Prospect Lefferts Gardens Row House With Mantels, Fretwork, Pier Mirror Asks $2.25 Million

This blog post highlights a significant property for sale at 189 Crown Street in Crown Heights, an early 20th-century row house listed at $2.5 million. The dwelling is part of a development known as “Easy Housekeeping Houses,” designed by Arthur G. Carlson for Realty Associates. These homes were specifically marketed to appeal to homebuyers seeking practical layouts and modern conveniences without the need for domestic staff, as advertised in 1915, emphasizing features like "artistically tinted tiled mantels," hardwood floors, and tiled baths and kitchens. The exterior is characterized by tapestry brick, a common feature in the area, and the property includes a private garage accessible via a shared alleyway. The interior of the house retains several original period details, contributing to its historic charm. The main floor features wood flooring extending from the entry through the living and dining rooms. A notable architectural element in the living room is an Arts and Crafts-style mantelpiece with brown and orange-tinted fireplace and hearth tiles, consistent with the original advertisements. The dining room is particularly rich in historical decorative elements, including a coffered ceiling, a plate shelf, and wainscoting that appears to be ornamented with Lincrusta, a type of embossed wallcovering. The galley kitchen is equipped with white cabinets, a tile floor, and modern stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, and offers direct access to the rear yard. The upper level of the house contains three bedrooms and a full bathroom. A distinctive feature on this floor is a passthrough connecting the front and rear bedrooms, which still has its original built-in storage and a sink. The bedrooms displayed in the listing feature wood floors and picture rails, preserving their historical aesthetic. The article notes that images of the two full bathrooms within the house were not provided in the listing. The property also includes a finished English basement, which is more than 50 percent above ground, according to PropertyShark. This basement level offers additional living space, comprising another full bathroom, a kitchenette, and an extra bedroom, enhancing the home’s functionality. Externally, the property boasts a paved rear garden with designated planting beds, offering space for outdoor dining and recreation. Steps at the back of the yard lead to a door providing access to the garage located on the shared alley. The house has been under the same family’s ownership since the 1980s, though it was previously listed for sale in 2015. Cornelia Thomas of Compass is the listing agent for this Crown Heights property, which is presented as a distinctive offering in the local real estate market, combining historical integrity with practical amenities in a desirable location. #CrownHeights #RowHouse #BrooklynRealEstate #HistoricHome #ArtsAndCraftsStyle #GarageAccess #PeriodDetails #ArthurGCarlsonDesign #BrooklynArchitecture

A renovated two-family row house located at 490 MacDonough Street in Bed Stuy is currently on the market for $2.199 million. This property, dating back to the 1890s, maintains a blend of period details and modern updates. The facade, a painted brownstone, features a bright blue door, a departure from the original double doors seen in historic tax photos, and sits just outside the Bedford Stuyvesant/Expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District. Historically, MacDonough Street was noted for its tree-lined thoroughfare and diverse architecture, with newly constructed dwellings showcasing intricate stonework. This particular block, situated between Patchen and Malcolm X Boulevard, was recognized for its appealing new structures with charmingly carved stonework. The interior of the row house is configured as a two-family dwelling, with a rental unit occupying the top floor and a duplex below. The top-floor rental unit comprises two bedrooms and an open-plan living room and kitchen, offering a contemporary living space. The lower duplex showcases many of the preserved period details, including mantels, wall moldings, stained glass, picture rails, and wood floors. On the parlor floor of the duplex, the kitchen has been centrally located, while the front parlor serves as a dining room and the rear is designated as a living room. The dining room features a white-painted mantel with an insert and a tile surround that includes figural tiles at the corners, maintaining a classic aesthetic. The living room, positioned at the rear of the parlor floor, is adorned with an unpainted mantel that retains its original tile surround. The renovated kitchen in the duplex is characterized by its white finishes, including white subway tile, white upper cabinets, and a sizable island. Pale blue lower cabinets add a touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic scheme. This design choice provides a contemporary feel while integrating with the home's historic elements. The garden level of the duplex contains two bedrooms. The rear-facing bedroom includes an en suite bathroom, and an extension houses a small office with access to the rear yard. The street-facing bedroom, originally the house's dining room, still features wainscoting and a mantel, preserving its historical character. A passthrough between the two garden-level bedrooms offers additional storage space. In terms of additional facilities, the cellar provides a full bathroom and laundry facilities. Another full bathroom is located on the parlor level. The exterior of the property includes a paved patio, a lawn, and planting beds in the rear yard, equipped with electrical outlets and a water spigot for gardening purposes. The property was last sold in 2015 for $1.56 million. The current listing is handled by Justine Lee-Mills, Daniel Cohen, and Pia Pankiewicz of Corcoran. This row house offers a combination of historic charm and modern conveniences, making it a notable offering in the Bed Stuy real estate market. #BedStuy #RowHouse #HistoricHome #RenovatedKitchen #StainedGlass #PeriodDetails #BrooklynRealEstate #HouseOfTheDay #PropertyListing

