Neo-Grec Brownstone With Hot Tub, Five Marble Mantels in Park Slope Asks $2.45 Million

This article details a Neo-Grec brownstone located at 213 St. Johns Place in the Park Slope Historic District of Brooklyn, currently listed for $3.25 million. Constructed between 1880 and 1881 by William Gubbins, who is credited as both architect and builder for this specific property, the house stands as part of a stretch of brownstones. The three-story residence features a full-height angled bay with incised ornament on the lintels and a bracketed cornice, reflecting its late 19th-century Neo-Grec architectural style. The single-family house has remained under the same ownership since the late 1960s, a factor that has contributed to the preservation of many of its original details. The interior layout largely maintains its 19th-century configuration, with the kitchen and dining room situated on the garden level, formal parlors on the floor above, and five bedrooms and two full bathrooms distributed across the upper two floors. The entry area of the house showcases an unusual patchwork wood floor, wainscoting, an integrated mirror, and an ornate newel post, setting a historical tone. The double parlor is designed as a bibliophile's space, featuring extensive bookshelves that frame an ornately carved wood mantel with a mirrored overmantel. This area includes a library ladder, original hearth tiles, and an inlaid border on the wood floor, highlighting the craftsmanship of the period. Pocket doors with their original ornate surrounds lead to a rear parlor, which contains built-ins within a niche and a wood "rug" with an inlaid border, further emphasizing the historical aesthetic. On the garden level, the dining room at the front of the house is equipped with a green-slate mantel, complete with its original insert, a ceiling medallion, and paisley wallpaper, maintaining a Victorian ambiance. Adjacent to the dining room is the kitchen, which presents a 1960s-era aesthetic, characterized by exposed brick, a wood-burning fireplace, minimalist white cabinets, and retro appliances. The property boasts a total of eight fireplaces, with at least one mantel appearing in a street-facing bedroom that also features a niche under a plaster arch and parquet flooring. One of the bathrooms shown includes a mix of design elements from various eras, such as bead board wainscoting, white fixtures, and wallpaper. The rear garden is described as lush, offering outdoor space. The property is listed by Alexandra Como Saghir and Tyson Lewis of Compass. This detailed examination of 213 St. Johns Place highlights its historical significance, preserved architectural features, and the blend of original and period-specific updates, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers or those interested in historic Park Slope residences. #ParkSlope #Brownstone #NeoGrecArchitecture #HistoricHome #BrooklynRealEstate #Woodwork #Mantels #BuiltIns

This article highlights a Neo-Grec brownstone located at 482 9th Street in the Park Slope Historic District Extension, currently listed for $2.8 million. Built around 1882, the house is part of a group of four brownstones and is situated a block and a half from Prospect Park. Its proximity to the park is suggested to be reflected in details such as etched glass in the foyer and pastoral paintings on a mantelpiece, potentially depicting park scenes. The exterior of the brownstone features a bracketed wood cornice with dentils and a paneled frieze, painted in a verdigris color, which contrasts with the pink painted facade. While the paint color is noted as not being historic, the overall facade has been maintained better than some neighboring Queen Anne-style brownstones that have undergone less sympathetic alterations. The interior is characterized by significant original detail, showcasing what the listing describes as “grandeur, craftsmanship, and attention to detail of a bygone era.” Among these details are an ornate gilded mirror above the parlor mantel, period hardware, and intricate, fanciful woodwork and paneling crafted from various hardwoods. The front parlor's impressive mantel may be marble or slate faux-painted to imitate real stone. A rear parlor contains a more modest slate mantel, which, although stripped of its original faux-painting, retains its incised detail, with a modern brick surround. Other floors feature elaborately carved white marble mantels. Originally designed as a single-family residence and just under 20 feet wide, the house has been converted into a two-family dwelling. It now comprises a floor-through apartment on the top floor and an owner's duplex occupying the bottom two floors. The property has a low stoop, with the front and rear parlors situated on the first floor. An extension houses a kitchen, a powder room, and an additional bedroom. The duplex kitchen, featuring exposed brick, appears to date from the early 1980s and is described as serviceable, though the wood floor requires refinishing. One bathroom showcased has a vintage 20th-century aesthetic with black and yellow tiles. The basement, which is above grade according to PropertyShark, is unfinished and contains the mechanical systems, along with a full bathroom. The property, a five-bedroom, 3.5-bath brownstone, is listed by Paul Murphy and Carol Wang of Corcoran. The asking price of $2.8 million is considered by the author to be sufficient to cover potential renovation costs, regardless of market fluctuations. The article concludes by providing links to the listing, a map, and related stories, encouraging reader engagement and feedback. #ParkSlope #Brownstone #NeoGrecArchitecture #RealEstate #BrooklynHomes #HistoricDistrict #HomeForSale #RenovationPotential

