Brooklyn architecture: The Five Oldest Houses in Brooklyn Heights (Updated)

A five-story, single-family mid-19th century Italianate brownstone located at 47a Willow Street in Brooklyn Heights is listed for $3.5 million. This property is particularly notable for its extensive preservation of original details and historic configuration, having remained within the same family for over 90 years and now being in estate condition. The house measures a narrow 12.5 feet wide and is situated in a prime Brooklyn Heights location, on a landmarked street close to the promenade. The home's original layout is designed to optimize its compact footprint. On the garden floor, the kitchen is uniquely placed at the front, while the parlor level features an open-plan arrangement, a design choice that is often favored in contemporary architecture. The parlor floor showcases numerous original details, including an ornate pier mirror, decorative ceiling medallions, functional pocket doors, an arched front entry, and intricate ceiling moldings. Throughout the residence, there are five marble mantels, contributing to its historical character. The flooring also retains period-specific finishes, such as narrow boards painted red in the garden level dining room and a black-painted floor in the rear parlor. The upper three stories of the brownstone follow a nearly symmetrical floor plan. Each of these floors includes one bedroom at the front and another at the rear, with a full bathroom positioned between them. An interesting feature of the design is that three of the bedrooms are equipped with their own sinks. The uppermost level benefits from an additional hallway closet, and the bathroom on this floor is illuminated by a skylight. The listing details do not include images of the kitchen or any of the bathrooms, suggesting these areas may require updates. Accessibility is a key advantage of the property, as it is located just over two blocks from the High Street A and C subway station. Its proximity to the Brooklyn Heights promenade adds to its desirability, offering residents easy access to scenic views and a tranquil environment. The listing is managed by Lisa Sulfaro of Corcoran. The asking price of $3.5 million reflects the property's historical significance, its preserved original details, and its sought-after location in Brooklyn Heights. The sale presents an opportunity for a buyer who values and intends to maintain the integrity of its original architectural elements. #BrooklynHeights #ItalianateBrownstone #HistoricHome #OriginalDetails #RealEstate #PropertyListing #HouseOfTheDay

This article explores five historic residential projects that showcase a sympathetic approach to vintage style and architectural preservation, while also incorporating contemporary design elements. Each project highlights a unique method of integrating modern living with existing historical structures, ranging from mid-century beach houses to centuries-old farmhouses and repurposed industrial buildings. The first project, by Rawlins Design on Fire Island, New York, involves a 1962 beach house originally designed by Don Page, I.M. Pei’s former head graphic designer. The renovation meticulously maintains the original spatial clarity, making subtle but impactful changes. For example, an oversized brick hearth was replaced with a sleek floating ethanol fireplace, and a covered entry porch was transformed into a glass-box stair, enhancing light and openness without compromising the home's mid-century aesthetic. The design successfully updates the functionality and visual appeal while respecting its historical context. The second featured home is a 1963 Brutalist dwelling in Zurich by Hans Demarmels, reimagined by Neutral Zurich. This formidable concrete structure, characterized by its jutting forms and monolithic presence, is softened and enlivened through strategic interior design choices. A steel dining table powder-coated in a vibrant yellow, an iconic Marcel Wanders chair crafted from aramide and carbon-fiber cord, and an unexpected print featuring M&M; candies introduce levity and contemporary artistic expression, creating a striking contrast with the raw Brutalist architecture. Polyedre’s project in Boechout, Belgium, showcases the revitalization of a centuries-old farmhouse. This residence belongs to an antiques dealer and his wife, who display their curated collections in restored outbuildings. The interior features cerulean walls that serve as a dynamic backdrop for abstract modernist art by artists such as Alfred Reth and Michel Martens. This design approach creates a dialogue between the historical architecture of the farmhouse and the modern art, enriching the overall aesthetic. The fourth project, by Lezze Architecten in Boom, Belgium, demonstrates a innovative adaptive reuse. An abandoned brick-making factory’s former kiln is transformed into an architect’s live/work space. Glass-and-steel cubes are cleverly nested within the original structure, creating distinct living and working zones. This intervention respects the industrial heritage of the building while introducing modern living comforts and a unique spatial experience, illustrating a light touch in adapting historic industrial spaces for contemporary use. Finally, Kayserstudio in Barcelona renovated a 1970s former factory, converting it into a residence for a vintage furniture-dealing couple. The design emphasizes the building’s industrial character, with sand-blasted concrete columns and beams providing texture and a raw aesthetic. This setting perfectly complements the couple’s inventory of mid-century modern pieces, including Percival Lafer’s timeworn leather loungers and Pierre Guariche’s cracked-eggshell-shape Mars chair. The project celebrates the building's past while creating an inviting and stylish home that doubles as a showroom for their collection. #HistoricHomes #VintageStyle #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #MidCenturyModern #BrutalistArchitecture #FarmhouseRenovation #AdaptiveReuse #IndustrialConversion

