One-Bedroom in Grand Brooklyn Heights Manse With Mantels, Wood Floors Asks $2,500 a Month

This article highlights a unique real estate opportunity in New York City: the simultaneous availability of two distinct apartments within a former Gilded Age mansion at 17 East 63rd Street. Built in 1901, the five-story limestone mansion initially housed prominent New York families before being converted into apartments after World War II. These units, characterized by their high, coffered ceilings, chandeliers, and French doors leading to Juliet balconies, rarely come onto the market. By an unusual coincidence, the second-floor apartment and a combined third-and-fourth-floor duplex were listed for sale within five days of each other, each with a different broker. The second-floor unit, apartment 2, has been owned for the past 35 years by Shirley Maytag King, widow of the grandson of the Maytag appliance company founder. This apartment boasts 15-foot ceilings, a remnant of its past as the mansion's ballroom, and is listed at $4.2 million. It includes 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a private elevator, a formal dining room, and two working fireplaces. Broker Paul Kolbusz notes that its price reflects the potential need for kitchen and bathroom updates, despite its historical significance and prime location near Central Park and the Frick Collection. The duplex, apartment 3/4, has been continuously owned for over 20 years and spans 4,200 square feet, significantly larger than the second-floor unit. Listed at $16.995 million, it features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, five fireplaces, and a primary bedroom that is 22 by 26 feet, larger than many living rooms, with two separate en suite bathrooms and dressing rooms, one with its own fireplace. The apartment, designed by Thomas Britt, also showcases an enormous great room with coffered ceilings and floor-to-ceiling French-door-style windows. Broker Elana Schoppmann emphasizes its 'grand scale' and 'royalty-like' living experience. The current owners combined the third and fourth floors in the early 1990s when the upstairs neighbors moved out. Both brokers involved are open to the idea of a buyer combining these two apartments into a single, three-story residence spanning approximately 6,300 square feet. Such a combination, however, would likely require board approval, as the building operates as a co-op. The mansion is also noted for being a rare 30-foot-wide limestone townhouse, sometimes referred to as the H. Bramhall Gilbert Mansion after its first owner. Neil Diamond is mentioned as the owner of the duplex penthouse on the fifth floor, a fact that dates back to a previous article from over 20 years ago. This simultaneous listing presents a unique opportunity for a buyer to acquire a significant portion of a historic Gilded Age mansion, offering expansive living spaces with original architectural details and the potential for a grand, custom-combined residence in a highly desirable New York City location. #GildedAge #LuxuryRealEstate #NewYorkCity #MansionApartments #RealEstateListing #UpperEastSide #HistoricHomes #CoOpLiving #ArchitecturalDesign

This article highlights an open house event for a historic 1910 beach bungalow located on the Venice Canals, which is currently listed for $2.65 million. The property, situated at 416 Sherman Canal, was open for viewing on Sunday, December 6, between 1 PM and 4 PM. The bungalow offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a total floor area of 1,326 square feet. Additionally, there is a den that could potentially serve as a third bedroom, adding to the home's versatility. The listing describes the residence as a "nautical paradise" that prioritizes an indoor/outdoor living experience. This is facilitated by expansive outdoor patios and a rooftop deck, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining while offering front-row views of the canals. Inside, the home features wood-paneled ceilings and numerous windows, ensuring that the bedrooms are sun-drenched and bright. The design incorporates subway tiling in the bathrooms and kitchen, which contributes to a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Key interior elements include Heath tiled hearths and Malm fireplaces, present in both the master bedroom and the living room, adding warmth and a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen blends vintage charm with modern functionality, featuring a refurbished O'Keefe and Merritt stove alongside contemporary stainless steel appliances. Galley-style cabinetry is utilized to maximize smart storage solutions within the kitchen space. The living room is characterized by exposed beams and a skylighted ceiling, enhancing its airy feel, and is equipped with French doors that open directly onto a large front deck. The article notes that the cottage has undergone significant beautification since its last market appearance in 2010. One particular improvement highlighted is the addition of candle-esque light fixtures that top the ceiling beams, contributing to the home's unique ambiance. This renovation and enhancement have also been reflected in the property's updated price tag, which now stands approximately $1.1 million higher than its previous sale amount, indicating a substantial increase in its market value. The property's official site, 416 Sherman Canal, is provided for further details. This property exemplifies a blend of historic architecture with modern updates, designed to leverage its picturesque canal-front location. #VeniceCanals #LosAngelesRealEstate #HistoricBungalow #HomeForSale #OpenHouse #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes

The article details a stay in Rapunzel's Cottage, a 220-square-foot tiny home located at Charmed Resorts in Crowsnest Pass, Canada. This resort features about a dozen fairy-tale-inspired tiny homes, including themes like Peter Pan and Belle. The author and her fiancé experienced a magical stay in the cottage, which, despite its small size, felt surprisingly spacious due to its design. The cost of the stay was $100 on a media rate, with the full rate being approximately $242. From the exterior, Rapunzel's Cottage presents a whimsical appearance, resembling a small castle. Notable details include a braid of hair hanging from an upper turret and a functional swing in the front yard. The first-floor shutters are operational, adding to the cottage's charm. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a kitchen area equipped with an aqua microwave and a large, retro-style refrigerator. The kitchen, however, lacks a sink. A small, almost immediately filled, trash can and a recycling bin are discreetly placed under a ladder. Near the entrance, hooks, a broom, and a dustpan are available. The ground floor features a queen-size bed flanked by two chairs that serve as both additional seating and makeshift nightstands. A small, round bed is tucked into a nook, suitable for a child, though an adult could fit. The first floor also includes a generously sized bathroom with a full shower. The online description mentioned a "purple sink and toilet"; while the toilet was not purple, the sink was, adding a unique touch. Access to the second floor is via a sturdy ladder with hand holes and intricate designs. The main turret on the second floor houses a circle bed, described as breathtaking and bathed in sunlight. This area is adorned with floral paintings on the panels and a small shelf circling the turret. The high ceiling with beautifully arranged wood beams contributes significantly to the feeling of spaciousness, preventing any sense of claustrophobia. The author spent considerable time on this bed, enjoying the natural light and coziness. Another ladder leads to a separate second-floor area with slanted wood ceilings and two twin-size beds placed directly on the floor without frames, designed to maximize headroom. One bed has a small bookshelf above it, featuring faux branches connecting floating shelves and colorful books. Each bed on the second floors is equipped with an outlet for charging electronics. The other twin bed is positioned directly under a circular window, offering a great view and equipped with curtains for light control. The overall view from the second floor highlights the cathedral-like ceilings and bright wood, ensuring the house is well-lit. Outside, the cottage offers a sturdy swing, enjoyable for adults, and each cottage on the property includes a wood-fired hot tub. An employee assisted with preparing the hot tub by chopping wood and starting a fire, which heated the tub within a few hours and comfortably accommodated two adults. The author found Rapunzel's Cottage to be one of the most beautiful accommodations experienced. While it sleeps six, it is noted that the first-floor circle bed might be less comfortable at full capacity. The circular beds and the outdoor swing were highlighted as favorite features. #TinyHome #FairyTaleThemed #CharmedResorts #RapunzelsCottage #TravelAccommodation #UniqueStay #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #WhimsicalDecor

Hollis Loudon Puig, founder of Hollis Loudon Interiors, spontaneously decided to move back to New York, securing a 606-square-foot rental apartment in Dumbo, Brooklyn, while on a work trip in North Carolina. She didn't see the apartment until she received the keys, but it proved to be a perfect fit, feeling like a serendipitous alignment of circumstances. The location was a significant draw, with its incredible neighborhood, waterfront views, and convenient access to Brooklyn Heights, making it an ideal spot. Hollis moved into the unit in August 2024, finding it to be a "clean white canvas," simple yet beautiful, and ready for her personal touch. The apartment featured modern, updated finishes and included amenities such as a washer and dryer, garbage disposal, gas range, and a Bosch dishwasher. A standout feature was the stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge from her window. Despite the apartment being a blank slate, Hollis, known for her bold and distinctive interior design, was eager to infuse it with personality. She began with virtually no furniture—no mattress, sofa, or even a chair—which, she notes, unexpectedly made the design process easier. The challenge lay in finding affordable and readily available pieces, a task complicated by post-COVID supply chain issues and tariffs, which she likened to a treasure hunt. A key transformative element was the use of peel-and-stick door coverings, which, contrary to advice she received, effectively connected the pink grasscloth in the bedroom with the peacock blue in the living room and hall, creating a custom, chic, and cohesive look. This experience reinforced her belief that breaking design rules can lead to winning outcomes. Hollis describes her finished space as eclectic and fun, reflecting her personal style—a blend of traditional and contemporary elements with ample layering and a high-low balance that makes a home engaging. She highlights how an antique side table can seamlessly coexist with a piece from Wayfair. While the breathtaking views of the bridge and water remain the apartment's focal point, they are now complemented by vibrant colors, art, and patterns that animate the entire space. The article provides a detailed list of resources used in each room, from the entry to the bedroom, including items like an Amazon green acrylic console, a vintage sofa with custom fabrics, a Wayfair burlwood credenza, a Rush House rug, an Amazon tulip dining table, vintage counter stools, and various items from Minted, Pooky, and other retailers. The bedroom features a Wayfair bed and lamps, Schweitzer Linen bedding, and an LL Bean quilt, alongside re-upholstered vintage X-benches. Hollis's design journey showcases how thoughtful curation and a willingness to blend diverse elements can transform a blank canvas into a uniquely personalized and vibrant home. Key features include a viral $300 burlwood credenza from Wayfair, a king-size canopy bed, and a kitchen that remains largely unused due to the vibrant dining and living areas. The design incorporates a mix of high-end and affordable items, creating a sophisticated yet accessible aesthetic. The apartment's small footprint of 606 square feet is maximized through clever design choices and a focus on layered textures and colors. This home tour serves as an inspiration for those looking to infuse personality and style into their rental spaces, demonstrating that budget-friendly solutions and creative vision can lead to stunning results. #NYCInteriorDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MaximalistDecor #RentalApartmentDecor #HighLowDesign #DumboBrooklyn #InteriorDesignTips #HomeTour #ColorfulInteriors

The article profiles Thomas Lollar, a ceramicist, teacher, and avid collector, and his 500-square-foot one-bedroom apartment in a prewar building near Columbia University. Lollar, who has been on the faculty at Columbia University’s Teachers College since 1988, is known for his extensive and eclectic collection of utilitarian objects and historical artifacts. His apartment, which the author describes as an “orderly jumble of all manner of curiosities,” houses items ranging from Roman keys and a traveling sundial to silver Italian Futurist objects and a Georgian English Paul Storr tureen. Lollar’s collecting passion began as a teenager when he discovered a 1706 silver medallion. Since then, he has amassed nearly 400 medallions in bronze and silver, alongside a diverse array of other historical items. His collection is not merely for display; Lollar frequently incorporates pieces into his studio art classes at Columbia, using them to inspire students to consider the historical context and meaning embedded in the objects they create. He emphasizes the stories these everyday objects tell about the lives of people from different eras. Among the notable items mentioned are a 2,000-year-old bronze strigil, an ancient Roman grooming device, and Etruscan hand mirrors. Lollar highlights the different cultural significance of reflection in the ancient world, noting the rarity of seeing one's own image before the advent of modern mirrors. His own artistic work, created in collaboration with Ricardo Arango, draws inspiration from these ancient hand mirrors and is slated for exhibition at the Venice Biennale. Despite the small size of his apartment, Lollar continuously finds space for new acquisitions. The article details various areas of his home, including a living room adorned with a Charles X secretary, a French Empire painting, and a Jim Dine silver Venus sculpture. The kitchen, described as a galley kitchen, remains unused for cooking, while the bathroom walls are covered with Fornasetti plates, and the ceiling features a hand-applied fragment of a 1748 Nolli map of Rome. His bedroom is custom-fitted to maximize space, with every inch of wall utilized. The article concludes by illustrating Lollar's ongoing fascination with historical objects, citing his recent discovery of a working 18th-century French lock that quickly found its place among his collection of ancient keys. #GreatRooms #DesignHunting #ThomasLollar #NewYorkMagazine #ArtCollector #InteriorDesign #Ceramicist #HistoricalArtifacts #NYCArchitecture