Bay Ridge Row House With Built-ins, Bay Window, Coffered Ceiling Asks $1.2 Million

This article highlights an OKC-63 model Eichler home, designed by Claude Oakland, which is currently listed for $1.2 million in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood of Oakland, California. Built in 1965, this particular model is situated in one of the smallest Eichler communities in the Bay Area. Claude Oakland, a significant figure in midcentury modern architecture, worked with Joseph Eichler for over 25 years, contributing to the design of more than 3,430 Eichler homes and refining the distinct Eichler aesthetic. The residence, located at 8050 Shay Drive, retains many of its original features, exuding a strong midcentury charm. Key characteristics include a large, central open-air atrium, a great room featuring unpainted, vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings, original wood wall paneling, and a wood-burning brick fireplace that serves as a central focal point. The home incorporates clerestory windows to ensure bright, sunny interiors throughout, complemented by the atrium and adjacent skylights that further enhance the natural light and airy feel. The layout promotes a strong indoor/outdoor connection, characteristic of Eichler designs. The entryway leads directly to the central atrium, which is envisioned as a space for entertaining. The post-and-beam construction further emphasizes this flow, directing the eye from the atrium to the backyard. A two-car garage, featuring flexible wood-paneled space, is currently utilized as a home gym and play area. Interior spaces include an open-plan great room with original globe pendant lighting. The dining nook is positioned between the kitchen and the living room, with the dining area itself featuring original mahogany paneled walls. The galley kitchen maintains its original cabinetry and countertops in excellent condition, updated with stainless-steel appliances and a large pantry. It provides direct access to both the atrium and the garage. The home comprises multiple bedrooms, including a master suite with direct outdoor access via sliding glass doors. The master suite also includes an ensuite bath with updated fixtures and original cabinetry, alongside a large walk-in closet with a built-in organizing system. A second bathroom also features an ensuite bath. An notable addition to the property is a permitted "casita" in the backyard. This detached structure includes a double-pane sliding door and its own deck, offering potential as a private home office, studio space, or a small guest house. The landscaped backyard is equipped with programmable irrigation and offers ample space for entertaining. A deck area, located just off the great room, features concrete countertops, a solar shade, and power, serving as an extension of the main living space for true indoor/outdoor living. The property is marketed by Thomas Westfall of Alain Pinel Realtors. #EichlerHome #MidcenturyModern #ClaudeOakland #BayAreaRealEstate #OaklandCalifornia #AtriumDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalDesign

A distinctive apartment located at 131 Perry Street in the West Village has been listed for sale at $1.895 million. This residence, part of a boutique co-op building comprising 14 lofts, offers a unique blend of historical architectural elements and modern amenities. The property is situated on a charming, tree-lined cobblestone street, providing a serene environment within the bustling West Village neighborhood. The apartment is configured as a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. A defining feature of this home is its exposed brick walls and barrel-vaulted brick ceilings, which evoke a sense of earthy sophistication and a design aesthetic reminiscent of iconic structures like Grand Central Station. These architectural details contribute significantly to the apartment's character and make it a notable New York City gem. Complementing these features is a wood-burning fireplace, adding warmth and ambiance to the living space. The interior design of the expansive apartment showcases a thoughtful integration of various textures and styles throughout each room. The renovated kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and custom cabinetry. The choice of earth stone for the countertops harmonizes with the custom cabinets, creating a cohesive and visually appealing culinary environment. Despite its unique and historical characteristics, the unit is reported to be in excellent condition, with minor updates specifically suggested for the master bedroom. Residents of this building benefit from its prime location on a quiet block of Perry Street. This allows for convenient access to a multitude of West Village attractions and amenities. Within walking distance, residents can enjoy the natural beauty of Hudson River Park and explore the contemporary art collections at the Whitney Museum. The neighborhood also offers vibrant local experiences, including the fresh produce and artisanal goods available at the Abingdon Square Greenmarket and a variety of retail options along Bleecker Street. Additionally, the iconic High Line elevated park is easily accessible, providing a unique urban green space for recreation and leisure. #WestVillage #NewYorkRealEstate #CoOp #LoftApartment #BarrelVaultedCeiling #ExposedBrick #HistoricArchitecture #LuxuryApartment #DouglasElliman