This blog post details a four-family brownstone located at 34 7th Avenue in Park Slope, built in 1873. Despite its division into multiple units, the property retains a wealth of original architectural details that contribute to its period charm. These include various mantels, intricate moldings, decorative ceiling medallions, and tin ceilings. Notably, two bathrooms feature late Victorian tile, adding to the historical character. The brownstone is situated within the Park Slope Historic District and is recognized as one of the earliest examples of the Neo-Grec architectural style in the area. The building is part of what was originally a row of five brownstones, with one corner building having been demolished after the 1960 Park Slope plane crash. While No. 34 has undergone some exterior changes, such as the replacement of its original window enframements and pedimented door surround with a white limestone finish after the plane crash, it still boasts its original bracketed cornice, preserving a significant historical element. The interior layout consists of a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment on each of the four floors, complemented by a finished cellar that includes a tile floor, laundry facilities, and a half bath. The garden level features a central windowless den and a large kitchen at the rear, distinguished by a terra-cotta tile floor. The parlor level showcases the most impressive original details, including a heavily carved wood mantel with a mirror in the front parlor. A modest kitchen has been incorporated into the middle section of this floor. Pocket doors lead to the rear room, which currently serves as a dining room in the listing photos and features another mantel adorned with colorful period tiles. Upstairs, the units also boast marble mantels, and the top-floor apartment includes a small office space. The full bathrooms throughout the property are equipped with claw-foot tubs and exhibit the aforementioned late Victorian tilework. Externally, the property features a lushly planted, deep rear garden, accessible exclusively from the garden-level kitchen. This outdoor space is designed with a concrete patio and winding pathways that navigate through beds filled with trees, shrubs, and perennials, offering a serene green retreat. The brownstone has been under the same ownership since the 1970s. The listing does not specify recent upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems, but the interior photographs suggest that the property has been well-maintained. The brownstone is listed by Paul Murphy, Carol Wang, and Rebecca Navarro of Compass, with an asking price of $3.47 million. #ParkSlope #Brownstone #NeoGrecArchitecture #HistoricHome #BrooklynRealEstate #FourFamilyDwelling #PeriodDetails #VictorianTile #ArchitecturalPreservation

This blog post highlights a four-story, single-family Neo-Grec brownstone located at 217 Berkeley Place in the Park Slope Historic District of Brooklyn, New York. The property, built around 1883 by J. Doughtery & Son, showcases a blend of historical grandeur and modern amenities. The exterior of the brownstone features angled bays, dramatic cornices, and delicate ironwork, characteristic of Neo-Grec architecture. Its prime location is just blocks away from Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park. The interior of the brownstone is distinguished by a wealth of original details that evoke its Gilded Age origins. These include meticulously carved wood, elaborate marble mantels, vibrant Minton tiles, intricate stained glass, and bordered parquet floors. The woodwork throughout the house is enhanced with elegant burl inlays, adding to its historical richness. These period elements are thoughtfully integrated with high-end modern updates, creating a harmonious living space. The front parlor retains several original features, most notably the imposing pocket doors adorned with burl inlays. The rear parlor, originally designed as the dining room, is a prominent highlight of the home. It boasts a wood-burning fireplace with a columned overmantel and a mirror, contributing to its opulent atmosphere. A bay overlooking the rear garden is extensively decorated with stained glass, including a curved ceiling that was historically referred to as a "dome light" in a 1900 sales advertisement. This area also includes a built-in window seat, and the sides of the bay are embellished with tapestries, described in the listing as reproductions of French Rococo works housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Historical records reveal that the house was "newly decorated by Halbert" in 1900, referring to George Halbert, a notable "remodeler of interiors." Halbert specialized in supplying stained glass, upholstery, and architectural woodwork, and was also known for manufacturing his own wallpaper and plaster ornamentation, which contributed to the home's lavish original design. The layout of the house includes a former butler’s pantry, now converted into a study, situated off the dining room in a rear extension. While a dumbwaiter once transported food from the garden-level kitchen, the floor plan suggests this space may now serve as a closet. The kitchen, located directly below the dining room, has been thoroughly modernized. It features a wall of glass, radiant heated tiled floors, white Shaker-style cabinets, and high-end appliances such as a Wolf range and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The upper two floors accommodate the bedrooms. The master bedroom is separated from its en suite bathroom by a wall of glass, with a Claudio Silvestrin bathtub serving as a focal point. This floor also includes two additional bedrooms, another bathroom, and a laundry room discreetly placed within a closet. The top floor offers an artist’s studio, complete with a skylight and access to a private terrace. The backyard, accessible from the kitchen and an adjacent sunroom, is designed with a stone patio and planting beds, enclosed by a horizontal fence. The property was last purchased in 2003 for $1.7 million. Following a significant renovation, it is now listed for sale at $5.25 million, represented by Debra Kameros of Compass. The article invites readers to consider the value and appeal of this extensively restored and modernized historic home. #ParkSlope #NeoGrecArchitecture #Brownstone #HistoricHome #BrooklynRealEstate #InteriorDesign #StainedGlass #GildedAge #HomeRenovation