A 25-foot-wide Greek Revival multi-family row house at 42 Willow Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, built around 1845, has been listed for $7.75 million. This property, which has not been on the market for several decades, retains numerous original period details while incorporating attractive modern updates. The building is legally designated as a five-family residence according to its 1966 certificate of occupancy, though a 2003 renovation permit described it as a four-family. Currently, it is configured as a three-family home, featuring a garden apartment and two duplexes above. The lower duplex, situated on the parlor level, showcases well-preserved elements such as black marble mantels in both the front parlor and the rear dining room. This unit also features floor-to-ceiling windows, simple original moldings, and later-installed parquet flooring. The dining room includes French doors that open onto a covered rear porch. An adjoining galley kitchen, while not pictured, is noted in the floor plans as being windowed and equipped with a dishwasher, providing access to a powder room. The upper level of this duplex contains two bedrooms, a full bathroom with a shower, a laundry area, and an office. Both bedrooms are adorned with marble mantels, contributing to the total of eight such mantels found throughout the entire house. The three-bedroom upper duplex received significant updates in 2001, which included the creation of a vaulted ceiling in the great room, enhanced by skylights for natural light. This duplex features a full bathroom on each floor, though these are not shown in the provided visuals. It also includes laundry facilities and additional office space. While no interior views of the one-bedroom garden apartment are provided, it is described as having a rear-facing kitchen with a dishwasher and 1.5 bathrooms. The property's exterior features a nicely landscaped rear yard, which, while facing the back of an apartment building, also offers a picturesque view of a carriage house located on Cranberry Street. The yard is designed with raised planting beds edged with stone, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The listing makes no mention of updated mechanical systems, and the house lacks central air conditioning, suggesting that some updates in these areas might be considered by potential buyers. Similarly, no wet rooms are pictured, implying that these areas might also require modernization. The property is listed by Karen Heyman and Alan Heyman of Sotheby’s International Realty for an asking price of $7.75 million. #BrooklynHeights #GreekRevival #HistoricHome #MultiFamily #RealEstate #LuxuryListing #PeriodDetails #VaultedCeiling #BrooklynProperties

