duplex
We always have a tough time coming to grips with co-ops and condos that have been carved out of brownstones. Regardless of the attractiveness of the apartment in question, our mind immediately jumps to how nice a house one could get further out for the same dough. Which really isn’t the point. There are plenty of people who’d rather have a smaller place in a more convenient or gentrified area. So what about this place? We think the interior decorating is working against this listing. The Ethan Allen look makes the space feel crowded and cramped–as do the apparently sloping ceilings in the bedroom on the top floor. The saving grace on that count is the living room which appears to have cathedral ceilings. The apartment, which does not have outdoor space, is 1,600 square feet. The asking price: $1,100,000. Not for us, but not a crazy price, considering that $2.2 million would be reasonable for an entire house in the area. Of course, then you’d also have a yard and wouldn’t have to get someone else’s permission if you wanted to pain the hallways.
363 Henry Street [Prudential Douglas Elliman] GMAP P*Shark


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. The point is bensonhurst or sheepheadbay or gravesend or bayridge are not just a few more minutes away from NYC, they are MUCH further out in Brooklyn. Yes I HAVE been to all these area and they are too far from where I work (Wall Street) to consider living in any of them.

    It’s not a safety concern, it’s a matter of finding an area with a decent commute AND nice looking historical buildings. On both counts the places you mentioned fall short. Same with Queens, just too far away.

  2. I couldn’t agree more with 4:03. My boyfriend and I lived in a brownstone co-op for over 11 years before owning my own home and I will say that it’s a good stepping stone for understanding exactly how much ongoing maintenance there is in a house that old. It’s never finished, even with the most diligent shareholders and sometimes it’s better to learn when you can lean on the shoulders of those more experienced and/or just spread the work around. You’ll see Brownstoner, you haven’t been in your house that long . . .

  3. My husband and I currently own a good size townhouse. It’s just the two of us, and we’re seriously considering downsizing. We don’t need all the space, and the maintenance on a 150-year old house gets to be a bit much.

    I don’t like this apartment, but this kind of place, better-done, is a thousand times more appealing than virually all the new construction out there.

    Not everyone wants or needs a house, regardless of price!