House of the Day: 414 Vanderbilt Avenue
This one’s gonna be a tough sell. This four-story brownstone at 414 Vanderbilt Avenue is unfortunately an example of the seller (and recent renovator) being out of touch with the market. Not on price (though that’s clearly too high) but in terms of aesthetics. Let’s face it, most people looking to drop $2,490,000 on a…
This one’s gonna be a tough sell. This four-story brownstone at 414 Vanderbilt Avenue is unfortunately an example of the seller (and recent renovator) being out of touch with the market. Not on price (though that’s clearly too high) but in terms of aesthetics. Let’s face it, most people looking to drop $2,490,000 on a house in Fort Greene want some historic charm, or if they want modern, they want something truly modern (in a modernist sense). They don’t want a McMansion chic. And that, unfortunately, is what this place is. We foresee some big price reductions on this one.
414 Vanderbilt Avenue [Warren Lewis] GMAP P*Shark
Oh, and if the owners see this: are you selling that floral couch? I like it.
It looks like it wouldn’t give the kids lead poisoning, and it has central air. Those are not bad things. I wish the walls were a tasteful blood red like the Mill Basin home, but que sera sera.
Oh now, enough with the recessed lighting things. All the $20 million houses in Manhattan have recessed lighting. People with important art on the walls don’t aim a table lamp at it. I’ve been inside amazing, very tasteful and historic Manhattan townhouses that have recessed lighting. If it doesn’t look good in an interior then it’s not the lighting it’s something else done badly. Or there’s too many of the lights and they’re not placed correctly so they stick out too much. I also think you need very high ceilings with them so they aren’t the first thing you see, glaring into your eyes, when you walk in the room.
What makes Brownstoner think people who can afford $2 million plus townhouses have taste? Everything I have seen argues against it.
I’ve never had strong feelings about recessed lighting until I saw this listing……
this is not my taste, but it’s a lot of space and totally re-done, so you don’t have to do the hard stuff.
i’m not sure that everyone out there would be so bummed out to have outdoor space, a/c, big master bathroom and new everything it seems.
must suit someone who doesn’t want to renovate and needs rental income.
personally, i think that if you re-did the paint and added your own furniture, it could be just fine. i could see this going either more antique or more modern.
in reference to the price, i haven’t a clue in this death market.
I find it quite amusing, the tone, that is on this site. I frequently read but never opined. As a manhattanite, I am shocked by how nice and friendly you BROOKLYN folk have expressed yourselves. Brownstoner you either had a bad wallstreet day or simply did not get laid, sorry. I have seen some horrendous brooklyn properties over the last few years and sorry to say this is not one of them. The kitchen may need some updating but the rest is just fine. I looked at the house on greene avenue which sold for 2.3 and this one blows it away and I believe you were very excited as it was good for the comps. This is a 4000sq property which I believe is larger than most with greater potential. They will get the price or maybe higher.
I think this house will sell very quickly. Keep in mind the furniture is not for sale just the house. Looked at the floor plan and the house seems to be very well distributed in terms of space. Two high rental income units would suit me anytime. But, I can’t afford this, anyway. Walked through that block many times, especially on Sundays, and it strikes as an OK block. I am sure someone outthere will love this house.
1842…you’re right. I wonder what they covered up. Did they only do it to put those high hats in??