44 Willow Place (The Corcoran Group)
Seemingly every time CityRealty presents a list of recent celebrity listings, the post includes at least one luminary living in Brooklyn Heights. Between spectacular views of Manhattan, beautiful architecture that was instrumental in its designation as the city's first protected historic district, and a rich history, Brooklyn Heights has become one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the borough. The New York Times also points out that while West Village townhouses are surrounded by entertainment venues, restaurants, and boutiques, Brooklyn Heights is still highly residential and more cloistered than Manhattan, making it an appealing prospect for celebrities seeking privacy.
Sometimes in Brooklyn Heights, the houses themselves attract as much attention as their owners. When Amy Schumer bought her townhouse earlier this year, the purchase attracted attention for both the buyer and the fact that it was used for exteriors in the popular movie Moonstruck. At the opposite end of the neighborhood, the Mid-Century Modern design of 44 Willow Place makes it an immediate standout among the turn-of-the-century brownstones that put the neighborhood on the map.
The listing for 44 Willow Place points out that it is one of only three Landmarks-approved modern townhouses in the entire neighborhood. All three were designed by Joseph and Mary Merz, a couple known as both architects and preservationists, after they purchased four empty lots at city auction in 1963. The Merzes lived and worked at 48 Willow Place, and 44 Willow Place was built for Ron and Hortense Clyne. Mr. Clyne’s graphic design career spanned over 500 album covers for Folkways Records, and he brought his artistic eye to his house's interiors as well. The house is back on the market for $5,850,000.
This architectural masterpiece was recently renovated with a new roof, new floors, a Sonos sound system, and a new all-electric zoned HVAC system. However, with the Brooklyn Heights Promenade practically on its doorstep, the location could not possibly be improved upon. The house is down the street from Adam Yauch Park (another design by the Merzes) and directly upstairs from Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Piers 5 and 6. Trader Joe’s Brooklyn is a short walk from the building; those who’d prefer to eat out are in close proximity to local hot spots like Clover Hill, River Deli, Dellarocco’s Brick Oven Pizza, and L’Appartement 4F.
↓ The modern stone and glass facade sets 44 Willow Place apart at streetscape.
44 Willow Place, #TH (The Corcoran Group)
↓ The Court Street N/R/W and Borough Hall 2/3 trains are a short distance away, but the house has a one-car garage.
↓ Enter to a dining room facing west over the private garden.
↓ The kitchen features custom built ash cabinetry, polished Pietra Vivia marble counters, and a 42-inch Aga stove.
↓ One flight up, the main living room has a wall of custom shelving as well as garden views.
↓ The two built-in desks were installed when the house was built, but are ideal for today’s work-from-home arrangements.
↓ Two bedrooms, one of which can be used as a home gym, are located on the lower level along with a utility room and a new bathroom.
↓ The top floor is devoted to a primary suite with two walk-in closets and a washer/dryer.
↓ The primary bath features Workstead lighting, a double vanity, and an enormous walk-in shower.
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Michelle Mazzarella
Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City
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