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

The article features a Greek Revival house at 49 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights, currently on the market for $4.525 million. This residence is part of a rare, picturesque row of four Greek Revival colonnade houses, a style considered modern in the 1830s and 1840s, and now scarce in 21st-century Brooklyn. While the interior of the house underwent a gut renovation in the early 2000s, its exterior maintains its original character as part of a visually unified stretch of two-story brick houses, distinguished by simple wooden columns that form the colonnade. Historical records suggest this particular row on Willow Place was completed by the mid to late 1840s. City directories indicate residents were present in some of these houses by 1847. Notably, in early 1849, one of the houses in the row was acquired by the Oneida Association, a utopian religious community established in 1848, serving as their Brooklyn branch. The Association, comprised of "Perfectionists," later expanded to include another house in the row the following year. An 1888 article described the row on Willow Place, then considered a deteriorating street, as having been constructed by Anson Blake, though the attribution is not definitively confirmed. Blake was a real estate figure of the period and owned at least one other colonnade row nearby. The 1850 census shows William and Sarah Owens residing at 49 Willow Place (then known as No. 47) with their six children and a servant. William Owens was employed as a glassblower. Advertisements for the Oneida properties in 1857 provide insight into the typical interior features of these houses, including nine rooms, marble mantels, sliding doors, and gas service. The renovated interior of 49 Willow Place retains some of these historic elements, such as marble mantels, a period newel post, and wide-plank floorboards, while integrating modern amenities like updated wet rooms and central air. The house spans four floors, with the garden level housing the dining area and kitchen. The floor above features double parlors, and the top two floors are dedicated to bedrooms. The residence offers ample bathroom facilities, with three bathrooms distributed across the bedroom floors and a powder room on the garden level. The double parlors are separated by pocket doors, each featuring a black marble mantel and a wood-burning fireplace. The front parlor is equipped with full-height windows overlooking the front porch. The modern kitchen, located at the rear of the garden level, is fitted with wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, including a stove hood. A long peninsula effectively separates the cooking area from the dining space. A brick fireplace is also present in this area, and a door provides access to a compact rear yard. The second floor accommodates two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is en suite. On the top floor, only the rear-facing bedroom and its small attached office have external windows; the front bedroom and its corresponding bathroom are illuminated by skylights. The rear yard includes a paved patio suitable for dining, along with planting beds and space for container gardening. The property last changed hands in 2004 for $2.3 million. The current listing is held by Jeb Hart of Corcoran. #BrooklynHeights #ColonnadeRow #GreekRevivalArchitecture #HistoricHome #RealEstate #LuxuryHome #Brownstone #NewYorkCity

The article highlights a 19th-century Anglo-Italianate row house located at 212 Columbia Heights in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, currently listed for $18.25 million. This property is frequently featured on Instagram for its bright facade and meticulously maintained window boxes, and it also offers an enticing rear facade facing the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, providing views of the waterfront and the Manhattan skyline. The house, predating the Civil War, was originally owned by Coe and Mary Adams, who marketed it in 1873 as having "all the modern improvements." While its original brown facade has since been painted white and the stoop railings altered from a circa 1940 tax photo, it retains distinctive architectural elements such as round arched windows and a door surround characteristic of the Anglo-Italianate style. Throughout its history, the property has been home to notable figures, including Travis and Rosalie Whitney, who acquired it in 1918. Rosalie Loew Whitney, a New York Bar member since 1895, practiced law with her husband and was later appointed a judge in the 1930s. The Whitneys implemented interior modifications during their ownership. Records indicate that the house was converted into a two-family residence in 1956 before being reverted to a single-family dwelling in 2008. The residence encompasses five floors of living space, supplemented by a finished cellar that includes a "recreation/guest suite" and direct access to the backyard. The garden level, slightly sunken, features a den and a spacious kitchen equipped with white cabinetry. The parlor level boasts grandly scaled details such as high ceilings, wood floors with inlaid borders, and a marble mantel in the front. The dining room at the rear of this level includes a bay window offering water views and overlooks a porch adorned with cast-iron railings and columns. The property comprises four full bathrooms and one half-bath, with a powder room featuring Morris & Co. "Pimpernel" wallpaper, first introduced in 1876. One of the upper floors is configured as a full suite, complete with a dressing room, walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom, and a sitting room with a mantel. Additional amenities include two cedar closets on the top floor and a wine cellar within the finished basement. The garden area, situated below the Brooklyn Heights Promenade walkway, is paved and encircled by planting beds. In 2012, following a renovation, the house established a Brooklyn Heights record by selling for $11 million. The current asking price of $18.25 million positions it to potentially approach the recent record sale of another large brownstone overlooking the Promenade, 8 Montague Terrace, which sold for $25.5 million. The listing is managed by Ravi Kantha, Matthew Lesser, Gian Mitchell, and Cameron LeCates of Leslie J. Garfield. #BrooklynHeights #RowHouse #HistoricArchitecture #LuxuryRealEstate #NewYorkCity #WaterfrontViews #AngloItalianate #PropertyListing

