Zen Stuttgart ‘lightbox’ home asks for €3.5m

This article highlights a one-bedroom loft situated in the heart of Soho's Cast Iron Historic District, currently listed for $3.25 million. Located at 85 Mercer Street, this co-op residence combines prewar architectural elements with modern design updates. Key historical features include original pressed tin ceilings and cast iron columns, contributing to its classic loft aesthetic. The property also benefits from abundant natural light, accentuated by oversized windows and 14-foot ceilings throughout the main living areas, creating an expansive and airy ambiance. The loft's interior is characterized by a spacious living room designed to accommodate various activities, from social gatherings to personal projects. Adjacent to this central space is a Valcucine kitchen, equipped with Vola fixtures, which allows for an open and interactive cooking and entertaining environment. The kitchen is outfitted with high-end appliances, including a Gaggenau 6-burner induction stove top and a Liebherr refrigerator and wine cooler, catering to gourmet cooking needs. A notable aspect of the loft's design is its unique sleeping arrangements. The floor plan currently includes a lofted sleeping area, accessible by a ladder, which may appeal to families with children. The master bedroom features an en suite bathroom, distinguished by corian counters and slate tile floors. However, the master bath's open layout, separated from the sleeping area only by a short set of stairs, is identified as a distinctive design choice. Despite this, the layout offers flexibility for future modifications, such as the potential addition of a second enclosed bedroom and a more private master en suite. Additional amenities of the loft include a dedicated home office, providing a functional workspace, and 200 square feet of basement storage, offering practical solutions for organization. The property is also described as pet-friendly, adding to its appeal for a broader range of prospective buyers. An open house is scheduled, allowing interested parties to view the property directly and observe its features, including stylish photo decals and a sleek second bathroom. The listing is managed by Noble Black and Justin Figari of Corcoran, with information available through CityRealty. #SohoLoft #CastIronHistoricDistrict #MercerStreet #LuxuryRealEstate #PrewarLoft #ModernDesign #ValcucineKitchen #NYCRealEstate #ArchitecturalFeatures

This article highlights the fashionable Soho loft of renowned jewelry designer, Aurora Lopez Mejia, which is currently on the market for $4.95 million. The property is described as an “oasis in Soho,” a fitting epithet for its unique and luxurious features. The loft boasts impressive 11-foot ceilings and custom wood beams, distinguishing it from conventional living spaces. It is configured as a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom residence, offering both comfort and style. A standout feature of the loft is its expansive open kitchen, designed to cater to modern living and entertaining. The integration of sliding glass doors provides a versatile solution for spatial organization, allowing the living room to be completely separated from the office or library area. This adaptability makes the loft suitable for a work/live arrangement, appealing to individuals who require a dedicated workspace within their home. The design elements emphasize both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, creating a harmonious environment. Further enhancing the luxurious appeal of the loft is the en-suite master bedroom. This private sanctuary is outfitted with custom cabinetry and additional wooden beams, contributing to the overall sophisticated ambiance. The master bathroom is particularly noteworthy, featuring an expansive layout with a freestanding soaking tub and elegant Carrera marble finishes. These details underscore the high-end nature of the property and its meticulous design. Storage is another practical aspect addressed in the loft's design. The sunny residence offers ample closet space, with at least seven closets indicated on the floorplan. This generous provision ensures that residents have sufficient storage solutions, maintaining the uncluttered and spacious feel of the loft. The combination of elegant design, practical features, and a prime Soho location positions this loft as a desirable property for discerning buyers. #SohoLoft #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign #NewYorkCity #InteriorDesign #WorkLiveSpace #AuroraLopezMejia #ManhattanApartment

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 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