This article highlights the historical residence at 46 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights, a structure that has not been on the market since the 1960s. This property is significant as it is the sole remaining house from an original colonnade row, a style popular in New York during the 1830s and 1840s. The house, situated within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, dates back to the 1840s and retains several original features, including wide-plank floorboards and a black marble mantelpiece with a Greek Revival profile. The facade features simple wooden columns, indicative of its architectural origins, with a more complete colonnade row still visible across the street at 43 to 49 Willow Place. The 21-foot-wide single-family dwelling is structured two rooms deep with a side stair hall. The entry hall showcases wide-planked floorboards and an original staircase with a newel post and a curved railing. The front parlor, despite later additions like a wood floor and ceiling tiles, maintains its historic character with the aforementioned marble mantel. The rear parlor has seen additions such as paneling and floor tiles, and the kitchen, located in the rear of the parlor floor, features circa 1950s cabinets, a vintage wall oven, and a cooktop. Historically, the property and its surrounding area faced challenges, as evidenced by an 1853 Brooklyn Daily Eagle report detailing unsanitary conditions in the row's yards and privies. The original row that included 46 Willow Place was intact on a 1929 map, but by 1940, only two houses, Nos. 44 and 46, remained. The vacant lots were later developed with three modernist houses in the 1960s. The house at 46 Willow Place has been in its current ownership since 1969, shortly after the Brooklyn Heights Historic District was established. The upper floors of the house accommodate bedrooms and study areas. The first floor above the parlor contains two bedrooms, joined by closets, and a smaller third bedroom or study. The street-facing bedroom on this level features wide floorboards, later wall moldings, and a mantel with Colonial Revival details, alongside hearth tiles that suggest a Deco-era modification. The full bathroom on this floor also retains Deco-era elements, including a green console sink and tub. A 1930s alteration, indicated by a 1935 building permit to convert the property into a two-family dwelling, may account for some of these bathroom details. The top floor offers two additional bedrooms and two small study spaces, one equipped with a Deco-era wall-hung sink and the other with a skylight. A bathroom is absent on this floor, suggesting a potential area for renovation. The street-facing bedroom on this level lacks windows, featuring only a skylight and a brick chimney wall. The garden level, which houses the mechanicals, is mostly unfinished with a recently painted concrete floor. This level provides access to the rear yard, and an enclosed front garden, both offering potential for landscaping. The property is currently listed at $3.45 million with Paul Murphy of Compass. #BrooklynHeights #HistoricHome #ColonnadeRow #RealEstate #HouseOfTheDay #VintageArchitecture #MarbleMantel #GreekRevival #HomeRenovation