This article details the comprehensive renovation of an 1887 four-story Brooklyn Heights house, transformed from a multi-family dwelling previously owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses into a luxurious one-family residence. The property, located on a unique trapezoidal plot measuring 24 feet wide at one end and narrowing to 16 feet, presented significant architectural challenges. CWB Architects, based in Dumbo, was tasked with this extensive restoration, and the new homeowners allocated significant resources to achieve a high-end outcome. The renovation involved several major structural changes and aesthetic enhancements. A narrow four-story extension on the side of the house was demolished and replaced with a new building-wide, two-story wooden extension. This new addition was designed to evoke the enclosed tea porches popular in the mid-19th century. A significant structural issue arose during construction when the wall facing Joralemon Street was found to be collapsing, necessitating its complete rebuilding. Additionally, the interior floor framing required replacement. These unforeseen challenges extended the project duration by three months, bringing the total renovation time to approximately 18 months. The original interior details of the house were largely unsalvageable, with the exception of a single newel post. However, CWB Architects meticulously researched and replicated historical trim and casing styles to ensure the new details were historically accurate. The former clockwise-running oval-shaped staircase, though beautiful, was dilapidated and was rebuilt with a reversed orientation, which ingeniously allowed for the creation of a mudroom accessible via separate steps. All plumbing fixtures and finish materials were selected by CWB Architects, while Kelly Giesen of Kelly G Design handled the interior decoration of the 3,500-square-foot space. ABR Builders, LLC served as the general contractor for the project. Key interior features include an entry foyer adorned with patterned encaustic tile from Mosaic del Sur, and a custom mahogany island in the kitchen. The kitchen also features white granite slabs from Cancos Tile on the perimeter counters, Grove Brick tile from Waterworks in Sugar White for the backsplash, and cabinets painted with Farrow & Ball's Downpipe color. The parlor level boasts Carlisle wide plank white oak flooring. Above the parlor level, the flooring consists of 2-1/4" white oak, laid in a mix of herringbone pattern and straight-lay. The second floor accommodates a formal living room (piano noble) and a guest suite. The master bath is outfitted with Waterworks plumbing fixtures, Bardiglio mosaic marble on the tub area floor, and Carrara marble cladding the walls. The third-floor master suite incorporates extensive custom built-ins, and the top floor houses children's bedrooms within the original attic and hipped roof structure. The new two-story extension's design received unanimous approval from Landmarks. The outdoor space, designed by Urban Landscape Concepts, features a garden, a seating area, a parking court made of permeable pavers, and a custom fence crafted to complement the neighborhood's historic character. #BrooklynHeights #TownhouseRenovation #CWBArchitects #LuxuryHome #HistoricRestoration #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #BrownstoneLiving #NewYorkRealEstate

In the vibrant Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, a creative couple, Jill Magid, a conceptual artist, and Jonny Bauer, an advertising executive, embarked on a significant remodel of their row house. This property, originally a workman’s cottage, underwent a head-to-toe transformation completed in mid-2013, blending its historical essence with modern design sensibilities. The exterior of the home immediately signals its updated character through subtle yet impactful design choices. For instance, the house numbers, a sleek neon '175' rendered in a sans serif font, serve as a modern beacon on a street otherwise characterized by more traditional architecture. This miniature, functional art piece, created by Magid herself, hints at the artistic and thoughtful approach taken throughout the renovation. The project focused on preserving the historic 'bones' of the structure while introducing contemporary interior updates to suit the couple's lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This careful balance ensures that the home respects its past as a workman's cottage but simultaneously functions as a modern family residence. The renovation involved a comprehensive overhaul, from structural adjustments to the selection of finishes and fixtures, all designed to enhance both the functionality and visual appeal of the space. The integration of modern elements, such as the distinctive neon house numbers and potentially other interior design features, contrasts with the traditional brick siding, creating a unique visual identity for the property. The article highlights how the couple approached the renovation, suggesting a collaborative effort that infused their individual creative and professional backgrounds into the home's design. The choice of materials, color palettes, and spatial arrangements would have been meticulously considered to achieve a harmonious blend of old and new. This thoughtful renovation process aims to create a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional for a contemporary family. The remodel transforms the historic dwelling into a personalized sanctuary that reflects the artistic inclinations of its owners while maintaining a connection to its architectural heritage. Ultimately, the project in Greenpoint serves as an example of how historic properties can be revitalized through careful and creative renovation. By updating the interior while honoring the original structure, Magid and Bauer have created a home that stands out with its unique blend of artistic expression and historical charm. The narrative implicitly suggests that the renovation involved strategic decisions to modernize living spaces, improve natural light, and optimize the layout, all contributing to a more comfortable and visually engaging environment. The home becomes a testament to how art and design can elevate everyday living within an urban historical context. #BrooklynHome #HomeRenovation #HistoricPreservation #ModernInteriorDesign #Greenpoint #ArtisticHome #RowHouseRenovation #CreativeCouple #UrbanDesign

