The National's Aaron Dessner Puts Ditmas Park House on Market for $2.35 Million
The shingle house at 236 Stratford Road in Ditmas Park has a porch swing, two-car garage and recording studio. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about it is the identity of the seller, The National’s guitarist Aaron Dessner. Technically in Beverly Square West, though many would call it Ditmas Park, the house cost Dessner $735,000…
The shingle house at 236 Stratford Road in Ditmas Park has a porch swing, two-car garage and recording studio. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about it is the identity of the seller, The National‘s guitarist Aaron Dessner.
Technically in Beverly Square West, though many would call it Ditmas Park, the house cost Dessner $735,000 when it he bought in 11 years ago, in 2004, from sellers who had lived there for decades.
He renovated extensively, and it shows, with a relaxed organic-modern feel. The just-renovated exterior has cedar siding, Ipe on the porch and a porch swing.
Inside, there are original parquet floors, early electric light fixtures, a tiger oak staircase, paneling and stained glass windows. The fireplace in the living room works.
The kitchen has wood countertops and the bathrooms have classic white subway tile.
Dessner did some of the work himself, including stripping the dining room fireplace and demolition. In fact, the latter sent him to the hospital with a collapsed lung, according to a story in the Post from 2011.
The house is divided into a two-family — The National lead singer Matt Berninger was renting upstairs — but could easily be turned into a one-family. At the moment, it’s configured as a four-bedroom duplex over a two-bedroom simplex.
If a buyer turned it into a one-family, the sprawling downstairs could easily accommodate a double parlor, dining room, and library. Upstairs there is room for six bedrooms.
The two-car garage is currently set up as a recording studio, designed by Dessner’s brother-in-law and architect Ole Sondresen. Presumably Dessner will be taking the expensive equipment with him but the buyer can still brag The National recorded most of High Violet and Trouble Will Find Me in the garage, and singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten recorded her album Tramp there as well.
His twin brother and bandmate Bryce owns a house down the street and their sister Jessica used to book bands at popular nearby bar Sycamore.
The ask is $2,350,000. Worth it? What do you think of the house?
[Listing: 236 Stratford Road | Broker: Brooklyn Hearth Realty | Top photo: Kim Metso | Photos: Brooklyn Hearth Realty] GMAP
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I’m a little surprised that this cost $735k back in 2004. Correct me if I’m wrong, but couldn’t you get a brownstone in need of work in in Fort Greene or Prospect Heights for this much back then?
Although I do remember hearing about wealthy Syrian Jews buying up houses back in the day in and around Midwood?
I guess he wanted a house with a garage. Probably tough to find one in Ft Greene or Prospect Heights.
3x price inflation for 10 years, that’s not bad.
My question is, will he earn more from his music career, or from his real estate investment?
It’s lacking something – not sure what though.
Whatever hipster. Go oil your beard! 😉
Yes, i realize its far from Midwood. I was just surprised it cost so much back then. Plus the garage added a premium.
UM, the LOL may be on you… Yes, it is its own hood, but this is VERY close to where all the wealthy mentioned above leave on Ocean Parkway.
hipster dad rock – music you listen to while drinking merlot and flipping through the new yorker.