The celebrated Stremmel House, located on a peak 1,000 feet above Reno, Nevada, is currently on the market for $3.75 million. This architectural gem offers 360-degree views, encompassing the city to the east and the Sierra Mountains to the west. Designed by renowned architect Mark Mack, the residence served as the home for art gallery owners Peter and Turkey Stremmel since its completion in 1995. Spanning 6,515 square feet, the Stremmel House features a comprehensive layout with four ensuite bedrooms, five full baths, and two half baths. The design emphasizes an open floor plan, incorporating a lofted library situated above the main living area. The property extends its living spaces outdoors with a terrace and an outdoor fireplace. Unique amenities include an indoor/outdoor dog kennel, an indoor aviary, and a heated lap pool. These features contribute to a luxurious and highly functional living environment, catering to diverse needs and preferences. The interiors of the Stremmel House are characterized by design elements that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Recessed track lighting integrated into vaulted ceilings provides ample illumination and contributes to the spacious feel of the living areas. Walls of glass are strategically placed to offer panoramic views of the Great Basin valley, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. The use of stained, polished concrete floors adds a warm tone, complementing the modern architectural style. Throughout the day, patterns of light and shadow, created by vertical supports and horizontal trellis slats, add dynamic dimension to both the exterior and interior walls, highlighting the thoughtful design. The dining area is furnished with lacewood and oak tables, custom-designed by Terry Hunziker from Seattle. Glass walls on the east and west sides facilitate seamless access to the outdoor living spaces, promoting an integrated lifestyle. The kitchen is equipped with poured concrete counters, double convection ovens, and dual warming drawers and dishwashers, providing a high level of functionality for culinary activities. The master bedroom suite is a private retreat, featuring dual vanities, a steam shower, and a walk-in closet that opens onto its own patio. An adjacent study or exercise space and a separate bath further enhance the suite's comfort and utility. The exterior of the Stremmel House features a distinctive color palette of red and yellow, chosen to evoke the hues of the Sierra Nevada range. Architect Mark Mack explained this choice, stating that when combined, these colors create orange, which he associates with life, universal well-being, and energy. This thoughtful selection of materials and colors contributes to the house's unique character and its harmony with the natural landscape. The property has received notable recognition, with Architectural Record naming it House of the Year and Architectural Digest including it in its yearly AD100, underscoring its significance in architectural design. Peter Stremmel recounted his fascination with Mack's early sketches, reflecting the visionary approach taken during the design process. #StremmelHouse #MarkMack #ArchitecturalGem #LuxuryRealEstate #RenoNevada #ModernArchitecture #SierraMountainsViews #AwardWinningDesign #ArtAndArchitecture

This blog post showcases a penthouse apartment located in the Lexus condominium building in Dumbo, Brooklyn, highlighting its features, design, and amenities. The penthouse, identified as Apartment 12A at 84 Front Street, is listed for $3.695 million by Douglas Elliman. It spans 2,191 square feet and includes three bedrooms, with the potential for a fourth, and 2.5 bathrooms. The property is characterized by an opulent open-plan living area, a private roof deck, and expansive views of the New York City skyline. The main living space integrates the living, dining, and kitchen areas. A notable feature in this area is a six-foot-long Montego double-sided gas fireplace, providing both warmth and a visual focal point. The apartment also boasts two balconies, offering additional outdoor access and views. A floating staircase with an illuminated handrail leads directly to the private roof deck, designed to enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and finishes, including a 13-foot-long island crafted from Calacatta marble. It features a Thermador refrigerator and dishwasher, a marble backsplash, and under-counter lighting. A bronze chandelier suspended above the island adds to the kitchen's sophisticated aesthetic. Throughout the bedrooms, amenities such as California closets, Holly Hunt sconces, and recessed lighting are installed. A Lutron smart lighting system and remote heating and cooling thermostats provide modern convenience and climate control. Solar shades are fitted across the home for light regulation and privacy. All bathrooms in the penthouse are equipped with towel heaters, enhancing comfort. The master bathroom specifically features a steam shower and its own private balcony, adding a luxurious touch to the primary suite. The private roof garden is a significant highlight of the property. Designed by Chelsea Garden Center, it features teak fencing and enclosures, timed lighting for the trees, and an automated irrigation system. A charcoal BBQ is also included, making the roof deck suitable for outdoor entertaining. This outdoor space is described as a peaceful retreat that also offers impressive city views. Additional practical features of the penthouse include an in-unit laundry room, complete with a washer and dryer, and ample closet space throughout the residence. The Lexus condominium building provides a range of amenities for its residents. These include doorman service, video security for enhanced safety, a newly updated gym, and a furnished common sun terrace. The building's location in Dumbo, a vibrant artistic neighborhood in Brooklyn, places residents within walking distance of various attractions. These include shops, landmarks such as the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and several renowned pizzerias, contributing to the desirability of the property and its surroundings. #Dumbo #Penthouse #LuxuryRealEstate #Brooklyn #LexusCondominium #SkylineViews #PrivateRoofDeck #OpenPlanDesign #DouglasElliman