This blog post details a single-family row house located at 216 Lincoln Road within the Prospect Lefferts Gardens Historic District. The house, designed by architect Axel Hedman and constructed by developers John and William Doherty, is a limestone Renaissance Revival bow-front house with a brownstone basement and a dog-leg stoop. It has been maintained by the same family since the 1970s and is currently listed for $2.295 million by Deborah Rieders, Sarah Shuken, and Albi Zhubi of Corcoran. The residence showcases a rich array of original architectural details and woodwork throughout its four levels, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century design. The entrance features wainscoting, an elaborate stair, a wood-framed mirror, and wood floors inlaid with a Greek key pattern, setting the tone for the preserved interior. The front parlor continues this aesthetic with similar wood floors (without the inlay), wall moldings, and one of the house's four mantels. French doors lead to the middle parlor, which has been converted into a library featuring extensive floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The rear parlor includes original built-in shelves with glass-fronted doors, another mantel, and wall moldings. Throughout these spaces, the walls are painted white, providing a neutral backdrop that highlights the intricate woodwork and architectural features. On the garden level, the original dining room retains significant historical elements, including a built-in china cabinet with display shelves and an oval mirror. This room also features wainscoting, wall moldings, a mantel, and a tin ceiling. Additional built-ins and a substantial pantry are located in the hallway connecting the dining room to the kitchen, although these are not explicitly shown in the listing photos. The kitchen, while updated with slab-front wood cabinets and an island, includes modern amenities like a dishwasher. An adjacent laundry room is situated in a brick extension with windows and glass block, indicating a thoughtful integration of functional spaces within the historic structure. The house offers two full bathrooms, each maintaining a vintage style. The full bathroom on the garden level presents a black and white theme with striped wallpaper, white fixtures, and black and white tile. The second floor accommodates three bedrooms and a shared full bath. The large street-facing bedroom features a dedicated niche for a bed, a closet, and direct access to a passthrough that connects it to the rear bedroom. In this passthrough, original marble sinks with mirrored medicine cabinets and built-in storage remain, with the surrounding woodwork painted white, consistent with the bedroom areas. The exterior of the property includes a wood deck covering the rear yard, complemented by planting beds along its perimeter, offering an outdoor living space. The detailed floor plan, available as part of the listing, illustrates the layout across four levels, specifying the kitchen on the garden level and bedrooms on the third floor. The house represents a significant example of historic preservation combined with modern living requirements within a notable Brooklyn historic district. #ProspectLeffertsGardens #HistoricDistrict #AxelHedman #RenaissanceRevival #BrooklynRealEstate #BuiltIns #Woodwork #RowHouse #ArchitecturalDetail

This article highlights a Queen Anne style brownstone at 429 Hancock Street in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, which is currently on the market for $1.999 million. The property showcases intricate original wood detailing throughout, a feature often associated with older, well-maintained brownstones that is rarely found in newer constructions. These details include carved elements around doorways, mantelpieces, staircases, and built-in shelving, blending historic charm with modern updates. The brownstone is configured as a two-family home, though it is currently utilized as a three-family residence. The owner's duplex occupies the parlor and garden floors, which also includes a finished basement. The upper two floors, specifically the third and fourth, are each set up as separate one-and-a-half bedroom, one-bathroom floor-through apartments. This multi-unit setup provides flexibility for potential owners, allowing for rental income or a spacious family residence. Key architectural and decorative features of the interior are emphasized. The kitchen, despite being largely modernized, retains a striking carved cabinetry piece that incorporates shelving and mirrors, preserving a connection to the home's historic roots. The living room features a grand carved entryway, functional sliding pocket doors, and an elaborate mantelpiece above a tiled fireplace, contributing significantly to the property's character. Throughout the home, additional period details are evident. These include seven decorative mantles, wainscoting, fretwork, double crown moldings, exposed brick walls, more pocket doors, and window shutters, all of which enhance the vintage aesthetic. On the garden level, a large bedroom and an office space are present, alongside a washer/dryer unit. The master bedroom, also on this level, connects to an attached bathroom and features a tiled fireplace framed by intricate carved wood, set against an exposed brick wall. The property also boasts an inviting outdoor space. Accessible from the master bedroom, the backyard is designed as an urban oasis, featuring a slate stone patio, a lawn area, and terraced garden beds. This well-landscaped outdoor area offers a private retreat within the bustling Brooklyn neighborhood. The listing for the property is managed by Ban Leow, Kunsang Mipam Thurman, and Dave Lewin for Halstead. #BedStuy #BrooklynBrownstone #HistoricHome #WoodDetailing #QueenAnneStyle #RomanesqueRevival #RealEstate #NYCArchitecture #HomeForSale