This blog post highlights an early 20th-century bow-front row house in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, currently on the market for $1.2 million. The single-family brick residence, built by 1912, has retained many of its original architectural features, despite being in need of some modernization. The property has a notable history, having been owned by the same family since 1946, following its purchase from Margaret O'Dwyer, the widow of a former chief supervisor for the Department of Markets. The house's exterior showcases a pale-brick facade, an incised door surround, and a cornice, though the original double doors have been replaced by a more contemporary blue door. Inside, the first floor maintains its original layout, comprising a living room, dining room, and kitchen. An extension later added a breakfast room and a full bath at the rear, which regrettably covers the dining room windows. Period details on the first floor include an original staircase with a built-in bench, and parquet flooring with inlaid borders extending through the entry, living, and dining areas. The living room's bay window features stained glass, and while a console mirror or mantel is missing, its former location is still visible on the floor. The dining room is particularly rich in original woodwork, featuring wainscoting, a plate shelf, a coffered ceiling, and glass-fronted built-ins. The two original windows that once overlooked the backyard remain, complete with their moldings. The kitchen, while functional, has a dropped ceiling and wood cabinets, Formica countertops, and a dishwasher. An arched opening leads to a paneled breakfast or mudroom, which boasts a vintage blue checkerboard floor and a closet for additional storage. The second floor accommodates four bedrooms and a full bath. While some wallpaper and carpeting may require updating to suit modern tastes, the house's inherent character and preserved details offer significant potential for a buyer interested in restoration. The listing photos do not feature the full baths on either floor, suggesting these areas are likely in need of renovation. The floor plan indicates a washer and dryer in the first-floor bath and a laundry room in the basement. The basement also includes a recreation room with paneling and a concrete floor, though its dropped ceiling requires attention. Outdoors, a concrete patio extends from the breakfast room, leading to another concrete patio and planting beds in the backyard. Mechanical systems in the house have reportedly been updated within the last five years. The property is listed by Bernadette Mitchell and Peter Grazioli of Brown Harris Stevens. This Bay Ridge home presents an opportunity to acquire a residence with historical charm and architectural integrity, poised for a thoughtful renovation to blend its classic elements with contemporary living standards. #BayRidge #RowHouse #HistoricHome #RealEstate #Brooklyn #HouseOfTheDay #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation

This blog post highlights a renovated 1970s ranch house in Sonoma, California, demonstrating how to update a property while preserving its original architectural character. The homeowner, Kurt Neubert, chose to refresh the existing structure rather than undertaking a complete remodel, resulting in a transformed yet authentic ranch house. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is currently listed for $2.25 million, showcasing a blend of subtle design elements and carefully curated materials. The exterior of the house features an earthy, olive green color that covers the moldings, window trims, and main facade, with a white accent along the roofline. This color choice helps the home integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, characterized by salt-and-pepper rocks and mature olive trees. The front door serves as a focal point, painted in a contrasting black with a large window and sidelight panels, complemented by black half-cylinder sconces and modern house numbers. The front yard employs a minimalist, low-water landscape design, incorporating pebbles, aloe vera, and succulents, with symmetrical limestone squares adding visual interest. The mature olive trees in the front yard also provide natural privacy. Inside, the home continues the theme of simplicity and expert material curation. The flooring includes French oak in the bedrooms, Italian porcelain tile in the kitchen, and Jerusalem tile in the bathrooms. The kitchen boasts quartz blend countertops, offering an attractive and more affordable alternative to solid quartz. The original kitchen cabinets were retained and refreshed with a new coat of paint, complemented by low-cost handles. A Brazilian granite face modernizes the fireplace, and the use of white paint from floor to ceiling creates an expansive and open feel throughout the living spaces. Neubert's approach demonstrates that mixing inexpensive and expensive elements can achieve a cohesive and sophisticated design. The interior design is further enhanced by thoughtfully selected furniture pieces upholstered in “high performance fabrics” such as Kravet Couture mohair and microfiber, which are both durable and stylish. In the backyard, the pool has been resurfaced with an aggregate material containing teal quartz and is surrounded by glass tiles that reflect light at night, creating a shimmering effect. The pool's color is intended to evoke the Aegean Sea. This renovation project serves as an example of how a dated ranch house can be revitalized through strategic updates to finishes and careful attention to design details, maintaining its original charm while incorporating modern sensibilities and sustainable practices. The property is listed by Daniel Casabonne of Sotheby’s International Real Estate. #ranchHouseMakeover #SonomaRanchHouseRefresh #homeRenovation #interiorDesign #exteriorDesign #sustainableLandscape #realEstate #SonomaHome #mediterraneanInfluence