A luxurious loft located in the Gretsch Building in Williamsburg is currently on the market for $2.5 million. This 1,832-square-foot corner apartment offers three bedrooms and panoramic views of both the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. The interior design showcases high-end finishes, featuring soaring 13-foot beamed ceilings and custom imported cabinetry, contributing to an overall sophisticated aesthetic. The entrance opens into a chic entertainment area, illuminated by expansive industrial-style windows. The flooring throughout the main living spaces consists of Australian Jarrah wood, which adds warmth to the contemporary design. The living room is equipped with a functional fireplace, alongside integrated custom stereo and lighting systems, creating an inviting and modern ambiance. The open-plan chef's kitchen is a focal point, highlighted by a 14.5-foot-wide granite island, offering ample space for food preparation and casual dining. It is outfitted with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, catering to both functionality and style. The three bedrooms are conveniently located directly off the main living area. The master suite is particularly noteworthy, featuring custom built-in closets and an opulent en suite bathroom. This master bath is designed with custom Italian stone, a six-foot Zuma soaking tub for relaxation, and a marble and glass walk-in shower. Both the master bedroom and the second bedroom share the advantage of excellent city views and oversized windows, mirroring the light and airy feel of the living space. The third bedroom also benefits from large windows and generous closet space, offering flexibility for use as a guest room or a home office. Historical context reveals that the Gretsch Building, originally constructed in 1916 as the Gretsch Musical Instrument factory, was transformed into a luxury condominium at the turn of the 21st century. Residents of this building have access to a range of amenities, including a landscaped rooftop deck, a full-time doorman, an on-site super, a children's playroom, a bike room, and private storage facilities. Its prime location on a major artery of Williamsburg places it within easy reach of acclaimed restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, integrating luxury living with urban convenience. #WilliamsburgLoft #GretschBuilding #LuxuryRealEstate #BrooklynCondo #HighEndInteriors #NYCRealEstate #ArchitecturalConversion #UrbanLiving #WaterfrontViews

In Barcelona, a meticulously renovated loft, formerly a 1961 factory, is on the market for €1.45 million. Located on Passatge de Còrsega, a quiet residential street close to Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, this 3,153-square-foot property offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern living. The conversion project, completed in two stages in 2018 and 2019 by architect Pedro Ayesta of Ayesta-Daban Arquitectura, sought to preserve the building’s original industrial character while integrating contemporary design elements. The loft features four bedrooms, with one currently serving as an office, and three full bathrooms. Its layout includes a spacious primary living area encompassing an open kitchen, two lounge spaces, and a designated area for a pool table. Natural light floods the main living space, largely due to a skylight integrated into the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Sustainable features are also incorporated, with photovoltaic solar panels installed on the rooftop to supply a portion of the building’s electricity. The original factory ceased operations in the early 2000s and remained vacant for over a decade before its current owners acquired it. They were captivated by the factory's expansive, naturally lit interiors and aimed to retain its industrial essence. The renovation emphasizes the factory’s existing materials, celebrating their imperfections. This approach is evident in the exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, industrial factory windows, steel ceiling beams and stairs, and barrel-vaulted concrete ceilings that are prominent throughout the home. Several original elements were retained and repurposed. An old water tank, for instance, was preserved and given a new navy-blue paint finish, transforming it into a sculptural piece in the main living area. Other preserved elements include an original steel stairway and tall wooden drawers. The two-car garage is connected to the main living space via reclaimed stained-glass sliding doors, and it also offers potential for an additional live/work studio. The principal bedroom is located in a penthouse-like area, featuring a wall of factory windows that overlook a large roof terrace. This terrace, with its glazed openings, allows natural light to penetrate the living area below. One of the bathrooms maintains its original floor-to-ceiling white tiles, further highlighting the blend of old and new. A glass-walled shower and bath have been integrated into a corner of the principal bedroom, adding a contemporary touch to the industrial backdrop. The bedrooms also showcase barrel-vaulted concrete ceilings interspersed with steel beams, maintaining consistency with the overall design. The property's listing with Barcelona & Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty highlights its inspiring loft-style design, parking, and terrace in the Sagrada Família area. #BarcelonaRealEstate #LoftConversion #IndustrialDesign #SagradaFamilia #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableLiving #ModernHome #FactoryToHome #HistoricPreservation