This article details a three-story townhouse located at 434 55th Street in the newly designated Sunset Park South Historic District. Built in 1896 by architect Thomas W. Edwards for the Hamilton Brothers, this property stands out due to its well-preserved original details, a rarity for houses in the area coming to market. The exterior of the townhouse exhibits a blend of Neo-Grec and Renaissance Revival architectural styles, as outlined in the district's designation report. Key exterior features include a brownstone stoop and base, a tan brick facade, a door accented by a green striped awning, a three-sided bay window, bands of rough-faced brownstone, incised panels, and a prominent bracketed galvanized iron cornice. The interior of the house retains much of its original character, boasting parquet flooring with intricate inlaid borders, stamped tin ceilings, original woodwork, and functional pocket doors. A particularly notable feature is the presence of five decorative wood mantels, each with unique tile surrounds. Some of these mantels, such as the one in the front parlor, have been painted, while others, like the one in the former rear parlor, showcase the original unpainted wood, highlighting detailed patterned crown molding around the door and window trim. The article notes the current configuration of the house as a floor-through apartment above a garden-and-parlor-level duplex, suggesting its original design as a two-family residence. Traditionally, the garden floor would have housed the dining room and kitchen, with the double parlor, two bedrooms, and a bathroom on the parlor floor. While some virtually staged renderings depict the former parlors as bedrooms, the article points out built-ins in the middle room, although without close-up views. The garden level's dining room features inlaid bordered parquet and square-patterned tin ceilings, though the mantel in this area appears to be a later addition, and the original wainscoting has been replaced. The kitchen on the garden level is described as being in good condition, equipped with wood cabinets, stone countertops, white appliances, and a tin ceiling, with flooring that appears to be vinyl or tile. A sunroom with access to the backyard is located off the kitchen. The upstairs apartment similarly maintains attractive woodwork and mantels, and its kitchen is also in serviceable condition, albeit not updated to modern trends. The house includes three full bathrooms, one on each floor. The parlor-floor bathroom is equipped with an original clawfoot tub, and it is suggested that the third-floor bathroom might also feature one. A laundry room is conveniently situated on the garden floor. The property has been under the ownership of the same family since 1973 and is currently listed by Joseph W. Corda of Halstead for an asking price of $1.555 million. The article invites readers to consider if the asking price is attainable given the property's unique characteristics and location within a historic district. #SunsetPark #HistoricDistrict #Townhouse #BrooklynRealEstate #OriginalDetails #Mantels #ClawfootTub #ArchitecturalStyle

A notable brownstone located at 575 Macon Street in the Stuyvesant Heights section of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, is currently on the market for $2.3 million. This property, constructed around 1899, is distinguished by its architectural features and extensive original details. The exterior of the brownstone showcases a faux-mansard roof and Romanesque Revival elements, such as arched windows and a rusticated stone facade, contributing to its historical charm. Inside, the residence retains a significant amount of its original woodwork. This includes intricate fretwork, custom built-in cabinetry, detailed door and window casings, and inlaid flooring. The central staircase is adorned with its original newel posts and balustrades, further emphasizing the home's historic character. A key feature highlighted by the broker is the presence of seven decorative mantels throughout the house, which, along with pocket doors, stained glass, moldings, and ceiling medallions, underscore the property's rich architectural heritage. Despite the mention of these numerous interior details, the available visual documentation of the property is limited, with only three interior photographs provided. One of these images features a renovated bathroom, which includes a clawfoot tub and a large skylight, suggesting a blend of historic charm with modern amenities. The house is legally configured as a three-family dwelling but is currently utilized as a single-family residence. The layout of the brownstone includes five bedrooms in total. Two bedrooms are situated on each of the upper floors, with an additional bedroom located at the front of the garden level. The parlor floor is dedicated to the living and dining areas, while the kitchen is positioned at the rear of the lower level. The kitchen is equipped with a vintage Chambers range and benefits from radiant heated floors. It also offers direct access to the backyard through "tri-fold accordion doors," although the specific appearance of these features is not depicted in the provided media. Further modern updates to the property include recently upgraded electrical and mechanical systems, as per the listing details. The property was last sold in 2014 for $1.125 million. The current listing is managed by Ban Leow and Howard Ramlal of Halstead. This Bed Stuy brownstone presents an opportunity for prospective buyers to acquire a home rich in historic detail and located in a desirable Brooklyn neighborhood, offering a combination of period elegance and contemporary comforts. #BedStuy #Brownstone #RealEstate #BrooklynHomes #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalDetail #HomeForSale #RenovatedBathroom #RadiantHeat