This blog post details a three-story row house located at 233 87th Street in Bay Ridge, currently available for rent at $4,500 per month. The early 20th-century property offers a combination of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for potential renters. The exterior features an appealing bow-fronted design, set back from the sidewalk by a modest front yard. Access to the home is provided by both a stoop leading to the main entrance and stairs descending to a garden level entrance. The main entrance is further enhanced by decorative incised pilasters and foliate details, showcasing period architectural elements. The interior layout distributes living spaces across three floors. The first floor hosts the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The living room is notable for its stained-glass windows, wall moldings, and parquet floors, which add to its historical character. French doors connect the living space to other areas, while built-in china cabinets with leaded glass doors flank the entrance to the dining room. The dining room itself features a coffered ceiling and walls that retain a plate shelf, hinting at its original decorative Lincrusta ornamentation. The kitchen, situated at the rear of the first floor, is equipped with yellow upper and blue lower cabinets, a dishwasher, and a windowed dining nook, though space in the nook is partially occupied by the refrigerator. While modern in its appliances, the kitchen's color scheme provides a unique aesthetic. The upper floor comprises three bedrooms and a full bathroom. The bedrooms are appointed with wood floors and closets, with two generously sized and a third suitable for a nursery or home office. The full bath on this level features marble tile walls, a vessel sink, and a soaking tub. The garden level expands the living space with a spacious rec room, characterized by tiled floors and a white-painted exposed brick wall. This level also includes a den and a large laundry room with a sink. Another full bathroom, featuring a shower instead of a tub, is also located on this level, though no photograph is provided. The house offers outdoor access to a private rear yard, reachable via a deck off the dining nook or through the laundry room on the garden level. An existing tree house in the yard, previously noted in a 2019 rental listing, adds to the property's appeal. The listing is managed by Joseph Vassallo of Compass. #BayRidge #BrooklynRealEstate #RowHouse #HomeForRent #PeriodDetails #PrivateYard #LaundryRoom #WoodFloors #BuiltIns

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 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

This blog post highlights a single-family row house located at 138 Midwood Street in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens historic district of Brooklyn, New York. The house, built between 1898 and 1899 by developer William A. A. Brown and designed by architect George Lawton, is part of a block featuring 30 houses that incorporate Romanesque and Renaissance Revival architectural styles. The exterior of 138 Midwood Street displays Romanesque Revival elements on the basement and parlor levels, characterized by arched window and door surrounds, and Renaissance Revival details on the upper floor. An "inappropriate chemical sealant" and a metal awning, noted in the 1979 designation report, have since been removed, restoring the facade closer to its original appearance. The interior of the house retains much of its traditional layout, with a kitchen and dining area on the garden level, parlors on the floor above, and bedrooms on the uppermost level. While some areas feature carpeting, many original wood floors with intricate inlaid borders are visible. The entry boasts a pier mirror, the original staircase, and a columned screen adorned with fretwork. The front parlor, however, has seen its original mantel replaced by a 20th-century brick and wood fireplace. Both the front and rear parlors feature wood floors and pocket doors. The garden level includes a mix of original features and later updates, such as faux rubble stone walls above the original wood wainscoting and another brick fireplace. An original built-in china cabinet remains intact, according to the floor plan and listing description. The windowed kitchen, while spacious, could benefit from modern updates, as it currently features paneled walls, a drop ceiling, and faux marble counters. This level also includes a full bath and a laundry room. Upstairs, the front and rear bedrooms are connected by a passthrough with original built-ins, mirrors, and a marble sink featuring delicate blue garland ornamentation. Each bedroom preserves its original fireplaces with overmantel mirrors, offering insight into the original parlor mantel's style. Another full bath is present on this level, though not pictured in the provided images. Outside, the rear garden is accessible via a paved pathway that rings planting beds, offering space for landscaping. The property has been owned by the same family since 1976 and is currently listed for $2.25 million through Keller Williams, with Jean Marrone and Charles A. Olson as brokers. The article provides a detailed look at the property's historical context, architectural features, and current condition, highlighting its blend of well-preserved original details and areas ripe for renovation. The listing is presented as an opportunity for buyers interested in a historic home with potential for personalization. #ProspectLeffertsGardens #RowHouse #HistoricDistrict #BrooklynRealEstate #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation #WilliamAABrown #GeorgeLawton #RealEstateListing