A townhouse located at 319 East 51st Street in Manhattan's Beekman enclave, Midtown East, has been listed for $14.5 million following a comprehensive gut renovation. Previously acquired by hedge fund executive Timothy Greatorex and his wife Deborah Greatorex for $4.6 million in 2011, the property has undergone significant luxurious upgrades. The residence spans 6,500 square feet across five floors, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The parlor floor is characterized by an expansive open-plan design, highlighted by an 18-foot glass wall at the rear that offers views of a Japanese garden. Interior details on this floor include herringbone floors, custom millwork, and a wet bar, with ample space to accommodate a grand piano. The ground floor houses the kitchen, dining room, and a den, which also benefits from a wall of glass opening onto a 600-square-foot Japanese-style garden. This outdoor space is described as achieving a balance between luxury and tranquility. The third floor is dedicated entirely to the master suite. This suite features pearl beaded wallpaper, wall-to-wall carpeting, and a remote-controlled gas fireplace. It also includes a dressing room equipped with nine closets. The master bathroom is a focal point, with a marble tub carved from a single stone, set on hand-laid mosaic tiles. Additional amenities in the master bathroom consist of a large shower, a double vanity with a make-up station, radiant heated floors, and three windows for natural light. Ascending the grand staircase to the fourth and fifth floors reveals the remaining four bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. These upper levels also include an office space, designed with paneling suitable for a hedge fund manager, and a private terrace. The property also boasts a furnished roof deck, although it is not explicitly pictured in the provided description. The exterior of the townhouse maintains its historic character, which complements the extensively renovated and luxurious interior. The renovation has significantly elevated the property's standard of luxury, making it a notable offering in the Midtown East real estate market. The listing for 319 East 51st Street is handled by the Margolis Team for Douglas Elliman, with photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman. #LuxuryRealEstate #Townhouse #GutRenovation #MidtownEast #Manhattan #JapaneseGarden #MasterSuite #ArchitecturalDesign

Fredrik Eklund, star of the reality television series "Million Dollar Listing," has recently moved into a new residence in Beverly Hills with his husband, Derek Kaplan, and their four-year-old twins, Milla and Freddy. Eklund has expressed significant satisfaction with their new home, which they refer to as their "forever home," attributing an improvement in his sleep and overall happiness to its design and colorful ambiance. This move marks a change from their previous, larger mansion that was featured on the show. The design aesthetic of Eklund's new home is characterized by soft colors, with a prominent use of pink hues throughout. Eklund specifically highlighted the positive impact of his bedroom's design on his well-being, stating that it makes him feel "very, very happy." He reported sleeping better, waking up earlier, and experiencing a sense of "zen" when spending evenings in the backyard. This personal residence contrasts with the typically more conventional, multi-million dollar properties he deals with professionally, reflecting a conscious decision by Eklund to create a living space that aligns with his personal preferences rather than market trends. Eklund and Kaplan approached the interior design process with a desire to incorporate vibrant, cheerful colors but initially harbored some uncertainty regarding the extent to which they should implement this vision. Ultimately, they decided to prioritize their own tastes, emphasizing that the home's design only needed to be right for them. This philosophy allowed them the freedom to create a truly personalized space. The home features a bright and joyful atmosphere, evident in the pink and soft blue color scheme, as well as playful elements like rainbows on a bookcase and the doormat. A particular sentimental element incorporated into the home's design is a red table belonging to Eklund's late grandmother. This piece was shipped over and intentionally integrated into the decor, making Eklund feel a sense of his grandmother's presence within the house. The family has affectionately dubbed their new residence "the color house," a name that reflects its vibrant interior. Eklund provided a photographic tour of the home on Instagram, sharing details about the family art, his grandmother's table, and the blush and baby blue tones used in the primary suite and children's bedrooms. His husband, Derek Kaplan, described the home as "Our warm cosy cocoon," further underscoring the comfort and contentment the family finds there. Eklund emphasized that while the home is colorful, the palette is intentionally soft, avoiding an overwhelming or overly maximalist aesthetic, creating a truly beautiful and welcoming environment for his family. #MillionDollarListing #FredrikEklund #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #CelebrityHomes #BeverlyHillsRealEstate #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalDigest

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

This article highlights a historic single-family wood frame house located at 181 8th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, currently listed for $3.1 million. The dwelling, estimated to date back to circa 1840, exhibits a unique blend of historical charm and modern updates. Originally a standalone structure, its Greek Revival architectural details, such as a columned porch and a front door with transom and sidelights, align with its mid-19th-century construction. Historical records indicate that the house was owned by the McAlevey family for nearly a century, starting at least as early as 1893. During their ownership, Margaret McAlevey oversaw significant alterations, including replacing a peaked roof with a flat one and adding a bracketed cornice in the late 19th century. Peter J. McAlevey, a retired police sergeant and a real estate investor, notably praised the healthful air from the nearby Gowanus Canal. The property served as a three-family home under the McAleveys, with the family residing on the ground floor and renting out the upper levels. The house remained within the family until 1990. In 2014, the residence was converted into a single-family home. It retains several original interior details, including the main stair and newel post, plasterwork, and pilasters in the parlor and dining rooms. The house features Greek Revival and later Italianate mantels, with a wood-burning fireplace in the parlor. Expansions over the years have added a nearly 40-foot-long extension beyond the dining room, which now houses an eat-in kitchen. This kitchen is equipped with wide-planked floorboards, white cabinets with marble countertops, a wood-burning stove, and a built-in Kegerator, hinting at one of the current owners' connections to the Brooklyn Brewery. The upper two floors accommodate four bedrooms, a home office, and a studio space. A second-floor bedroom includes an en suite bathroom and access to a terrace overlooking a green roof on the kitchen extension. This bedroom also features a Greek Revival-style mantel flanked by built-in shelves. The house comprises 3.5 bathrooms, with a renovated full bath on the top floor showcasing vintage-inspired bead board, a black and white mosaic tile floor, white fixtures, and a skylight. Additional features include a walk-in closet and a finished basement with laundry facilities, a recreation room, and a cold storage space. Outdoor spaces include a front porch with greenery behind an iron fence and a rear fenced-in patio with a mature tree and planting beds. Modern updates include a steel beam running the length of the house for structural support, air conditioning in the kitchen and master bedroom suite, and solar panels on the roof, alongside a freshly painted exterior. The property has not been available on the market since 1994. It is currently represented by Maria Ryan and Libby Ryan of Compass. #Gowanus #WoodFrameHouse #HistoricHome #BrooklynRealEstate #GreekRevival #GreenRoof #SolarPanels #HomeRenovation #SingleFamilyHome

This article highlights an enormous French chateau-style mansion located in Kleinburg, Vaughan, which has recently been listed for $11 million. The property, situated at 80 Orico Court, is a substantial 13,000-square-foot residence featuring five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The design aesthetic is characterized by ultra-luxury, with extensive use of white marble and opulent decor throughout. The exterior of the mansion is enclosed by iron fencing and adorned with columns and decorative dormers, enhancing its exclusive and grand appearance. An ornate gate further contributes to this sense of exclusivity. Upon entering, a grand winding staircase with a wrought iron railing dominates the foyer, which is paved with pristine white marble flooring and finishes. Adjacent to the main foyer is a formal sitting room, notable for its soaring ceiling heights and crystal lighting fixtures. Further into the home, a formal white dining room is presented with coffered ceilings and distinctive club-like blue ring lighting that accentuates the dining area. The gourmet kitchen is a prominent feature, equipped with a butler's pantry, marble backsplash, granite countertops, and high-end appliances. This space is described as opulent, featuring customized millwork around the island, ceiling trim, and the oven hood. The kitchen seamlessly connects to the formal living and dining areas, maintaining the consistent theme of coffered ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The primary bedroom is generously sized and continues the intricate millwork detailing. It includes a wrap-around fireplace and a six-piece ensuite bathroom. This primary suite also offers access to a balcony that overlooks the garden and backyard. The basement level of the mansion is extensively developed, providing a range of additional amenities. These include a gym, a wine cellar, a recreation room, a wet bar, a nanny suite, and a laundry room. For entertainment, the house features a private movie theatre, adding to its luxurious offerings. The wine cellar is designed to accommodate thousands of wine bottles, maintained at an optimal temperature. The outdoor area features a fiberglass pool with a matching cabana and waterfall features. The property spans almost two acres, and photographs taken in the fall showcase the surrounding natural forest. The annual property taxes for this opulent Kleinburg residence are approximately $30,000. #LuxuryRealEstate #Vaughan #FrenchManor #Kleinburg #MillionDollarListing #HomeDesign #RealEstate #OpulentLiving

