Step Into a Grand 1899 Brownstone in New York Featuring a Flexible Owner’s Duplex and Income-Producing Units

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Built in 1899, this historic brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, is a rare gem reflecting classic architectural style from the late 19th century. The four-story, legal three-family home retains its original character and charm, featuring grand design elements typical of the era. Owned by the same family for 50 years, it offers expansive living spaces including a flexible owner’s duplex. Situated between Bedford and Nostrand Avenues, it provides easy access to cultural hotspots and public transit (A, C, G trains). Priced at $2,100,000, this property invites renovation to modernize while preserving its heritage, ideal for investors or those seeking a dream Brooklyn residence.

Home Plan

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

The layout consists of a basement, four floors, each with defined functional spaces. The basement is an open 20′ by 40′ area with stairs leading up. The first floor offers a large living room area measuring 18’4″ by 24’2″, a kitchen and dining area combined at 11’1″ by 12’7″, a small bathroom, and a storage space near the entrance. The second floor contains two bedrooms, one larger (11’9″ by 23’10”) and one smaller (14’9″ by 14’1″), a bathroom, and closets. The third and fourth floors share similar layouts, each with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, large closet, and a bathroom, with the fourth floor having an additional small bedroom. The design emphasizes efficient use of space, typical of historic urban American homes.

Historic Brownstone Front

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

A row of classic multi-story brownstone townhouses with distinctive architectural details including ornate cornices and window moldings. The prominent stoops rise from the sidewalk, flanked by black wrought-iron railings and fences, leading to wooden double doors. The façade features textured masonry in warm tones of rust and brick red, showing signs of weathered character and historical patina. Flower pots add touches of color on the stairs, softening the urban streetscape. The buildings’ symmetrical rectangular windows vary slightly in trim and sash styles, reflecting the charm and solid craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Basement Living Area

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

An expansive basement living area lined with a striking exposed brick wall adds warmth and texture. Light wood flooring with varied grain patterns flows the length of the room, complementing mid-century modern styled wooden furniture including a low-profile coffee table, TV console, and armchairs. The seating area is softened with a plush gray rug and neutral-toned sofas adorned with floral patterned cushions. A wooden staircase with classic balusters ascends along one wall, while recessed ceiling lights create an even, bright ambiance, accentuating the clean white walls and the lived-in cozy atmosphere.

Dining Room with Exposed Brick

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Rectangular dining table with a sleek white marble top and dark wooden base sits centrally on a soft, neutral-toned rug. Surrounding it are six modern chairs upholstered in light beige fabric with elegant brass armrests and legs. Exposed reddish-orange brick walls provide an industrial yet warm contrast, featuring a contemporary blue and white abstract painting. The room is illuminated by recessed ceiling lights, and light wood flooring enhances the spacious atmosphere. A small potted palm in a woven basket adds organic texture. An open living area with white armchairs and a wall-mounted TV is visible in the background.

Master Bedroom Interior

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

The room presents a serene and clean aesthetic with bright white walls accented by molding that adds subtle texture and classic charm. Two tall, black-trimmed windows bring natural light into the space, complementing the soft wood flooring beneath. A large, tufted grey upholstered bed is centered on a plush, light-colored rug with a geometric pattern. Matching lamps on chrome stands flank the bed. A dark, ornately carved fireplace mantle contrasts sharply against the white wall, topped by a large modern flat screen television. A potted leafy green plant adds a natural touch to the corner of the room.

Living Room Fireplace

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Spacious living room with high ceilings and white walls complemented by subtle decorative molding. Two tall, narrow windows with black trim allow natural light to brighten the space. The floor is covered with warm-toned wood planks, adding contrast and coziness. A large black fireplace with intricate metal details serves as the room’s focal point, surrounded by white paneling that echoes the room’s traditional architectural style. An exposed white pipe runs across the ceiling, blending modern utility elements with classic design. A wooden door with brass knobs is visible to the side, enhancing the room’s historic ambiance.

Bedroom with Fireplace

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Light wood floors and off-white walls create a soft, airy atmosphere in this spacious bedroom. A dark, traditional fireplace with intricate metal detailing contrasts starkly with the light surroundings, serving as a focal point. The bed, crafted from natural wood, is dressed in neutral-toned linens, blending cream and gray shades. Minimalist, abstract artwork in muted earthy tones hangs above the fireplace and dresser, which is made of matching light wood, complementing the bed’s frame. Tall windows framed by taupe-colored curtains allow natural light to brighten the room and reveal a balcony view. A potted green plant adds a touch of vibrancy.

Living Room Fireplace

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Spacious living area with light wood flooring that complements the bright white walls and ceiling, enhancing natural light from two large windows. A striking black fireplace with intricate detailing serves as a focal point, contrasting with the otherwise minimalist color palette. The room’s tall baseboards and window trims reflect traditional craftsmanship, while an exposed white pipe and ceiling medallion add subtle industrial and vintage character. Classic radiator heating positioned under one window further accentuates the home’s historic charm, blending vintage elements with clean, modern simplicity.

Living Room Seating Area

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

White walls and ceiling with classic molding and a decorative ceiling medallion frame the room. A dark blue vintage fireplace with subtle ornate detailing anchors one wall, above which a modern flat-screen TV is mounted. Light wood flooring brightens the space. Furnishings include a sleek gray leather couch and two matching chairs, surrounding a sturdy wooden coffee table with black industrial wheels. Natural light streams through two large sash windows with black trim, while a vibrant geometric painting between the windows adds a contemporary pop of color. A potted plant introduces natural greenery to the room.

Small Nook by Window

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

A compact space with light natural wood textured flooring contrasts with the bright white walls and ceiling. A single tall window with black trim looks out to brick buildings, hinting at an urban setting. Beneath the window, a small silver radiator adds an industrial touch, complementing the simple architectural lines of the room. The adjacent doorway opens to reveal a glimpse of a similar window and radiator in the next room. The room’s design is minimalist and clean, emphasizing light and airiness while maintaining historical character through the classic window moldings and radiator style.

Compact Kitchen Area

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

The kitchen presents a modest and functional layout with an L-shaped kitchenette. White cabinetry with simple silver knobs is paired with a dark gray countertop, providing contrast in this predominantly neutral, white-walled room. An older white refrigerator and a gas stove with four burners occupy the left and far corners. A single-basin stainless steel sink sits under the cabinets. The floor is covered with beige square vinyl tiles, showing some wear. The ceiling light fixture is a basic round design. An open doorway leads into an adjoining room featuring warm-toned wood flooring and a tall window framed in black, allowing natural light to flow in.

Bathroom Interior

Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Bright bathroom with a simple, clean aesthetic dominated by white and light gray tones. Half walls are tiled in light gray square tiles, while the upper walls are painted white, creating a crisp contrast. A white toilet sits beneath the tiled walls, adjacent to a bath and shower combination with matching white tiles surrounding the tub area. The room includes a classic white pedestal sink. A large window framed in white trim reveals a view of trees and a radiator below, providing natural light and a subtle historic charm. The overall design emphasizes functionality and brightness.

Listing Agent: Christian Florez of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate via Zillow 

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