by Amanda Davis
The weather has finally decided to warm up a little, so I thought we’d stay close to CIRCA headquarters today and celebrate with a great ol’ fixer upper right here in Brooklyn. Special thanks to Magazine reader, Maggie, for sending this great find our way!
This 5-bedroom, 3 ½ bath beauty is located in Bed-Stuy (Bedford-Stuyvesant), and comes with a whopping 4,000 square feet. All yours for $1,699,000 (that’s right — that’s what fixer-uppers go for around here!). Through some digging, I figured out this Renaissance Revival style townhouse is at 259 Decatur Street in the Stuyvesant Heights Historic District. The listing’s 1910 date seemed a little late for some reason, and with a little further research I discovered was right! It was actually built in 1895.
If you look at a street view photo you’ll notice there are similar rounded bay townhouses like this one on the south side of the block. I love that it’s the only one like it on the north side of the block. Makes it easy for your guests to find! Aesthetics and practicality all rolled up into one.
I feel like the photos of this gem speak for themselves, but it’s just too wonderful not to talk about! The inside is just pure spectacular. Oh, the woodwork of over a century ago. If only we could see more of the house: the wood transoms, wide moldings, and beautiful mantels tempt me so! Even though the house is located in an historic district, its interiors aren’t protected (in NYC, landmark designation only protects the outsides of buildings unless the building is specifically designated an interior landmark). I’m always excited when original details survive. Thank YOU, homeowners past.
I can’t get over the entry vestibule (see the photo next to the exterior). That built-in seating and etched glass at the top of the door surround can welcome me home any day of the week and twice on Sunday! And you’d better be ready for your close-up because this is one of at least two places in the house that showcases huge mirrors. I would settle for one of those half that size, but while I’m dreaming about my life in this house, I’ll go ahead and take the two.
Here are some of the other incredible features according to the listing: “Original Details Such As Stainglass Windows, Original Chandeliers, Wood Floors, Mantels, Pocket Window Shutters, Pocket Doors, Moldings, Staircases And Fireplaces Have Been Maintained Throughout…”
If you do buy this beauty, we’d be right around the corner! Your friends at CIRCA sure wouldn’t mind stopping by and ogling your amazing home alongside with you! Just sayin’.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Check out the full listing.
AUTHOR AMANDA DAVIS
Amanda is an historic preservationist living in New York City with a particular fondness for fixer-uppers. She can be spotted checking out quirky historic details here, there, and everywhere in her handmade dresses. Every time Amanda sees a cozy room with large windows and beautiful built-ins she can’t help but imagine her very own sewing nook with oldies music playing in the background.
