It’s only appropriate that this property was originally intended as a respite from work. When American philanthropist Alfred White oversaw the construction of this Gothic townhome in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1878, he envisioned it as a humble “workingman’s cottage” for locals who might describe themselves as such. It would stand as one of 34 individual homes known as the Warren Mews, and behind each front door would be a central staircase connecting three stories.

Before: Front Parlor

After: Front Parlor

When the current owner of this townhome came across it, the theme remained the same. She’s a television and film producer who works between Los Angeles and New York, and was seeking a cozy hideaway in her off-hours. The mews were still on a quiet pedestrian street, and its modest 11-foot by 30-foot frame still spread across three floors. But it needed a modern eye that respected its historical details. The owner could think of no better architect for the job than principal Elizabeth Roberts.

Before: Stair Hallway

After: Stair Hallway

“Though the building seemed like it was in decent shape, the walls were hiding many years of neglect and unfortunate renovations,” Roberts says, who owns a namesake firm renowned for its old-meets-new preservations. “The owner wanted us to restore a classic New York feeling that would capture the romance of the mews.”

The existing floor plan had two bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths, and the renovation would consolidate the bedrooms into one primary suite. To do so seemed straightforward enough, but in a building that’s more than a century old, that wasn’t the case. The foundation and roof had a multitude of problems, and the electrical and plumbing systems were in various states of disarray. In all, “the infrastructure was completely modernized,” Roberts says. “The house was fully renovated down to the brick and floor joists, and even much of that had to be replaced along with other architectural elements, including a newly arranged stairway connecting the three floors.”

Before: Kitchen

After: Kitchen

But in the midst of all this updating, Roberts also wanted to ensure that the project maximized the home’s 960 square feet and provided the comfort of a much larger footprint. “Tucking the powder room under the stairs is a good example of spatial economics—there is just enough room to clear your head under the steps,” she says. “The house practically has no hallways, too, because every room hinges off the stairway.” In the living area, open shelves and a marble countertop accommodate a wine fridge and coat storage, while in the dining area, bench seating and a pivoting light fixture comfortably fits six. “There’s even room for air conditioning ductwork and grills,” she adds.

Shop the Look

Before: Dining Room

After: Dining Room

As for the interior design, Roberts looked to the mew’s surroundings for inspiration that would be “refined but not fussy,” blending perennial details with trending vignettes. On the garden level, saturated greens and bright whites accentuate the leaves and sunlight in the windows, which complement the lighter greens and cream colors in the upper levels. “Natural woods unite the palette throughout in furniture and architectural elements,” Roberts says.

Before: Bedroom

After: Bedroom

Since the renovation’s completion last year, the modern features seem to fit like a new chapter to an old story. The owner once again has a place to retreat after a long day, and Roberts can feel a sense of pride at her own job well done. “The mews are rich with architectural history, and restoring one in a way that lives up to its charm is a challenge the team and I welcomed,” she says.

Before: Bathroom

After: Bathroom

More Before & After:

A Super Skinny Row House in Brooklyn Gets an Airy, Loft-Like Makeover

A Narrow Row House in Brooklyn Stretches for the Sun

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Elizabeth Roberts Architects / @elizabeth_roberts_architects
Builder: Reid Build Consultancy, LLC
Structural Engineer: Gasbarro Structural Engineering, PLLC
Sound Engineer: AMS Systems
Other: Architectural Atlantic Stairs Inc.
Other: D'Antonio Consulting Engineers

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Before & After: A 19th-Century Townhouse in Brooklyn Is Exquisitely Restored