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

A turn-of-the-century limestone rowhouse located at 456 74th Street in Bay Ridge, currently listed for $1.575 million, showcases a meticulous restoration of its original architectural elements. The residence features ten-foot ceilings, oak parquet floors with intricate inlaid borders, and functional pocket doors. Fluted oak columns add to the traditional aesthetic, complementing the period details found throughout the home. Beyond its historical charm, the property has been updated with modern amenities, including a contemporary kitchen and bathroom. The lower level is fully finished, providing a versatile family room, and the outdoor spaces are designed for leisure and entertainment, offering ample room for recreation. The parlor floor of the rowhouse is designed for formal gatherings, with a sunlit dining room distinguished by a coffered ceiling and built-in cabinetry that frames double pocket doors. Adjoining the dining area, the kitchen is well-appointed and provides direct access to an outdoor deck. This deck leads to a private, landscaped rear garden, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The living room on this floor is illuminated by three six-foot-high original oak casement windows, enhancing the bright and airy atmosphere. Decorative elements in the living space include a plaster ceiling medallion, additional oak fluted columns, and an oak-paneled room divider, which further highlight the craftsmanship of the period. A parlor room is graced by a decorative marble fireplace, adding a touch of elegance and warmth. Natural light is also drawn into the home's wide hallway and stairs through original stained glass skylights, illuminating the interior with a soft, colorful glow. The second floor of the residence accommodates four bedrooms of various sizes, catering to diverse needs. This level also includes a built-in oak armoire, offering practical storage solutions while maintaining the home's classic style. A spacious, renovated full bathroom, adorned with marble details, provides a luxurious and functional space. The lower level of the home has been completely renovated to include a cozy family room, a second full bathroom, and a laundry room. This finished basement offers flexibility for use as a guest suite, an entertainment area, or additional living space, making the home adaptable to different lifestyles. The property is listed by Mary-Jean Gianquito for Halstead, offering a unique blend of historic character and contemporary comfort in the desirable Bay Ridge neighborhood. #BayRidge #LimestoneRowhouse #HistoricHome #OriginalDetails #BrooklynRealEstate #TownhouseLiving #NewYorkCityHomes #ArchitectureDesign

This blog post highlights a beautifully preserved 1971 modern beach house located in Morro Bay, California, now on the market for the first time at $2.35 million. Designed by architect James Maul, the residence exemplifies midcentury modern architecture with its distinctive wooden construction and expansive use of glass, designed to maximize views of the ocean. The 2,400-square-foot home offers four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, characterized by soaring interiors and a seamless connection to its coastal surroundings. The interior design features vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout, creating bright and open living spaces. A prominent feature is the sunken great room, which combines cork and wood paneling with exposed ceiling beams. This space is further enhanced by built-in furniture and a unique conversation pit, arranged around a pebble-floored hearth with a steel fireplace, contributing to both its cozy and dramatic ambiance. Adjacent to the living area, just a step up, are the dining room and a kitchen equipped with a breakfast bar, a built-in bookshelf, and a study nook. Additional common areas include a game area, a family room, and a loft. Bedrooms in the house are notably spacious, featuring generous windows that continue the theme of natural light and scenic views. The bathrooms have retained their original charm, remaining largely untouched since the home's construction. The property is further distinguished by a large outdoor deck and various seating areas designed for enjoying the waterfront views, extending the living space outdoors and embracing the coastal environment. Located at 3009 Beachcomber Drive, the home offers direct access to the beach, presenting a unique opportunity to own a piece of well-preserved midcentury modern design in a coveted California coastal setting. This property serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of midcentury architecture, showcasing how thoughtful design can integrate with natural landscapes. The emphasis on natural materials like wood and cork, combined with the extensive use of glass, reflects the architectural trends of its era. The inclusion of a conversation pit and built-in elements speaks to a design philosophy focused on comfort, functionality, and social interaction within the home. The untouched nature of certain elements, particularly the bathrooms, offers a glimpse into the original aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciate authentic period details. The overall presentation underscores the home's value as both a historical artifact and a functional living space, ideally suited for its scenic location. #MidcenturyModern #BeachHouse #MorroBay #CaliforniaRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #CoastalLiving #HomesForSale #HistoricHome

