt like a new beginning. Because the best thing about homes, as Sinterklaas knew, is that the memories always travel with you.