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

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 blog post highlights a three-story Greek Revival townhouse located at 238 Wyckoff Street within the proposed extension of the Boerum Hill Historic District. The property, currently configured as a two-family residence, features a garden studio on the lower level and an upper duplex. The facade showcases a transition from stone on the garden level to brick on the upper floors, complemented by a wrought iron fence, suggesting a blend of historical charm and structural integrity. Upon entering the parlor, several original details are immediately noticeable. These include floor-to-ceiling windows that allow ample natural light, classic parquet floors, a black marble mantel, and functional pocket doors, which contribute to the historical character of the space. A particularly distinctive feature is the intricate crown molding adorned with a foliate design, underscoring the craftsmanship of the period. The kitchen area of the home is described as spacious enough to accommodate an eat-in setup and features wood floors. It provides direct access to an outdoor deck equipped with a retractable awning, offering a flexible space for outdoor living. The property also includes a stone-paved garden that is home to two trees, a Japanese Maple and a Crape Myrtle, enhancing the outdoor aesthetic and providing natural greenery. On the upper level, the master bedroom is equipped with a fireplace, adding a traditional touch, and a walk-in closet featuring a skylight, which introduces natural light into the storage space. The home benefits from central air conditioning. The bathroom on this level appears to have been renovated, presenting a modern aesthetic with a colorful vanity that adds a contemporary flair to the historical property. The garden floor also retains historic elements, including a white marble mantel, further emphasizing the home's preserved character. Flooring on this level consists of parquet in one half and what appears to be tile in the kitchen area. The basement is utilized as a workshop, though its finished status is not specified. The property was last sold in 2009 for $1.5165 million. It is conveniently situated approximately 6.5 blocks from the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center subway station, providing access to public transportation. The asking price for this Greek Revival home is $3.085 million, and it is listed by Heather Yampolsky and Talya Chalef of Nooklyn. #BoerumHill #GreekRevival #HistoricDistrict #BrooklynRealEstate #HouseOfTheDay #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDetails #NYCProperty

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 details a two-bedroom apartment available for rent in a Brooklyn Heights brownstone, highlighting its unique architectural and design features. The apartment is situated in a sprawling Italianate brownstone at 124 Remsen Street, a building that is exceptionally wide at 37.5 feet and spans through to the block's opposite side, having merged with its former stable. This particular unit, one of 17 in the building, appears to be on a prime floor, featuring a distinctive layout. The living space is a key highlight, characterized by an octagonal, oblong shape located at the rear of the brownstone. It boasts grand plaster details on the ceiling, a marble fireplace, and recently installed wood floors. Three original closets are integrated into the living room, alongside a large window with original shutters that has been converted into a glass double door with a transom, though the listing does not specify if this leads to any outdoor space. A short flight of steps connects this grand living room to the rest of the unit, which seems to occupy the building’s middle wing, offering windows on both sides for natural light. Moving beyond the living room, the unit includes an upstairs dining area featuring striking black and white diamond-patterned flooring, a design element that continues into the adjacent petite galley kitchen. The dining area provides ample space for a table and chairs, supplemented by wall-hung cupboards for storage. The kitchen is equipped with a tall arched window, a few wood cupboards, and a stone counter. While a dishwasher is not explicitly shown in the provided images, there is a designated space for one next to the sink. The apartment comprises two bedrooms, both described as spacious enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. One of these bedrooms includes a built-in cupboard positioned high on a wall, accessible via a ladder, adding a unique touch. The hallway likely conceals additional closet space and the apartment’s 1.5 bathrooms. The full bathroom presented in the images is in good, functional condition, featuring a tub, white square wall tiles, and a basketweave patterned floor. The brownstone itself, constructed between approximately 1861 and 1879, showcases an imposing exterior with architectural details such as a dentil cornice and a deep entrance door hood, as noted on the Landmarks map. Historical records indicate that the Walter F. Hatch family resided in the brownstone starting in the 1870s, and the building underwent redecoration and stable updates in 1887. The units within the building are all market rate, and this specific apartment, listed by Lior Cohen of Brooklyn Heights Real Estate Inc., is available for occupancy starting in February at a monthly rent of $5,200. The post concludes by posing the question of whether the price is justified given the apartment's features and location. #BrooklynHeights #ApartmentForRent #Brownstone #ItalianateArchitecture #HistoricBuilding #LuxuryRental #InteriorDesign #RealEstate