A Neo-Grec row house located at 137 St. Marks Avenue in the Prospect Heights Historic District is on the market for $5.5 million. Built in 1883 by owner and mason John Monas, with architect J.J. Gilligan, the house is a corner property featuring a garage and a triple-height bay window on the Carlton Avenue side, designed to maximize interior light. The facade largely retains its original Neo-Grec details, including a full-height angled bay with a box stoop, lintels, and a door hood with incised detailing. A bracketed wood cornice wraps around the property. While the interior currently presents some areas in need of extensive renovation, such as skim coating for walls and floor repairs, other rooms and existing kitchens and bathrooms are functional. The property is a legal three-family home, currently configured as two duplexes. A 3-D tour is available to provide a detailed view of the four floors of living space, highlighting surviving original features. These include fine plasterwork in the entry, a substantial pier mirror in the front parlor, and elaborate woodwork, albeit obscured by bright green paint in some areas. Throughout the house, five mantels are notable original features. The rear parlor contains a finely worked white-painted mantel with an original tile surround, alongside two arched niches and two original closets. The garden level features an updated kitchen with slab front cabinets, white counters, and an apron front sink, connected by a passthrough with built-ins to a bedroom. This bedroom, potentially the original dining room, includes a slate mantel with incised detailing. The lower duplex is completed by laundry facilities and a single full bathroom. The upper duplex offers two full bathrooms and three bedrooms, though a new owner might consider reconfiguring the layout. The living room on the penultimate floor, facing the street, boasts a mantel identical to the parlor level's, complete with original tiles and insert. The kitchen on this level, situated within the Carlton Avenue bay, is compact. A rear-facing bedroom showcases another mantel adorned with vibrant blue original hearth tiles. The top floor retains built-ins from the original passthrough between the front and rear bedrooms and features the fifth and final mantel. The property includes a small rear yard, accessible from the garden level, which contains a paved patio and planting beds, along with access to the garage. The house is being sold "as is," and the owners are looking for a spring closing. Listed by Miriam Driot of Barnes New York, the asking price is $5.5 million. This residence offers a blend of historical charm and potential for modernization in a desirable Brooklyn neighborhood, reflecting its enduring architectural character despite some current cosmetic needs. #ProspectHeights #NeoGrecArchitecture #Brownstone #HistoricHome #BrooklynRealEstate #OriginalDetails #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalHeritage #NewYorkHomes

This blog post highlights a unique early 20th-century two-family residence located at 6322 5th Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, currently on the market for $1.488 million. Situated on a commercial stretch within sight of the Gowanus Expressway, the property is part of a row of two-story brick buildings constructed between 1916 and 1918. Historical records reveal a colorful past for the building, with its ground-floor commercial space serving various businesses over the decades. Early historic tax photos from around 1939 show the building as a grocery store, among other small businesses like a plumbing supply company and a furrier on the block. The property also had a connection to Marcel de Passy, a notorious confidence man known by multiple aliases. De Passy, who had a criminal record for bigamy, embezzlement, and swindling, briefly rented in the house in 1931 after his release from Sing Sing. During his short residency, he remarried and attempted to promote a new scheme involving a speedy ocean liner to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, despite the paper noting his extensive criminal history. His stay at 6322 5th Avenue lasted approximately one year, consistent with his frequent moves. In the 1950s, the commercial space transitioned into a branch of the Taffy ‘N Terry Dance Studio, founded by acrobatic dancers Walter and Barbara Wendelken, sometimes performing as the 'Flying Wendelkens.' The studio offered dance classes for children and adults from at least 1954 until 1959 before relocating. Despite the numerous occupants and uses, the building retains significant vintage architectural details. The first-floor unit, which previously housed the dance studio, features an intact tin ceiling in the street-facing space. It includes a full bath and a kitchen at the rear, with the bathroom showcasing earlier period features such as a pedestal tub and a wall-mounted sink. The kitchen, while lacking modern amenities, is spacious and provides access to a small rear yard. The larger upstairs unit offers a flexible layout comprising three bedrooms with closets and a potential fourth bedroom with French doors opening into the living room, suitable for use as a dining room or study. All flooring in the upstairs unit appears to be vintage marbled linoleum. While some photographs reveal cracks in the plaster walls, indicating potential need for mechanical upgrades, the overall vintage aesthetic is well-preserved. A notable highlight for enthusiasts of vintage design is the circa 1930s kitchen, boasting green wood cabinets with original hardware, curved shelves, and scalloped trim. The kitchen walls feature bright yellow tiles in pristine condition, accented with black triangular and border tiles. Vintage appliances, including a stove and a refrigerator, are still present. The upstairs bathroom provides a striking contrast to the downstairs' sanitary style, with burgundy wall tiles, thin accent wave border tiles, and pink fixtures and accessories. A medicine cabinet with original lighting further enhances its period charm. Burgundy tiles and fixtures were popular from the 1920s to the 1950s, with the sink and toilet closely resembling those shown in a 1950 American Standard catalog. The cellar offers usable space for storage or a workshop, and an aerial view shows a small rear yard with landscaping potential. The property has remained within the same family since at least 1950, with census records indicating their tenancy from 1940. The property is listed by Ali Tom of Bellmarc. #SunsetPark #BrooklynRealEstate #VintageHome #TwoFamilyHouse #HistoricProperty #ArchitecturalDetails #MidCenturyDesign #HomeRenovation #NewYorkHistory