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

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 distinctive octagon-shaped residence situated on Fire Island, Long Island, has been listed for sale at $1.775 million. This unique property, constructed with a cedar exterior, offers expansive 180-degree panoramas of the Great South Bay, complemented by two levels of wraparound decking. Located at 95 West Lighthouse Walk in Kismet, a community known for its tranquil atmosphere on the western edge of Fire Island, the home is conveniently positioned near the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse. While presently configured as a single-family dwelling, the property offers the flexibility to be divided into three distinct units. The ground floor features an octagon-shaped room currently serving as an art studio, complete with sliding glass doors that provide direct access to the outdoor deck. An external hallway leads to additional sections of this level, which include a functional workshop equipped with laundry facilities, two bedrooms, and a combined eat-in kitchen and living area. The second level houses an elegant great room that integrates an eat-in kitchen and an alcove dining space, alongside direct access to the upper deck. This room is characterized by a wood-beamed ceiling, a fireplace encased in marble, and warm wood flooring, contributing to a refined aesthetic. The master bedroom, designed with an angled layout, includes two windows and sliding glass doors that open onto an outdoor balcony. A notable architectural feature in this room is the rising ceiling, which culminates in an octagon shape, allowing natural light to filter through strategically placed small windows. The master bathroom is brightly lit and appointed with both a bathtub and a standing shower. This floor also accommodates three additional bedrooms, one of which is currently utilized as a home office. These rooms are distinguished by light wood-paneled ceilings and integrated lighting. Furthermore, this level contains two full bathrooms and an additional laundry room, enhancing the home's functionality and convenience. The property's location offers prime access to both the Great South Bay and the Kismet beachfront, as well as the Fire Island Ferry. Kismet is recognized for its family-friendly environment and relative tranquility compared to other areas of Fire Island. Residents and visitors can enjoy local amenities such as the beach, a playground, tennis courts, and dining options including The Kismet Inn and Surf’s Out, both located on the bayside. The listing for 95 West Lighthouse Walk is managed by Irene Rallis of Douglas Elliman, presenting an opportunity for a unique coastal living experience. #FireIsland #OctagonHome #BayViews #LuxuryRealEstate #LongIsland #CoastalLiving #Kismet #DouglasElliman #UniqueArchitecture

This article details the transformation of a four-bedroom California bungalow on Sydney's Lower North Shore, owned by designer Jennie Cadman of Periwinkle Interiors. The renovation was undertaken to accommodate her growing family, which includes her husband and four children, aged between two and 12. Despite having completed a renovation on their previous home nearby, it proved insufficient for their needs, prompting the family to acquire this bungalow in 2018. The property was appealing due to its 'great bones,' featuring high ceilings, spacious bedrooms, a predominantly single-level layout, and a generous backyard. Previous owners had also effectively utilized the attic space, converting it into an additional bedroom and a family room. However, the bungalow presented challenges, particularly its dark and inefficient floor plan in the 1990s addition. This section included a bedroom and laundry overlooking the garden, a space Jennie felt was better suited for a living area. A significant issue was the lack of kitchen bench space, compelling Jennie to prepare meals on the stovetop. To address these functional shortcomings and improve the home's flow, the family engaged architect Adam Hampton of Hampton Architecture in 2019. Their primary goals were to design a new extension with a living area that maximized garden views, reconfigure the misplaced bedroom, and incorporate an ensuite for their eldest child, who needed a private bathroom. Today, the renovated home features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that occupies almost the entire left side of the house. A distinct sitting room is situated between this open-plan space and the entry, while the main bedroom suite and family bathroom are located to the right of the entry. The children’s bedrooms now overlook the backyard, and the pitched roof of the upper level houses a study and a family room. The kitchen, designed as the central hub, connects seamlessly to the new living room and the backyard. A notable architectural feature of the extension is its pitched roofline, which mirrors the original front facade and achieves an impressive height of approximately 4 meters, enhanced by skylights, to create an expansive and airy feel. Innovative design choices include a 1.4x1.1-meter cool room in place of a traditional fridge, providing an efficient way to store groceries. Jennie also specifically requested that all storage be below bench height, accommodating her stature. In the dining area, French doors were added, opening onto a deck overlooking the front garden and pool, with a sheltered sitting area beneath. Windows in the children’s bedrooms were enlarged, and the attic family room gained a balcony to further integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The main bedroom was reconfigured to enlarge both the ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The interior design, largely overseen by Jennie, showcases a bold navy blue palette, particularly prominent in the sitting room through artworks and soft furnishings. This is contrasted with vibrant pops of red and orange, seen in a Knoll ‘Womb’ chair and a patchwork kilim in the dining area. Jennie intentionally created a contrast between formal and informal spaces, with the casual living room being bright and airy, and the sitting room designed to be darker and more intimate. Texture plays a crucial role, with materials such as a linen modular sofa, linen curtains, timber floors, tongue-and-groove joinery, a concrete plinth, and a marble coffee table in the family room. The main bathroom features smooth marble, while the kitchen employs dolomite for benchtops and splashbacks, complemented by walnut veneer and brass finishes. Jennie identifies the sitting room as her favorite space, appreciating its cozy and enveloping atmosphere. #CaliforniaBungalow #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalExtension #OpenPlanLiving #NavyInteriors #CathedralCeilings #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving

