Century-old brownstones are belied by contemporary interiors (394 Vanderbilt via Douglas Elliman)
The past few months have given rise to a myth about the mass exodus from New York to the suburbs, but the reality is a bit more nuanced than that. Listings have risen while contracts have fallen in Manhattan, yet things could scarcely be more different in other boroughs; as appraiser Jonathan Miller noted, “The urban-to-suburban story has to be recast as Manhattan-to-suburban.” A report from Douglas Elliman shows that Brooklyn co-op deals climbed 181 percent last month to a total of 138. Brooklyn condo deals also rose by 33 percent with three contracts above $4 million. Additionally, single-family home contracts in Brooklyn came to a total of 128 in August 2020, up from 50 in August 2019.
Townhouse living isn't necessarily most New Yorkers' first choice, but there is a way to experience the best of both worlds. Throughout Brooklyn, a number of historic brownstones have been converted to boutique condominiums with expansive floor plates, state-of-the-art finishes and appliances, and private outdoor space. These are located on tranquil tree-lined blocks, but with easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation.
Townhouse living isn't necessarily most New Yorkers' first choice, but there is a way to experience the best of both worlds. Throughout Brooklyn, a number of historic brownstones have been converted to boutique condominiums with expansive floor plates, state-of-the-art finishes and appliances, and private outdoor space. These are located on tranquil tree-lined blocks, but with easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation.
In this article:
Golden Gates Condos, 573 Gates Avenue
Built in 1931 | Converted in 2019
5 stories | 9 units | 2 availablilities from $539K - $549K
All images of Golden Gates Condos via Nest Seekers
Three blocks from Herbert von King Park, Golden Gates Condos blends traditional brownstone charm with modern Italian design themes. Amenities include a common roof deck, rear garden, and central laundry room.
Apartment #2F faces south and boasts open concept layout, 10' ceilings, oversized double-insulated windows, recessed lighting, central air conditioning, and video intercom. The kitchen is equipped with sleek white-marbled quartz countertops and backsplash, a waterfall peninsula, matte gold fixtures, custom cabinets, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The king-sized bedroom has a large reach-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.
Apartment #2F faces south and boasts open concept layout, 10' ceilings, oversized double-insulated windows, recessed lighting, central air conditioning, and video intercom. The kitchen is equipped with sleek white-marbled quartz countertops and backsplash, a waterfall peninsula, matte gold fixtures, custom cabinets, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The king-sized bedroom has a large reach-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.
695 Monroe Street
Built in 1899 | Converted in 2018
4 stories | 4 units | 3 availablilities from $685K - $999K
All images of 695 Monroe Street via Douglas Elliman
No detail was overlooked in the condo conversion of this handsome brownstone on a tree-lined Bedford-Stuyvesant block. All units feature custom-fabricated walls of windows, efficient layouts, upscale appliances in the open kitchens, and ducted split systems for heating and cooling.
The living area and kitchen are in the northern end of #3, and the bedrooms are at the southern end for extra privacy and light. The master bedroom has a jack-and-jill bath, and the half-bath has a washer/dryer. This unit also comes with a 300-square-foot deeded roof terrace. See floor plan and full details here.
The living area and kitchen are in the northern end of #3, and the bedrooms are at the southern end for extra privacy and light. The master bedroom has a jack-and-jill bath, and the half-bath has a washer/dryer. This unit also comes with a 300-square-foot deeded roof terrace. See floor plan and full details here.
160 Carroll Street
Built in 1900 | Converted in 2020
4 stories | 3 units | 2 availablilities from $2M - $2.3M
Google Streetview of 160 Carroll Street
Interiors via Compass
Following a meticulous gut renovation and building expansion, all units in this beautiful brownstone have been carefully designed with the finest finishes and materials. Features include wide plank wood floors, video intercoms, in-unit washer/dryers, kitchens with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances, and spa-like master baths.
Apartment #2 enjoys incredible natural light from a wall of windows in the open-plan living/dining room. In addition to the living room, the parlor floor houses an open chef's kitchen, a master suite with custom walk-in closet, and a private terrace overlooking surrounding townhouses. The second floor has two south-facing bedrooms with generous closet space, and a second private terrace. A virtual tour is available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
Apartment #2 enjoys incredible natural light from a wall of windows in the open-plan living/dining room. In addition to the living room, the parlor floor houses an open chef's kitchen, a master suite with custom walk-in closet, and a private terrace overlooking surrounding townhouses. The second floor has two south-facing bedrooms with generous closet space, and a second private terrace. A virtual tour is available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
314 Degraw Street
Built in 1920 | Converted in 2020
4 stories | 3 units | 2 availablilities from $2.1M - $2.5M
All images of 314 Degraw Street via Eckstrom NYC
No detail was overlooked in the conversion of 314 Degraw Street, a fully detached 22-foot-wide townhouse on a tree-lined Carroll Gardens street. All units feature unusually large floor plates, triple exposures, in-unit washer/dryers, and custom light fixtures.