This article highlights a row house located in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens Historic District, a property originally designed by architect Benjamin Driesler in 1911. The home, situated at 127 Rutland Road, is part of a series of five bow-front limestone residences. While Driesler was responsible for the initial architectural details such as moldings, wood floors, and a mantel, the house underwent a significant renovation in 2016 by Brooklyn-based reBuild Workshop. This renovation introduced modern amenities and updated aesthetics while preserving the historical character of the property. The interior of the house features a reconfigured raised first floor, with the kitchen now spanning the entire rear of the home. The below-grade basement has been opened up to create a spacious recreation room and a dedicated laundry area, enhancing the functionality and living space of the lower level. The upper floors of the residence include four bedrooms. One of these bedrooms is smaller and offers versatility, suitable for use as an office, a nursery, or additional storage space. This smaller room is conveniently located off the larger, street-facing bedroom. Throughout the house, the walls and moldings are finished in light colors, contributing to a bright and airy atmosphere. The dining room, located in the middle parlor, features a white-painted mantel surrounding a decorative fireplace with dark tile. A wide doorway seamlessly connects the dining room to the kitchen. The kitchen itself is a central feature of the renovation, boasting a large island, white cabinetry, and a charming breakfast nook complete with a banquette. Original wood floors with inlaid borders extend into this modern kitchen, maintaining a sense of continuity with the home's historic elements. The kitchen also includes a powder room and a pantry, along with two glass doors that open onto a rear deck. The property offers three full bathrooms, each renovated with contemporary wood vanities and white fixtures. One of these bathrooms is an en suite, serving the street-facing master bedroom. The exterior of the house features a rear yard with a horizontal fence, broad steps leading down from the deck, a patio area suitable for outdoor dining, a small lawn, and a mature tree. This outdoor space provides opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. Before its recent renovation, the house was sold in 2016 for $1.5 million. It is currently listed for $2.75 million with Compass, represented by agent Amanda Young. This property represents a blend of early 20th-century architectural design and modern updates, catering to contemporary living while retaining historical charm within a significant Brooklyn historic district. #ProspectLeffertsGardens #RowHouse #BrooklynRealEstate #HistoricDistrict #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #BenjaminDriesler #LuxuryHome #BrooklynHome

This blog post highlights a third-floor co-op located at 291 Garfield Place in the Park Slope Historic District, which is currently on the market for $1.145 million. The unit is situated within a neo-Classical townhouse built in 1899 by William Flanagan. The building is part of a series of five townhouses featuring alternating brownstone and limestone facades, showcasing an eclectic mix of architectural details. The co-op unit boasts distinctive architectural features that contribute to its appeal. These include plaster garlands in the parlor, original interior wood shutters, restored window trim, and French doors in the bedroom. A notable element is a stained glass window found in the bathroom, adding a unique aesthetic touch. The interior design incorporates dark stained woodwork and oak parquet floors throughout, providing a classic and sophisticated feel. Functionally, the apartment is well-equipped with dedicated spaces. An office nook, featuring built-in bookshelves, is strategically placed within the front living room alcove, making efficient use of the space. Additionally, a well-appointed library serves a dual purpose, acting as both a reading area and a passage connecting the bedroom to the kitchen and subsequently to the bathroom. This thoughtful layout enhances the flow and utility of the apartment. The kitchen is designed with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. It features white cabinetry and modern appliances, including a steel dishwasher, which offer a contrast to the darker wood finishes found in other parts of the apartment. While currently advertised as a large two-bedroom, the listing notes that it is essentially a one-bedroom unit, with a suggestion that the living room could be divided to create an additional bedroom, a conversion seen in other units within the building. Exterior details of the building at 291 Garfield Place are also emphasized. The entrance is marked by a grand arched portico adorned with fluted Corinthian columns. The facade further exhibits a row of egg and dart molding topping the first-story lintels, followed by foliate friezes, more Corinthian columns around the window bays, and a cornice embellished with square brackets and acanthus leaves. These details reflect the neo-Classical style and the craftsmanship of the period. The property has a monthly maintenance fee of $1,080. An open house was scheduled for Sunday, January 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The listing agent is Eve Scott of Corcoran. The historical context of the building is briefly mentioned, noting that an owner in 1902 appeared eager to sell the property, possibly indicating a speculative purchase from that era. The article does not speculate on whether the asking price of $1.145 million is likely to be met but provides essential information for potential buyers. #ParkSlope #CoopApartment #HistoricDistrict #RealEstate #BrooklynHomes #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LimestoneFacade