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

This blog post highlights a single-family row house available for rent in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens Historic District. The 1890s Romanesque Revival-style brick dwelling, located at 52 Midwood Street, offers a blend of modern amenities and preserved period details. Originally featured as a 'House of the Day' in 2018 before selling for $2.75 million, the property is now listed for rent at $10,500 per month. The house spans four levels and is 20 feet wide, providing ample living space. It boasts recent updates such as four-zone central cooling and heating, as well as environmentally friendly solar panels. Despite these modern additions, the home retains much of its historic charm through details like stained glass windows, intricate moldings, and original mantels. The garden level has been reconfigured into an open-plan living area that seamlessly integrates with a contemporary kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with white cabinetry, a large center island, and a dishwasher, and features French doors that open onto a patio. Adjacent to the kitchen is a mudroom, which includes laundry facilities and a compact half-bath, providing practical everyday convenience. The rear yard is landscaped and offers space for outdoor dining. On the parlor level, the house presents both front and rear parlors, with the rear parlor featuring modern glass doors that lead to a Juliet balcony. A small office space is situated within a rear extension on this level. Period details on the parlor floor include significant stained glass windows, detailed moldings, and functional pocket doors, which contribute to the historical aesthetic of the home. The upper two floors are dedicated to the sleeping quarters, comprising four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. A notable architectural feature on the second floor is a passthrough connecting the front and rear bedrooms, complete with built-in cabinetry, suggesting its historical use as a dressing room or transitional space. The full bathrooms are appointed with white fixtures and black and white checkerboard floor tiles, with one bathroom uniquely featuring a clawfoot tub, blending vintage appeal with contemporary functionality. Tenants are responsible for all utilities, and the listing specifies a strict no-pets policy. The property is listed by Dawn Silverstein of Corcoran. This rental opportunity in Prospect Lefferts Gardens provides a chance to reside in a historically rich home with the comforts of modern living. #ProspectLeffertsGardens #RowHouse #BrooklynRealEstate #RentalProperty #HistoricHome #ModernAmenities #PeriodDetails #SolarPanels #LuxuryRental

A rare rental opportunity has emerged in the historic Prospect Lefferts Gardens neighborhood, featuring a single-family house at 137 Maple Street. This residence, asking $8,500 per month, blends historic architectural details with modern updates. The house is part of a row of neo-Renaissance limestones, constructed in 1909 by developer Eli H. Bishop & Son and designed by architect Axel Hedman. These houses are characterized by carved shields and foliage, and Spanish-tile roofs. Upon entering, the house reveals a meticulously preserved interior with high ceilings and parquet floors adorned with inlaid borders. Moldings, stained glass, original mantels, and paneling are prominent features throughout. The elevated first floor hosts the primary living spaces, including a spacious stair hall and a dining room. A wide doorway connects the front parlor to the paneled stair hall, where a columned mantel featuring green tiles is flanked by built-in bookcases. Pocket doors provide access to the dining room, which includes paneled wainscotting and another mantel, this one with brown tiles. Towards the rear of the first floor, an updated kitchen is equipped with a large stove and hood, a rust and cream diamond-patterned tile floor, white cupboards, a subway tile backsplash, and a dishwasher. A powder room is conveniently located off a passage, opposite the back stairs. The living space extends outdoors to a backyard featuring a brick patio suitable for dining and lounging, surrounded by landscaped planting beds and a horizontal fence. The outdoor area is also equipped with a grill and sprinklers. Ascending to the second floor, the residence offers four bedrooms. The two larger bedrooms each boast a mantel and are connected by intact passthroughs, complete with sinks and built-in closets. The two smaller bedrooms are currently configured as offices, highlighting the flexibility of the space. A well-preserved bathroom on this floor maintains its historic charm with original subway wall tile, an embossed shell-motif border, a clawfoot tub, and a pedestal sink. The house provides ample storage with a total of nine closets. Adding to the modern amenities, the finished basement level is situated below grade and includes a sauna within a full bathroom that also features a shower. This level also comprises a sitting room, laundry facilities, and additional storage space. The house benefits from central air conditioning, a significant update for comfort. The property is listed by Corcoran agent Linda Leon and is available furnished or semi-furnished, providing flexibility for prospective tenants. This rental offers a unique opportunity to reside in a historically significant home within a sought-after Brooklyn neighborhood, combining classic elegance with contemporary conveniences. #ProspectLeffertsGardens #HistoricDistrict #RentalProperty #BrooklynRealEstate #AxelHedmanArchitecture #NeoRenaissance #LuxuryRental #HomeInteriors #Sauna