The centerpiece of apartment #2, the townhouse's parlor floor, is a working fireplace with a Brazilian soapstone mantle flanked by custom cabinetry. Just off the dining alcove, the chef's kitchen is finished with Shinnoki wood panels, a large island with Caesarstone countertops and backsplash, high-end appliances, and an extra-deep sink with garbage disposal. A 30' hallway leads to a master suite with a custom floor-to-ceiling wall overlooking views of ivy-covered townhouses. See floor plan and full details here.
The centerpiece of apartment #2, the townhouse's parlor floor, is a working fireplace with a Brazilian soapstone mantle flanked by custom cabinetry. Just off the dining alcove, the chef's kitchen is finished with Shinnoki wood panels, a large island with Caesarstone countertops and backsplash, high-end appliances, and an extra-deep sink with garbage disposal. A 30' hallway leads to a master suite with a custom floor-to-ceiling wall overlooking views of ivy-covered townhouses. See floor plan and full details here.
394 Vanderbilt Avenue
Built in 1877 | Converted in 2020
4 stories | 5 units | 5 availablilities from $1.5M - $2.7M
All images of 394 Vanderbilt Avenue via Douglas Elliman
394 Vanderbilt Avenue was crafted within two historic Italianate brownstones built in 1877 by Thomas B. Jackson. All units feature high-end finishes, video intercoms, split air conditioning units, and in-unit washer/dryers.
This expansive duplex home features tall white art walls, soaring ceilings and gorgeous engineered 5-inch-wide oak floors throughout. Just off the large living/dining area, the open kitchen boasts gleaming white subway tile, black granite countertops, and high-end appliances. The lower level is ideal for a home office or gym, and the extra-large rear yard comes with a private patio and turf lawn. See floor plan and full details here.
This expansive duplex home features tall white art walls, soaring ceilings and gorgeous engineered 5-inch-wide oak floors throughout. Just off the large living/dining area, the open kitchen boasts gleaming white subway tile, black granite countertops, and high-end appliances. The lower level is ideal for a home office or gym, and the extra-large rear yard comes with a private patio and turf lawn. See floor plan and full details here.
574 Washington Avenue
Built in 1899 | Converted in 2020
3 stories | 4 units | 5 availablilities from $1.7M - $2.2M
All images of 574 Washington Avenue via Compass
574 Washington Avenue is an Italianate brownstone dating back to the end of the 19th century and masterfully converted to four remarkable condominiums. Apartment #2 opens up to a 630-square-foot private rear yard with outdoor fireplace, grill, and room for dining and lounging areas. Interiors feature high ceilings, dual-pane windows, hardwood floors, and incredible light from eastern exposures. The chef's kitchen comes outfitted with high-end appliances. The bedrooms are at the opposite end of the apartment for optimal privacy and enjoy generous closet space. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
917 St. Mark's Avenue
Built in 1905 | Converted in 2020
4 stories | 4 units | 2 availablilities from $1.1M - $1.2M
All images of 917 St. Mark's Avenue via Compass
917 St. Mark's Avenue is an impeccably maintained prewar building with a collection of contemporary condominiums behind its historic facade. All apartments feature expansive floor-through layouts and modern amenities. Each unit has a deeded storage room in the basement.
One flight up, unit #2 opens up to a south-facing living/dining area with recessed lighting, hardwood floors, and a dining alcove that can be used as a home office or a third bedroom. The windowed kitchen is beautifully designed with custom Italkraft cabinetry, white marble countertops and a Bosch appliance package. The ultra-private master suite boasts treetop views, two large closets, and bath with deep soaking tub. See floor plan and full details here.
One flight up, unit #2 opens up to a south-facing living/dining area with recessed lighting, hardwood floors, and a dining alcove that can be used as a home office or a third bedroom. The windowed kitchen is beautifully designed with custom Italkraft cabinetry, white marble countertops and a Bosch appliance package. The ultra-private master suite boasts treetop views, two large closets, and bath with deep soaking tub. See floor plan and full details here.
