108 8th Avenue

108 8th Avenue is among Brooklyn's most spectacular homes. This house boasts scale, size and detail rarely found in a private home today. Built in 1900, this historic mansion is filled with filigreed mahogany woodwork, intricate original wood floors, delicately carved mantels and stained glass from world-renowned artists.

Renovated and modernized by the current owner, the house still retains its elegance and charm.

As you enter this limestone townhouse, built in the French Renaissance and Beaux Arts style, a floor-to-ceiling glass-and-wrought-iron entry wall provides a view of the home's splendor. An ornate mirrored mantel with gas-burning fireplace sits diagonally across intricately carved mahogany newel posts at the foot of a center staircase. Continue into the sitting area before entering the oak Drawing Room (built as the Billiards Room).

Original wainscoting surrounds the room, which is anchored by a large oak and tile mantel and outfitted with Tiffany light fixtures on either side. Behind it sits the breakfast room, part of the two-level chef's kitchen. An outdoor terrace comfortably fits a small group for al fresco dining.

A powder room and closets for coats and storage are the final touches on this floor.

While you ascend the extra wide mahogany staircase to the parlor floor, look up and see the magnificent original stained glass skylight. Continue up and be transported to the gracious living of a by-gone era where Martin Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence" and HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" have used these rooms to capture the opulent living of those times. The formal dining room, with its soaring wood-coffered ceilings, original wall tapestries, and an elaborately carved mahogany buffet, will inspire grand plans for the gathering of friends at dinner parties.

A massive mahogany and Spanish marble mantel with a gas burning fireplace will encourage guests to linger long after dinner for cognac and chocolates. Off in the corner, a small nook surrounded by extraordinary leaded and stained glass windows, is perfect for contemplative musings.

Move into the Music Room for an after-dinner recital where the original crystal chandelier, along with petite "chandeliers" hanging in the four corners of the 15' high ceiling, shed light on the extraordinary plaster detail, original parquet wood floors, and mirrored fireplace.

Back to the dining room, a barely discernible original wood door leads to the duplex-level chef's kitchen, which features two sets of large stained glass windows from the studios of Frank Lloyd Wright (the Coonley Playhouse Triptych, "Balloons & Confetti"), along with handcrafted cabinetry and storage that fully utilize the extra height of the ceilings. A small Juliet balcony off the kitchen gives the chef a place for respite.

The house's stately proportions continue up to the next floor into the library, with its wall of wood bookshelves (with traditional library ladder), and an impressive tiled mantel.

A magnificently appointed pass-through area complete with intricately carved woodwork, built-in drawers and closets (some entirely cedar), a mirrored changing area, and a classic marble sink links the master bedroom and the library. The master bedroom, with its own mahogany mantel and fireplace, includes a large marble bathroom complete with a steam shower, multiple nozzles, a bidet, and a deep soaking tub for two, perfectly located for sunset baths.

The top floor of the house boasts an additional bedroom with an en suite bath outfitted with the most luxurious blue marble tiles intended to convey the essence of the beach and ocean. To the rear of this floor is a home office with a wall of built-in shelves and file drawers, and a large custom-made curved wood desk positioned for creative inspiration as it overlooks its own outdoor deck.

Outside you will find breathtaking views and an ideal space to grow herbs and vegetables. Included on this floor are an additional full bath, a full-sized vented laundry room, and a walk-in cedar closet. Stairs lead to a roof deck with sweeping and dazzling city views for entertaining friends.

Down to the garden level, with its own private entrance, the front area is outfitted with a living suite, complete with a full-sized bedroom, sitting area, a full bath and a sauna forming the perfect guest or au pair suite.

The rest of this floor is currently used as a game room with ample space to accommodate billiards and ping pong, and can be easily converted to a large bedroom with living space. Next to it is a mudroom that leads to another full bath and an outside sitting area/yard. An internal spiral staircase leads up to the breakfast room and kitchen levels.

A fully functioning mechanical dumbwaiter begins on this level (site of the house's original kitchen) and reaches up to the master bedroom suite. A storage room designed for bicycles also can be found on this floor. A wine cellar is tucked into the rear of the full sized open basement below, which has ample headroom making it suitable for storage or easily adapted for additional recreational space.

This stately and timeless house, with its beautifully proportioned rooms that include 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 baths, and 3 outdoor decks combines intimacy and palatial splendor.

It is equipped with multi-zoned central air and acoustic stereo sound systems. To a fortunate and discerning buyer who appreciates gracious living, this house presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Located in central Park Slope, perennially considered one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the country, this house is only one block away from majestic Prospect Park and the weekly Farmers' Market at Grand Army Plaza. The cultural charms and treasures of the area, which include the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum, are a few blocks away.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the Barclay's Center are nearby and easily accessible. Also close by are the area's finest public and private schools, public transportation, and parking garages. Restaurants and shopping are one block away on 7th Ave, and nearby along 5th Avenue.

This house reflects the efforts of artisans and masters of their craft in its restoration, including: Ron Di Donno Architects, Ernest Porcelli/Glass Art of Brooklyn, and Joseph Guido/Foro Marble.

Viewings are by appointment only.

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