Realeneiland is one of the islands of the western quarter of the port. The merchant Reael had the first houses built, in particular on the Zandhoek, an attractive quayside facing the Westerdok. Zandhoek ("sandy place") was once home to a sand market. Formerly populated by dockers and the unemployed, the area was destined for demolition but was saved by the success of a novel by Jan Mens: De Gouden Reael. There are 17th Century houses with gabled facades and fine stone-work.