This article highlights the meticulous preservation and modern enhancements of a four-story brownstone located at 228 Garfield Place within the Park Slope Historic District. The residence, initially listed at $4.495 million, is now on the market for $3.995 million after a series of price reductions. It showcases a blend of historical architectural details and contemporary luxury amenities, making it a distinctive property. The brownstone boasts numerous original features that have been impeccably maintained over time. These include six functioning fireplaces, intricate pocket doors, elegant inlaid wood floors, classic wood shutters, and ornate stained-glass transoms. These elements collectively contribute to the home's historic charm and character, reflecting its past while offering a glimpse into its original design. In addition to its historical integrity, the property has been thoughtfully updated by its long-term owners to incorporate modern comforts. A notable addition is a steam room integrated into the master suite, providing a decadent, spa-like experience. This juxtaposition of old and new underscores a commitment to both preserving heritage and embracing contemporary living standards. The interior layout is designed for both grandeur and comfort. The parlor floor foyer immediately captures attention with its monumental staircase, detailed wainscoting, delicate fretwork, and a built-in bench complemented by a pier mirror. Adjacent to the foyer, a long living room features a full wall of cherry wood bookcases, a more recent but complementary addition. The rear parlor houses one of the home's six fireplaces, distinguished by an elaborate original mantelpiece. The garden level offers a more casual living space, comprising a cozy front parlor that seamlessly connects to the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen, while featuring a predominantly black color scheme, retains historical elements such as an original built-in oak ice box and a pie safe. A full bathroom is conveniently located next to the kitchen, and French doors provide access to a south-facing garden, offering a private outdoor retreat. Ascending to the second level reveals a lavish, full-floor master suite. This expansive suite includes a master bathroom and dressing area that occupies over half of the floor, culminating in the aforementioned steam room. The upper floors accommodate five additional bedrooms, most of which are enhanced by a fireplace and large bay windows, alongside two more full bathrooms. A small kitchenette on the third floor adds further convenience. The historical significance of 228 Garfield Place is further detailed by its designation report. The report indicates that the house is part of a row built by owner/builders Martin & Lee, with architect Charles Werner. These structures were designed to introduce variety within the traditional city row, evident in their combination of materials and subtle variations in the column capitals flanking the doorways. The property is listed by Judith Lief of The Corcoran Group and can also be found on CityRealty. #ParkSlope #HistoricBrownstone #LuxuryRealEstate #BrooklynHomes #ArchitecturalDetails #RealEstateListing #NewYorkCity #HomeDesign