This article highlights a meticulously maintained circa 1850s brownstone located at 37 Schermerhorn Street within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. The 20-foot-wide row house, which has been under the same ownership for several decades, presents an intriguing combination of preserved original architectural details and a functional, updated layout. The exterior of the brownstone, classified as "eclectic" due to historical remodels, showcases elements of both Greek Revival and Italianate styles. It features a classic brownstone facade, a high stoop, and tall parlor windows adorned with decorative iron balconies. Simple lintels and a bracketed cornice further contribute to its historic charm. Historical records indicate that the property functioned as a boarding house from at least the late 1870s through the 1940s, with advertisements from the 1890s boasting of its fine dining and modern amenities. Currently, the residence is configured as a two-family dwelling, specifically a double duplex, providing versatile living arrangements. The listing photos primarily showcase the lower unit, which encompasses the parlor and garden levels. Upon entering the parlor, notable features include an elegant pier mirror, subtle crown molding, and a wood-burning fireplace equipped with an Italianate marble mantel and contemporary hearth tiles. The rear of the parlor floor houses a dining room, featuring modern built-in bookshelves and integrated storage. Adjacent to the dining area is a U-shaped kitchen, characterized by tile flooring, sleek white slab-fronted cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. A full bathroom is also situated on this level. Descending to the garden level reveals two bedrooms, another full bathroom, and a compact sitting room with a window that provides access to the rear yard. The front bedroom on this level is depicted as a living room in the listing photos and boasts a distinctive dark marble mantel with an iron insert, adding to the home's character. The floor plans for the upper unit illustrate a reversed layout, where the kitchen and dining areas are positioned at the front of the house, while the living room, along with a full bathroom, is located at the rear. This upper unit features a more open-plan design, with a wall of built-in storage serving as a subtle divider. Two additional mantels are present on this floor, including another crafted from dark marble. The listing specifies that one of the two fireplaces in the property is wood-burning. Outdoors, the garden area is enclosed by neighboring brick walls, which are softened by the presence of climbing vines. The space includes a stone patio and designated planting beds along the perimeter, offering a tranquil outdoor retreat. The property has not changed ownership since the 1970s. Historical data from 1962 indicates a market price of $31,500. Today, this historic brownstone is listed for $4.25 million, represented by Cheryl Nielsen-Saaf, Cara Sadownick, and Zoe N. Saaf of Corcoran. #BrooklynHeights #Brownstone #HistoricHome #RealEstate #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalDetails #DoubleDuplex #WoodBurningFireplace #GardenProperty

The "Nirvana" estate, a mansion designed as a Zen-like paradise, has been listed for $25 million in Manalapan, Florida, within Palm Beach county. This oceanfront property seamlessly blends Zen and Buddhist influences with luxurious amenities, reflecting an "East-meets-West" theme, as described by Senada Adzem, director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman real estate. The residence spans 12,244 square feet, with every detail curated to create an atmosphere of tranquility and opulence. Upon entering, the interior showcases tasteful details and muted color palettes, contributing to a relaxed ambiance. Luxurious touches are evident throughout, such as the cross-beamed ceiling in the family room. The kitchen is a focal point, featuring unique light fixtures above the island and intricately carved cabinetry. A sizable saltwater aquarium overlooks the shadowboxed dining room, adding a distinctive element to the space. The formal living room offers a commanding view of the ocean, complemented by a newly constructed seawall, and is adorned with a crystal chandelier and sconces mounted on a carved stone fireplace. The mansion includes several specialized rooms, such as a Buddhist prayer room, underscoring its Zen inspiration, and a sophisticated cinema room designed to replicate the grandeur of a classic art-house movie theatre. The master bathroom is appointed with custom cabinetry, a freestanding tub, and a walk-in glass shower, with the tub specifically positioned to offer an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean. Outside, the estate features private, grotto-like garden paths that are meticulously landscaped, creating a serene environment ideal for meditation. These paths provide a scenic route to the ocean, evoking an "Alice in Wonderland" aesthetic. From the rear of the house, the Spanish tile roof is a noticeable architectural detail. The outdoor area also boasts artful columns and arches overlooking an infinity-edge pool, along with an open-air sitting area designed to provide comfort away from the Florida sun. A straw hut covers an additional poolside seating area, offering another cozy spot with a stunning view. Beyond the main residence, the property includes a dock on Lake Worth Inlet, capable of accommodating a 130-foot yacht, and a full-size tennis court. The Nirvana estate is presented as a harmonious fusion of modern design, spiritual elements, and lavish comforts, offering a unique living experience in a prime oceanfront location. #Mansion #PalmBeachRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #ZenInspiredDesign #OceanfrontProperty #FloridaRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #HighEndLiving #NirvanaEstate