Astoria's hidden house

Image source: Huffington Post

This week Nancy Ruhling wrote about a hidden Victorian house in Astoria for her “Astoria Characters” column in the Huffington Post and we really couldn’t get enough of this story. It’s not right there on the street, but is behind a commercial business – Teddy’s Florist – on 31st Street near the Ditmars N/Q subway station in Astoria. You can see it from the Ditmars platform, though, but even then it is hidden – not may people look for it (though after the attention it’s gotten, that will likely change).

The history of the house is a bit of a mystery – it was built sometime before 1910 and its address is 22-41 31st Street (GMAP). Good chance it was moved back when 31st Street was being widened to accommodate the new elevated subway. Here’s the aerial view:

You can see that there are more buildings there than you might expect, buildings behind buildings. It all adds to the mystery. And according to Bob Singleton, executive director of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, “There are secret houses and houses in plain view with secrets in Astoria.”

George Halvatzis, of Halvatzis Realty, sometimes shows the property to potential buyers and says, “In my 32 years as a real estate agent in Astoria, I’ve never encountered such a unique property. Detached homes are rare here. This one offers convenience — it’s close to public transportation — and seclusion and privacy. The Victorian details — the pocket doors, the elegant central banister, the entry door and claw-foot tubs — add to the charm.”

We are definitely intrigued.

So head over to the article to read more about this mystery house. It’s a very cool story.

Astoria Characters: The Hidden House [Huffington Post]
Hidden House photoset [Flickr]