The article features the 1966 Richard Neutra-designed home at 3737 Oakfield Drive in Sherman Oaks, California, which is currently on the market for $1.55 million. This residence is one of 17 'stilt homes' known as Platform Houses, characterized by their significant cantilevering structures that extend over the steep valley slopes, offering dramatic views. The 1,800-square-foot house embodies classic Neutra design principles, including expansive floor-to-ceiling glass, an open and simple floor plan, and a strong horizontal architectural emphasis. From the street, the property presents as a typical midcentury home with a flat overhanging roof, stucco and wood cladding, and conventional punched windows. A privacy fence constructed from wood and weathered steel enhances its street-facing facade. However, upon entering, the interior reveals a dramatic contrast, particularly at the rear, where large floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the valley. The open-plan living and dining areas are centrally oriented to these views, complemented by an original wood-burning fireplace clad in fieldstone, which adds a textured and earthy element to the space. The home has undergone various updates over the years, carefully balancing modernization with the preservation of its original character. Technological enhancements include a Sonos system, Control 4 smart home technology, automated blackout shades, a drop-down projection screen, a theater-grade projector, and a 7.1 surround sound system, creating a high-quality home theater experience. The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated with stone counters and simple white cabinetry. The master en-suite bathroom boasts heated floors and a steam shower. An outdoor terrace is accessible through large sliding glass doors, extending the living space outdoors. The property also features a tranquil Zen side garden and a second bedroom equipped with a walk-in closet and views of the garden. The side yard's Zen garden includes local plantings and a partially covered area under a cantilevering roof. The residence's distinctive design and picturesque setting have made it a frequent location for movies and television shows. Michelle Schwartz of The Agency currently lists 3737 Oakfield Drive. #RichardNeutra #MidcenturyModern #PlatformHouse #ShermanOaks #CaliforniaArchitecture #RealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #CantileveredHome #SmartHome

A remarkable single-family home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, originally a garage, is currently listed for just over $1.9 million. This unique residence at 222 Madison Street combines industrial aesthetics with functional living spaces, spanning 3,000 square feet. The exterior maintains a modest garage appearance, cleverly concealing the expansive and stylish interior. The home's design embraces an industrial chic, characterized by cured cement floors, exposed white-washed brick walls, and soaring ceilings punctuated by skylights that flood the space with natural light. This architectural approach creates an open and airy atmosphere throughout the dwelling. The main floor features a spacious living room that provides direct views into a serene atrium, a central element designed to enhance the home's tranquil ambiance. Above this living area, a dedicated reading nook is integrated with a Dutch-designed music storage system, offering both comfort and practicality. The open-plan design seamlessly connects the living room to a large dining area, accommodating substantial furniture arrangements and fostering a sense of continuous flow. Adjacent to the dining area is a chef’s kitchen, equipped with stainless steel counters and cabinetry, a professional 36-inch range and oven, and a prominent Carrara marble island. A generous pantry offers ample storage, catering to the needs of a gourmet kitchen. This level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, maximizing space and utility. The second level of the home houses the master bedroom suite. This private retreat is large enough to comfortably fit a king-sized bed and includes a walk-in closet for extensive storage. A private terrace extends from the master bedroom, providing an exclusive outdoor space for relaxation. The master bathroom is appointed with a separate soaking tub and a walk-in shower, complemented by two distinctively hand-painted Talavera sinks, adding a touch of artistic detail. Across from the master bedroom on the second level, a second large loft area offers significant versatility. While currently configured as a playroom, its substantial size allows for various creative uses, adaptable to the owner's needs or preferences. This flexibility underscores the home's capacity to evolve with its inhabitants. The outdoor terrace, designed to function as a garden, plays a crucial role in bringing additional light into the main living room through its large windows, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the home is engineered for energy efficiency, incorporating modern conveniences such as on-demand hot water, heated floors, and central air conditioning. An integrated sound system allows for individual control in each space, enhancing comfort and personalization. A private garage provides practical city living, addressing parking challenges. The property is listed by Wendy Stephenson and David Cobell for Compass, showcasing a sophisticated blend of industrial design, modern amenities, and practical living solutions within a transformed urban space. #BedStuy #GarageConversion #IndustrialGlamour #ZenAtrium #SingleFamilyHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ModernDesign #EnergyEfficientHome #LuxuryLiving

