Hidden treasures on quiet blocks: Brooklyn and Manhattan Brownstones from $1.875M

Monday, Oct 23, 2023 By CityRealty Staff, CityRealty contributor

Brownstones, an omnipresent form of urban living in the Northeast, are distinguished from other rowhouses by their versatile and adaptable facades made of dark-colored soft sandstone. In the 19th century, brownstones gained popularity for their natural and romantic look, aligning with the ideals of the time when New York residents aimed to rival older European capitals. These brownstone buildings exude an aged character, and their facades, with the help of ornate embellishments, make them appear older than they actually are.

However, maintaining brownstone can be challenging due to the stone's porous and layered composition, necessitating regular upkeep. Some brownstone buildings have replaced their stone facades with brownstone-colored veneers. To ensure the soundness of a brownstone building, it is recommended to have an engineer assess it for potential water penetration issues.

Brownstone row in Fort Greene Brooklyn

Today, brownstone buildings can be found in various areas of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and some smaller pockets in The Bronx and Queens. They are often cherished for their original details and spacious interiors. While some brownstones have been divided into multi-family buildings, there's a growing trend of restoring them to grand single-family homes, though this has greatly contributed to the displacement of prior residents.

The best brownstone homes seamlessly blend the building's innate prewar charm and details with modern appliances and amenities, offering today's buyers the best of both worlds. Many brownstone buildings lie in historic districts and from the outside, the stately rows represent more than just a building material; they embody an idea of community and a picturesque neighborhood, evoking a sense of warmth and charm.

Below is a curated list of newly listed brownstone buildings on the market, with asking prices below $5 million.

Manhattan

Perfectly Appointed Townhouse on Pristine Block

261 West 132nd Street, #TH
$3,099,000

Harlem | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 4,160 ft²

261 West 132nd Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to 261 West 132nd Street. This re-imagined 2-family townhome has the perfect blend of original historical details and modern updates. Spanning over 4,000 square feet this home offers a plentitude of living space, both indoor and outdoor, as well as a spacious and fully renovated garden duplex apartment, adding incredible value. See floor plan and full details here.

Queen Anne-style townhouse steps from Central Park

136 Manhattan Avenue, #TH
$4,950,000

Central Park West | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

136 Manhattan Avenue, #NA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Built circa 1886 by the eminent architect C.P.H. Gilbert, 136 Manhattan Avenue is a historic Queen Anne-style townhouse. The owners have created a renovated beautiful and warm single-family home ready for a new family. This 5-story, 17-foot-wide historic townhome was meticulously renovated in 2011. It is currently configured as four bedrooms, a library which could be another bedroom, four and a half baths, and a roomy penthouse. The entire house has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows letting in abundant light everywhere along with a skylight between the 4th and 5th floors. See floor plan and full details here.

Renovated 22.5' Townhouse in the Sugar Hill Historic District

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #TH
$3,450,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,980 ft²

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #TH (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Presenting 850 St. Nicholas Avenue, a majestic and magnificently restored 22.5-foot-wide townhouse designed in 1894 by John C. Burne in a neo-Renaissance style. Located in the heart of Sugar Hill's Historic District - an enclave of Victorian mansions and architecturally significant buildings, the approximately 4,980 square foot home, meticulously renovated in 2017, contains important historic details like ornate wood carvings throughout and basement. See floor plan and full details here.

Renaissance-style Harlem brownstone with roof deck

115 West 120th Street, #TH
$4,900,000 (-2%)

Harlem | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,040 ft²

115 West 120th Street, #Building (Compass)

From the Listing: Located on one of the most coveted tree-lined blocks in South Harlem, one of the most beautiful Renaissance brownstones, this gorgeous 4-story single-family residence features 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 1 magical half bath. The architecturally unique brownstone is approximately 5,200SF and boasts a large garden, a deck on the top floor, and exquisite details throughout, the 20" home has been renovated to perfection while preserving the divine original details, it created a haven for today's lifestyle. See floor plan and full details here.

A seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living

549 West 149th Street, #House
$3,595,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 4,675 ft²

549 West 149th Street, #House (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Nestled on a tree-lined street in the historic enclave of Hamilton Heights, this residence beautifully marries timeless elegance at its front with contemporary allure at its rear. The five-story structure boasts an artistic architectural feature: a 'Kawneer Glass Curtain' styled in the spirit of Mondrian. This innovative design bathes each floor in abundant natural light while offering sweeping vistas of the sky and a meticulously landscaped garden. See floor plan and full details here.

Brooklyn

Rusticated Stuyvesant Heights two-family full of potential

541 Decatur Street, #TH
$1,875,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,221 ft²

541 Decatur Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Charming three-story, two-family Brownstone full of original detail and a modern renovation, on a charming tree-lined block of Stuyvesant Heights. The upper duplex has three bedrooms, two and a half modern renovated baths (one en-suite), a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, split system air-conditioning, high ceilings on a parlor level full of antique detail - gorgeous original millwork around doors, windows frames and archways, original banisters, shutters and wainscot, wood and mosaic mantles, stained-glass in front windows, plaster moldings and medallions, parquet and inlay hardwood floors, original front door and entrance foyer. See floor plan and full details here.

Flawless Contemporary Renovation

433 Monroe Street, #House
$1,999,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,400 ft²

433 Monroe Street, #House (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to 433 Monroe Street, where historic charm meets modern luxury in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant. This meticulously restored 20-foot-wide, 3-story brownstone offers an exquisite living experience for those seeking the perfect blend of space, elegance, and convenience. See floor plan and full details here.

Landmarked 2-Family with Solar Tiles

1113 Bergen Street, #TH
$2,750,000

Crown Heights | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,917 ft²

1113 Bergen Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: The extra special 2-family home you've been waiting for can now be yours in sought-after Crown Heights. Don't wait another day to come view this impeccably-renovated 20' wide landmarked townhouse, blending subdued elegance with luxurious modern elements. See floor plan and full details here.

An Unpolished Diamond

697 Jefferson Avenue, #TH
$2,799,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,024 ft²

697 Jefferson Avenue, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to 697 Jefferson Avenue, a stunning Queen Anne Victorian-style brownstone located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant. This four-family brownstone sits on a 25' 100' lot with three exposures, providing ample sunlight throughout the day. See floor plan and full details here.

Stunning Stuyvesant Heights brownstone with private elevator

221 Macdonough Street, #TH
$2,995,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths

221 Macdonough Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Located on a gorgeous block in the Stuyvesant Heights Historic District, 221 MacDonough Street is a stunning brownstone in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood. This fully renovated home seamlessly blends old-world elegance with modern luxury and offers its own internal elevator, making multi-level living a breeze. Step inside at the top of the stoop and you're greeted by lustrous white oak floors that lead you to an expansive living room with a decorative fireplace mantel. See floor plan and full details here.

263 Madison Street, #TH
$3,150,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 3,360 ft²

263 Madison Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to 263 Madison Street, a meticulously gut-renovated and developer-finished 2-family Brownstone nestled in a quintessential tree-lined street in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Spanning over 3,300 square feet and featuring 20' of width, this picturesque home offers an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, seamlessly blending pre-war historic charm with modern luxury, creating a residence that is as functional as it is beautiful. See floor plan and full details here.

Serenity at the nexus of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene

139 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TWNSE
$3,250,000

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,200 ft²

139 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TWNSE (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: 139 Vanderbilt Avenue is a 20 ft wide Brownstone home renovated in 2023. This grand four-story, two-family townhouse has 5 total bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 3 separate outdoor spaces. Recently updated, this home has the ideal layout as an owners triplex over a garden-level rental apt., while the cellar can be accessed separately from each of the unit. Perched on the penthouse floor, the primary suite is a massive loft-like space with room for a Texas King! See floor plan and full details here.