The Hancock Park residence of Dean Tavoularis, an Academy Award-winning production designer known for his work on films such as the 'Godfather' trilogy, 'Bonnie and Clyde,' 'Zabriskie Point,' and 'Apocalypse Now,' is now available for purchase. This 1933 Spanish Colonial Revival home, listed at $2.199 million, is being offered for the first time in five decades. The property showcases an abundance of visually striking details, reflecting Tavoularis's professional background. Upon entering the property through its gate, visitors encounter a courtyard featuring a sumptuously tiled fountain and an arched arcade, leading to a porte-cochere. A coffered wood door opens into a formal entry area distinguished by painted tile and wrought-iron grilles. The formal dining room, situated to the right of the entry, boasts intricately detailed moldings and a stained glass picture window. To the left, the living room is adorned with carved plaster beams and a tiled fireplace, complete with a carved wood mantelpiece. The kitchen seamlessly blends period tile and cabinetry with modern appliances and includes a breakfast nook featuring a semi-circular built-in banquette. The 3,500-square-foot residence comprises five bedrooms and five bathrooms. A notable bathroom is rendered in a seafoam green hue, equipped with matching built-in dressers, a tiled pedestal sink, and a wall phone, which appears to be an addition from the 1980s. The master suite features coved ceilings, curved built-in shelving, and an adjoining sitting room with a marble fireplace. These design elements collectively contribute to the home's distinctive aesthetic, which aligns with Tavoularis's expertise in creating compelling visual environments. The property is listed by Scott Lander and Matt Berkley of Deasy Penner Podley. #HancockPark #LosAngelesRealEstate #SpanishColonialRevival #LuxuryHomes #DeanTavoularis #ProductionDesignerHome #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalDetails

This blog post showcases a Federal-style row house located at 45 Willow Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. The residence, dating back to circa 1824, maintains a picturesque exterior characterized by a Flemish bond brick facade and dormer windows, preserving its 19th-century aesthetic. The property holds historical significance as the long-time home of renowned landscape architect Alice Recknagel Ireys, who grew up there and later established her practice within the house. Ireys was known for her diverse landscape designs, including public housing projects, playgrounds, and notably, the Fragrance Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which she created for the visually impaired in the 1950s. She resided at 45 Willow Street until her passing in 2000. Inside, the house presents a blend of historical elements and contemporary renovations. Original features from the early 19th century, such as the newel post, stair, and moldings in the double parlors, are still present. Modern conveniences include a small powder room cleverly integrated into a closet and a butler’s pantry at the rear, equipped with a sink and wine fridge, offering direct access to the garden. The main kitchen and dining room are situated on the garden level, featuring a glass wall that provides views of the meticulously designed garden. The garden itself is a key highlight, maintaining its original two-tiered layout conceived by Ireys. A recent restoration undertaken by RKLA Studio enhanced this outdoor space with the addition of two curved staircases, facilitating a seamless connection between the parlor and garden levels. The upper two floors of the residence accommodate five bedrooms, three of which feature mantels, and each floor includes a full bathroom. A compact, windowed home office overlooks the garden, offering a serene workspace. The property's financial history indicates it last sold in 2006 for $4.495 million, and it was periodically on and off the market in 2017. Currently, the house is listed for $7.495 million, represented by Ravi Kantha, Matthew Lesser, Gian Mitchell, and Cameron LeCates from Leslie J. Garfield. This offering provides an opportunity to acquire a home that combines historical architecture, thoughtful interior updates, and a professionally designed garden with a notable legacy. #BrooklynHeights #FederalStyle #RowHouse #HistoricHome #AliceIreys #LandscapeArchitecture #RealEstate #LuxuryHomes #BrooklynRealEstate

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