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It took some flexibility on price on the part of the sellers, but the Washington Avenue house that Aguayo & Huebener was hawking for much of last year finally closed in February. The buyer? Queer Eye for the Straight Guy‘s food expert Ted Allen (left) and his partner Barry Rice. The pair traded in their three-bedroom Chelsea condo for the grand four-story house. Amidst the negative market sentiment of last fall the sales price of $1.7 million might not have felt like a bargain, but given the location and the incredible level of historic architectural details, we’d say this was money well spent. House-hunting turned out to be a major production for the tv personality and his interior designer partner. The pair looked at more than 50 houses all over Brownstone Brooklyn. Park Slope? Too bustling. Carroll Gardens? Not enough architectural detail. Clinton Hill? Just the right combination of “gorgeously preserved houses” and a “great mix of people.” And despite having to deal with the occasional less-than-honest broker, Allen got addicted to the thrill of the chase: “I’m a total real-estate geek — we go to open houses for entertainment,” he says. “Barry yells at me for reading Brownstoner so much.” Keep on clicking.
Queer Eye’s Ted Allen Pays $1.7M for Brownstone [Big Time Listings]
Washington Avenue Listing [Aguayo & Huebener]


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  1. I wish those that continue to talk about the lack of accessibility to subways in clinton hill would stop talking. I don’t think you realize how stupid you sound, because everyone that actually lives here knows that it’s not the case (A/C train – Clinton/Washington stop, G train – Clinton/Washington stop). Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely inconveniences if you choose to live on the “outskirts” of clinton hill (or, bedstuy under the impression that you live in CH). That however, is what you sign up for when you make that decision.

    And for the record, there were plenty of gay/gay couples (male and female) living in CH before (much like tons of other neighborhoods in BK).

    If you can’t walk 2-3 blocks to the subway, your main concern should be your physical-fitness condition.

  2. That house was around forever but I will admit it looks like gay paradise. Congratulations. The owners were a bunch of old farts and their taste was circa pre gay pink. Ted should do wonders with it. Good riddence.

  3. i think kensington is becoming a haven for gay people as well. a little more off the beaten path and more undervalued than some of the other more talked about neighborhoods.

    i’ve definitely also noticed a resurgence in interest in prime park slope by the gay community.

  4. Loved that house. It’s beautiful, and that’s a damn good price. Considered buying it last spring/summer, but decided it was a bit of a hike to train for us, and hubby really wanted to be in fort greene. Glad someone snatched it up.

  5. If it were more convenient by train, I think Clinton Hill would be a mecca for gay people. I’m wondering if there will be a big influx to lower Bed Stuy (near the A/C) or Crown Heights. Those neighborhoods have less expensive Brownstones than much of Brooklyn, and gay men have historically chosen undervalued neighborhoods that are dicey (like Chelsea).

  6. If it were more convenient by train, I think Clinton Hill would be a mecca for gay people. I’m wondering if there will be a big influx to lower Bed Stuy (near the A/C) or Crown Heights. Those neighborhoods have less expensive Brownstones than much of Brooklyn, and gay men have historically chosen undervalued neighborhoods that are dicey (like Chelsea).

  7. Why would I want to go the west side when I can go to the gay friendly places in the hood – Grand 275, Outpost, etc? Sure there is a young set who want to stagger out of a club and be home in five minutes, but most gay folks I know can’t afford midtown and want what everyone wants – a dog, a rent-controlled tenant to evict, and a contractor to complain about.

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