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 article details a recently renovated brownstone located at 541 1st Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn, listed for $7.49 million. The property features eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, and private outdoor spaces, emphasizing a blend of historic preservation and modern upgrades. Lyons Studio professionally designed and furnished the home, highlighting original architectural details like millwork and molding while incorporating contemporary elements. The parlor level, boasting 10-foot-high ceilings, welcomes visitors with a wallpapered entryway featuring custom harlequin marble tile and includes a restored pier mirror and ornate banisters. The formal living room on this level is bright, characterized by new herringbone flooring, a spacious layout with a sitting area under large bay windows, a unique chandelier, and restored stained glass transom windows. A functional fireplace divides the living area from the dining space, which accommodates a large table. The rear of this level houses a generously sized kitchen equipped with new skylights, Calacatta marble backsplash and counters, an integrated Sub Zero refrigerator, and an eat-in banquette suitable for dining or a work-from-home setup. Sliding doors connect the kitchen to a new iron deck that leads down to the garden. The upper floor is dedicated to the primary bedroom suite, a sun-drenched space with custom lighting, bay windows overlooking the tree-lined street, a decorative fireplace, and elegant moldings. The en-suite bathroom, separated from the bedroom by a walk-in closet, offers a double vanity, custom marble and tile-work, a freestanding tub, and a spa shower. This floor also includes a small study. The top-level accommodates three additional bedrooms, a Jack and Jill bathroom, another study, and a washer-dryer. The garden floor, accessible via its own entrance, is designed for family-friendly use. It includes a mudroom, a laundry room, and an additional bedroom with a full bath. An extension on this level provides ample space for a family room, complete with a wet bar, wine fridge, and dishwasher, making it suitable for entertainment. The 20-foot-wide home features a private outdoor garden, accessible from both the garden level and the kitchen deck. Its location offers convenient access to Prospect Park, with commercial amenities on Seventh Avenue a block west, and Grand Army Plaza and the Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch to the north. Deeded parking is also available for separate purchase. The listing is managed by Jessica Buchman of The Corcoran Group. #BrooklynBrownstone #ParkSlope #LuxuryRealEstate #HistoricHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NYCRealEstate #FamilyFriendlyHome

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 blog post showcases a historic 1850s wood-frame house located in the Wallabout Historic District at 102 Vanderbilt Avenue, Fort Greene, currently listed for $2.85 million. The property, featuring a columned front porch, wide-plank floorboards, mantels, and tin ceilings, possesses significant curb appeal and interior charm. Originally constructed in the 1850s, the 22-foot-wide structure underwent an additional story expansion in 1881, which introduced a Neo-Grec-style bracketed cornice, complementing its transitional Greek Revival/Italianate architectural elements. The Greek Revival influence is particularly evident in the Corinthian columns of the porch and the door surround with sidelights. Historically, the house’s proximity to the Brooklyn Navy Yard meant its early occupants were often involved in the shipping industry, including a boatswain and a ship carpenter. The residence is legally classified as a four-family dwelling but is currently configured as a three-family unit, comprising a duplex and two one-bedroom rental apartments. All units have been updated with renovated wet rooms and in-unit laundry facilities, and the overall interior condition appears well-maintained based on listing photographs. The duplex unit spans the second and third floors. The second floor accommodates the living area, kitchen, and laundry facilities, featuring wide-plank floorboards in the living room, a wall of built-ins, and an arched opening leading to a windowed nook suitable for an office. The kitchen maintains the golden floorboards and is equipped with blue cabinets, a tin ceiling, and stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher. A glass door from the kitchen provides access to an outdoor terrace with wood decking and railing. Adjacent to the kitchen is a powder room combined with laundry facilities. The third floor of the duplex houses two bedrooms, an office, and a bathroom. All bedrooms on this level have wood floors; one street-facing bedroom includes a later addition of a brick fireplace, while the parlor unit features a marble mantel. The property also boasts a rear garden area enclosed by brick walls, which includes an outdoor cooking station constructed from brick. A bluestone patio, shaded by a substantial wooden pergola, offers an ideal space for outdoor dining and entertainment. Despite its historical charm and renovations, the property currently has two active violations issued in 2016 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, related to unpermitted alterations to paving, stoop treads, and the porch. The house has not been on the market for several decades, marking its current listing as a notable event. The property is represented by Maria Ryan, Joe Ryan, and Libby Ryan of the Ryan + Ryan Team at Compass. #FortGreene #HistoricHome #BrooklynRealEstate #WoodFrameHouse #WallaboutHistoricDistrict #GreekRevivalArchitecture #ItalianateStyle #MultiFamilyHome #RenovatedInteriors