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 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

A single-family home located at 3 Dennett Place in Carroll Gardens, known for its distinctive tiny doors, has been listed for sale at $2.05 million. This house is situated on a block-long street characterized by homes that likely originated in the mid-19th century. The property, while possibly requiring some modernization, presents a functional floor plan within its compact size. The exterior of the house features one of the neighborhood's signature diminutive red doors, complemented by an octagonal window. This facade has undergone changes since a circa 1940 tax photo, which depicted a brick building with a modest bracketed cornice and a shared brick side stoop with its neighbor. The tax photo also shows each house on the block originally possessed a tiny door and a rectangular window, indicating a historical architectural consistency. Historical records, including maps from the 1850s, confirm the presence of houses on Dennett Place from that period. An advertisement in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle from 1860 shows a "cottage" on the street renting for $9 a month, providing a glimpse into the area's past. The current property at 3 Dennett Place has not been sold in approximately two decades. Despite the potential need for updates, the house is presented as move-in ready. A virtual tour is available, offering detailed views of the interior and the unique tiny door entrance. The tour also allows observation of the elevated tracks situated directly behind the property. The interior layout includes a parlor level with a living room that features a glass door opening onto a terrace. The floor above accommodates two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The garden level houses the kitchen and dining areas, a laundry room, another full bathroom, and a bedroom equipped with a skylight. The residence is heated by baseboard heating throughout. Design elements within the home include an open-plan kitchen and dining area with exposed wood beams and a combination of wood and tile flooring. The living room features a decorative wooden mantel on a painted brick chimney wall, while the kitchen incorporates a bold, patterned tile wall. On the upper floor, the largest bedroom faces the street, equipped with two windows and two closets. The main bathroom is notable for its checkerboard tile pattern on both the floor and ceiling. The homes on Dennett Place, despite their unique character and local appreciation, are not protected by any historic district designation. This has led to some properties on the row undergoing alterations, such as the addition of extra stories or the removal of their original stoops and tiny doors. The street is recognized for its close-knit community, which was highlighted in a New York Times profile in 2012. The property is listed by Saul Retig and Allison Boggio of Sotheby’s International Realty. #CarrollGardens #BrooklynRealEstate #SingleFamilyHome #TinyDoorHouses #DennettPlace #HistoricHomes #RealEstateListing #BrooklynArchitecture #HomeForSale

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

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

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

This article details a two-family house located at 56 Sherman Street in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, which is currently on the market for $2.65 million. The property is a bow-fronted limestone building from the early 20th century, specifically built around 1908 by William M. Calder. Calder, a prominent Brooklyn builder and U.S. Senator, developed numerous homes in the Windsor Terrace area, leading to it being known as 'Calderville.' A 1919 profile of the neighborhood in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle lauded Calder's constructions for their artistic appearance and the area's well-maintained streets and abundant shade trees, noting he built over 700 homes there. Calder advertised these 'honestly constructed' two-family houses, emphasizing their 'unsurpassed location' and appealing to potential buyers. The home featured in this listing is situated just a few blocks from Prospect Park. The house retains significant original details, including parquet flooring, intricate woodwork, and wall moldings. It is currently configured as a two-family residence, comprising a floor-through apartment on the upper level and an owner’s duplex unit. The duplex is designed with the kitchen and dining area on the garden level, while the parlor and bedrooms are located on the floor above. Although listing photos are limited, they highlight the bow-fronted rooms on each floor, with some virtually staged images. Visible features within the duplex include an original staircase, parquet floors, wall moldings, and a ceiling medallion. The listing also mentions the presence of a pier mirror. The dining room of the duplex further showcases parquet flooring, painted woodwork, and a tin ceiling. The kitchen is shown with tiled floors and Shaker-style cabinets, and the duplex includes two full bathrooms, though these are not pictured. The upper apartment, featuring two bedrooms, has its kitchen positioned at the rear and the living room facing the street in the bay window area. While less elaborately decorated than the owner's unit, this apartment also features wood floors and painted woodwork. It includes a tiled hearth but lacks a mantel. Information from a 2018 rental listing for this apartment indicated it had parquet throughout, a galley kitchen, and a blue-tiled bathroom. Historically, a similar house by Calder on Sherman Street would have cost approximately $9,250 in 1909. The current asking price reflects the property's historical significance, architectural integrity, and desirable location. The listing is managed by James Cornell of Corcoran. #WindsorTerrace #BrooklynRealEstate #HistoricHome #TwoFamilyHouse #WilliamMCalder #OriginalDetails #ParquetFloors #BowFrontedLimestone

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

This blog post highlights a 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