A Stylishly Renovated 19th-Century Brooklyn Row House Lists For $3.2M
Up and down the tree-lined streets of Brooklyn, rows of 'brownstones' stand as an iconic feature of many neighborhoods in the New York City borough. While not all of these row houses are clad in the eponymous brown stone, each balances a distinctive and congruous character that adds a certain charm to the pedestrian experience of strolling from block to block. Typical of the low-rising facades are bay windows, decorative cornices, and a stoop leading to the front door.
A recent picture of 386 Stuyvesant Avenue in Brooklyn, which was just listed for sale. The largely limestone facade features a brownstone base and a distinctive horizontal stone transom bar above the front door, separating the home from others beside it.
Dozens of row houses throughout Brooklyn were designed by Axel Hedman, a prominent local architect during the late 19th and early 20th-century. In 1899, Hedman completed a span of 10 homes between Decatur St. and Bainbridge St. along Stuyvesant Avenue in the Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood.
Number 386 on this block was recently listed for sale after a renovation by the designer-developer duo of Adam Dahill and Christiaan Bunce. The pair aimed to preserve original details while modernizing the home.
The elegant entryway features all of the original woodwork—making for a grand entrance then and now. Along the staircase, the spindles, banister railing, and treads were all restored to pristine condition.
Throughout the home, thick molding encases the windows and walls. Neo-Renaissance details include fretwork screens, wreath and swag designs carved into the trim, as well as mantels with original mirrors above and other built-ins.
According to the 1971 Stuyvesant Heights Landmark Designation Report, the row of ten homes were built by Eli H. Bishop, a pioneer in the early automobile industry, as an investment. The commission report describes the homes, including the one currently for sale: "These three and one-half story houses are predominantly classical in style, with alternately rounded and polygonal bays extending the full height of the houses balance the elaborately decorated doorways."
The report continues: "Traces of the earlier Romanesque Revival appear in the use of rough-cut stone at the stoops...while the swags and wreaths displayed at the fascias below the cornices are decorative motifs which express the classical and Renaissance influence of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. An interesting treatment of the segmental-arched doorway at No. 386 involves the use of a horizontal stone transom bar with an open transom above."
Ten-foot ceilings run throughout the main floor. The large living room is capped by a characteristic bay window, which also features a decorative stained glass inset and molding finished with designs of swags and wreaths.
The 3,600-square-foot, two-family home encompasses three floors within the main residence, plus an 'in-law' suite or rental space on the ground level. Including the downstairs apartment, a total of six bedrooms, along with three and a half bathrooms, offer space for a growing family. Recent upgrades include a marble-clad kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a 'summer kitchen' off of the backyard garden. Scroll below for a tour of this historic Brooklyn row house, currently listed for $3,195,000.
Behind the living room is a dining space, separated by a columned partition with inset fretwork screens along the top. The original woodwork adds an elegant and stylish look to the space.
Located at the back of the home, an updated kitchen offers modern cabinetry finished in dark, fumed oak with patinated brass inlay. Contrasting with the wood tones is Calacutta Paonazzo marble along the countertops and backsplash.
Another view of the kitchen showing the large window with stained glass clerestory windows. The sunny space overlooks the backyard.
A full-floor master suite occupies the next level up from the living areas. The space is complete with a restored fireplace and bench along the large bay window.
"The window benches in the master bedroom are a particular favorite of mine. The original woodwork in this house is definitely the star of the show," said designer Adam Dahill.
Another view of the bedroom showing the entrance from the hallway staircase, as well as a large pass-through leading to the rest of the master suite.
Former vanities and wash basins have been converted into wardrobes along a pass-through connecting the master bedroom with a sitting room.
At the back of the master suite, a sitting area overlooks the backyard. The large space could also be used as small child's bedroom, although it's directly connected to the master bathroom.
The windowed master bath features Nero Marquina marble flooring, Carrara marble dual sinks, and a glass standing shower. The bath fixtures are nickel plated.
A look at one of three bedrooms on the top level. "This home would be a perfect fit for any buyer, but I can envision a young family that’s looking for an impeccable property in a diverse, historic neighborhood," said Dahill.
A sunny full bathroom is also located on the top level. Many of the same finishes are pull through from the master bathroom, including marble floors and nickel plated finishes.
A fully contained one-bedroom apartment is located on the ground level, typical of many Brooklyn row houses. The space is complete within many of the same finishes and modern upgrades as the rest of the home. A shared backyard is accessible from the apartment and from a 'summer kitchen' built adjacent to the patio. The separate kitchen area is an added convenience when entertaining.
A look at the 'summer kitchen' located off the patio. The small space is an added convenience for the primary home homeowners since there is no direct connection to the patio from the main level.
A view of the backyard, which has been cleaned up with new pavers and fencing.
The current floor plan of this two-family row house.
386 Stuyvesant Avenue is currently listed for $$3,195,000 by Esther Patten of the Ryan & Ryan Team at Compass.
Related Reading
A Sustainable Brownstone Transformation in Brooklyn
7 Brooklyn Row Houses Renovations
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