686 St. John's Place
Built in 1931 | Converted in 2016
4 stories | 4 units | 1 availability for $1.7M
All images of 686 St. John's Place via Douglas Elliman
686 St. John's Place is a fully detached townhouse with tall ceilings and incredible natural light on every floor. It is well located on a tree-lined street with late 19th-century townhouses, and close to Franklin Avenue dining and the 2/3/4/5 trains.
Apartment #2 is a full-floor residence with windows on three exposures. The L-shaped living room opens up to an open chef's kitchen with Caesarstone countertops, Shaker cabinetry, and high-end appliances. Upgrades by the most recent owners include fully integrated smart home technology, custom painting and detailing, custom closets, new pantry, new tiling, designer lighting, new plumbing fixtures, and Roman shades. A private roof deck has been professionally landscaped with an irrigation system, and looks out on sweeping city views. Video and virtual tours are available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
Apartment #2 is a full-floor residence with windows on three exposures. The L-shaped living room opens up to an open chef's kitchen with Caesarstone countertops, Shaker cabinetry, and high-end appliances. Upgrades by the most recent owners include fully integrated smart home technology, custom painting and detailing, custom closets, new pantry, new tiling, designer lighting, new plumbing fixtures, and Roman shades. A private roof deck has been professionally landscaped with an irrigation system, and looks out on sweeping city views. Video and virtual tours are available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
434 Union Street
Built in 1899 | Converted in 2020
4 stories | 3 units | 3 availablilities from $1.5M - $3M
All images of 434 Union Street via Compass
At 434 Union Street, a turn-of-the-century brownstone has been expanded and gut renovated into a boutique condominium with the finest finishes and materials. Residence #1 spans the entire parlor and garden levels of the house and boasts wide plank white oak floors, high ceilings, oversized windows, and expansive walls perfect for large-scale artwork. The gallery flows seamlessly into a chef's kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry, a large island with waterfall edges, Grohe fixtures, and high-end appliances.
All bedrooms are located on the lower level for optimal privacy, and the third bedroom provides access to a large private patio and 914-square-foot backyard. A J51 tax abatement is in effect, and a virtual tour is available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
35 St. Mark's Avenue
Built in 1920 | Converted in 2014
4 stories | 4 units | 1 availability for $1.75M
All images of 35 St. Mark's Avenue via Christie's International Real Estate
In the heart of Park Slope, a century-old brownstone has been masterfully converted to a boutique condominium. The building is a short walk from Prospect Park, 5th Avenue dining and shopping, and the Barclays Center transportation hub.
Apartment #1 is located on the garden and parlor levels of the brownstone. Features include 10' ceilings, hardwood floors, and a slate fireplace. The living room opens up to a private deck, and the lower-level recreation area accesses a large private garden. Video and virtual tours are available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
Apartment #1 is located on the garden and parlor levels of the brownstone. Features include 10' ceilings, hardwood floors, and a slate fireplace. The living room opens up to a private deck, and the lower-level recreation area accesses a large private garden. Video and virtual tours are available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
358 Douglass Street
Built in 1899 | Converted in 2017
4 stories | 4 units | 1 availability for $2.2M
All images of 358 Douglass Street via The Corcoran Group
358 Douglass Street is a completely renovated brownstone converted to a four-unit boutique condominium with a common roof deck and easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation. This beautifully designed duplex boasts a unique layout, dramatic 12' ceilings, a wall of south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, wide-plank, white oak floors, custom window treatments, stylish custom lighting, and zoned central air and heat. The custom kitchen features a large breakfast bar, Caesarstone countertops, and high-end appliances. A large, beautifully landscaped private garden has a terrace for grilling and a bluestone patio. See floor plan and full details here.
The Twine on Park Place, 220 Park Place
Built in 1915 | Converted in 2020
5 stories | 7 units | 4 availablilities from $1.8M - $3.5M
All images of The Twine on Park Place via Douglas Elliman
The Twine on Park Place is an elegant fusion of two landmarked townhouses that combine Old World design with modern craftsmanship and materials. All units feature keyed elevator access, hand-selected rift sawn white oak floors, Marvin windows, multi-zoned heating and cooling, high-end kitchens and baths, virtual doorman, and high-speed CAT6 ethernet with multiple access points.
Apartment #3 boasts a massive floor plan, living/dining room measuring more than 40 feet, soaring ceilings, and incredible natural light through oversized windows with stained glass details. The chef's kitchen features high-end appliances, white quartz countertops, and custom white oak cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.
Apartment #3 boasts a massive floor plan, living/dining room measuring more than 40 feet, soaring ceilings, and incredible natural light through oversized windows with stained glass details. The chef's kitchen features high-end appliances, white quartz countertops, and custom white oak cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