The renovation of a 17th-century villa in Austria showcases a collaborative effort between Buzzi & Buzzi, a prominent Lombard company specializing in lighting, and SUPERFUTUREDESIGN*, an Italian architectural firm based in Dubai. The core principle guiding this project was the integration of light as a fundamental determinant for all design choices. The extensive 2,000 square meter building, originally a monastery in the 17th century and later converted into a residential property, is situated within a sprawling 30,000 square meter park. The renovation sought to harmoniously blend contemporary design with the villa's historical integrity, achieving a balanced aesthetic that respects its centuries-old character. The project incorporates advanced plant engineering, with Buzzi & Buzzi's lighting solutions meticulously crafted to create specific light paths. This approach skillfully calibrates natural and artificial light intensities to suit the living spaces. The luminaires, characterized by their clean lines and fluid forms, enhance the project's overall design and define its spatial volumes. Buzzi & Buzzi offered a diverse range of lighting options, including recessed, surface-mounted, and suspended lamps, all tailored to meet the clients' unique aesthetic and functional requirements. The lighting design strategically employs various fixtures to achieve desired scenic effects. For instance, 'Eggy,' an ovoid recessed light made from AirCoral – an eco-active, anti-pollutant, antibacterial, and photo-catalytic material – is utilized in the bathroom area. This material is designed to improve indoor air quality. Eggy provides discreet, evenly distributed LED lighting from an egg-shaped aperture with a backward source and a 40-degree inclined beam. In contrast, 'Buzzz,' a hexagonal luminaire also crafted from AirCoral, features a sharp geometric design and an asymmetrical 70-degree inclined beam. It is strategically placed in hallways and expansive living areas to deliver intense yet understated illumination. The distinctive shape of Buzzz transforms the ceiling into a decorative element, making light an integral part of the home decor. Another notable lighting solution is 'Argia,' installed in the living area. It creates a perfectly circular light recess by subtly subtracting a portion of the wall, allowing the light source to be visible. Its soft, glare-free light is particularly suited for high-traffic areas of the house. 'Genius' and 'Twin Genius,' named for their innovative forms, are ceiling-mounted fixtures that produce sharply defined luminous cones with a 90-degree beam angle. 'Nefi,' a recessed square-shaped lamp, contributes to spatial balance and features a satin-finish glass for harmonious light diffusion. 'Lentil,' a small oval recessed walkway light, offers a strong aesthetic impact with a wall-washer parabola that blurs the light, a convex emission hole, and a 45-degree inclined beam, making it a subtle yet significant detail in smaller areas like staircases. Contrasting with Lentil's curved aesthetic are 'Blade' and 'Ghost,' slender rectangular luminous elements recessed into the lower sections of walls. These fixtures, equipped with wall-washer parabolas, sculpt surfaces and rooms with diffuse, decorative, and effective lighting. Suspended lighting solutions were also integral to the interior design. 'Zen,' an Air Coral 30W LED lamp, enhances the dining room with a subtle 26 mm light line, creating a suffused effect. 'Funnel' adds a minimalist touch to the villa's contemporary design, providing refined simplicity to the dining area with a 24-degree direct beam, suspended by an adjustable transparent silicone cable. 'Ellisse,' a decorative element for master bedroom walls, is centrally installed to provide indirect, well-distributed light, blending seamlessly with the design through its smooth Air Coral finish. For functional interior accents, 'Valo,' a luminous cube, is placed on the floor to project light upwards, creating a cozy ambiance with a 3000K color temperature. Finally, 'X1' and 'Q1' projectors, compact and efficient, are finished in white like other products in the project to maintain discretion while creating various lighting scenarios. Installed on beams to highlight the wooden structural elements, these spotlights offer both direct and indirect lighting, with dimmable beams to adjust the light output as needed. Similarly, 'Rhino' is a versatile recessed spotlight that can be pulled out and swiveled 360 degrees, providing precise beams with power LED sources for residential use. The comprehensive range of Buzzi & Buzzi's lighting solutions integrates seamlessly into the villa's design, establishing a synergy between preserving historical value and enhancing it through sophisticated systems. The exclusive materials, advanced details, and elegant aesthetics collaboratively define and realize unique lighting concepts, specifically tailored to respectfully accentuate the building's history while embracing innovation. #VillaRenovation #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #HistoricalPreservation #InteriorDesign #EcoFriendlyMaterials #SmartLighting #LuxuryHomes #AustrianArchitecture