Leisurely living in the heart of Park Slope

357 11th Street, #TH
$3,495,000 (-6.8%)

Park Slope | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

357 11th Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Experience the elegance of this gracious 4-story, 2-family townhouse on a tree-lined street near Prospect Park and all the attractions that make Park Slope living so desirable. The front stoop leads to the parlor floor of the generous triplex where the owner can comfortably reside. The finely-designed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is classic and modern at once. Gorgeous hardwood floors, a stately main staircase, high ceilings, tasteful moldings, and decorative marble fireplaces mix with contemporary elements like stainless steel Samsung & Bosch appliances, custom built-ins in the living room and kitchen, and stunning marble bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

Brownstone Living Perfected

242 Gates Avenue, #TH
$3,495,000

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

242 Gates Avenue, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: 242 Gates Avenue is an immaculately renovated two-family townhouse that blends modern convenience, stunning original detail, and an incredible interplay of light, texture, and design sensibility. The home is currently configured as a lower garden duplex and an upper triplex, comprising 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, and can easily convert to a single family if desired. See floor plan and full details here.

Carroll Gardens corner townhouse with patio and parking

287 Hoyt Street, #TH
$3,500,000

Gowanus | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,600 ft²

287 Hoyt Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This charming Carroll Gardens corner townhouse is the perfect convergence of everything that you have been looking for; a renovated owner's duplex with central AC, your very own indoor PARKING space, rental income or work-from-home space, low taxes, amazing light, and two private outdoor spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

Prime Prospect Heights Brownstone with Elevator and Sauna

142 Saint Marks Avenue, #TH
$4,995,000

Prospect Heights | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

142 Saint Marks Avenue, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to 142 Saint Marks Avenue, a stunning and luxurious gut-renovated townhouse in prime Prospect Heights featuring 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The incredible gut renovation includes an elevator for ease of access to all 5 levels of the house, a fully finished lower level with sauna and steam room, a private yard, and an impressive roof deck. See floor plan and full details here.

In this article:

INTERVIEW: A chat with Brownstone Brooklyn expert Lindsay Barton Barrett on the Brooklyn townhouse market

Perfectly Appointed Townhouse on Pristine Block

261 West 132nd Street, #TH
$3,099,000

Queen Anne-style townhouse steps from Central Park

136 Manhattan Avenue, #TH
$4,950,000

Renovated 22.5' Townhouse in the Sugar Hill Historic District

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #TH
$3,450,000

Renaissance-style Harlem brownstone with roof deck

115 West 120th Street, #TH
$4,900,000 (-2%)

A seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living

549 West 149th Street, #House
$3,595,000

Rusticated Stuyvesant Heights two-family full of potential

541 Decatur Street, #TH
$1,875,000

Flawless Contemporary Renovation

433 Monroe Street, #House
$1,999,000

Landmarked 2-Family with Solar Tiles

1113 Bergen Street, #TH
$2,750,000

An Unpolished Diamond

697 Jefferson Avenue, #TH
$2,799,000

Stunning Stuyvesant Heights brownstone with private elevator

221 Macdonough Street, #TH
$2,995,000

263 Madison Street, #TH
$3,150,000

Serenity at the nexus of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene

139 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TWNSE
$3,250,000

Leisurely living in the heart of Park Slope

357 11th Street, #TH
$3,495,000 (-6.8%)

Brownstone Living Perfected

242 Gates Avenue, #TH
$3,495,000

Carroll Gardens corner townhouse with patio and parking

287 Hoyt Street, #TH
$3,500,000

Prime Prospect Heights Brownstone with Elevator and Sauna

142 Saint Marks Avenue, #TH
$4,995,000

The Ideal Floor Plan: How to tell if a NYC apartment really works + 25 listings with great layouts

Sublet or pay up? How homeowners could avoid the 2nd-home tax + Luxury listings for rent in condo/co-op buildings

Price Cuts: Andy Warhol’s former townhouse reduced $500K; Sherry-Netherland two-bed slashed 70%

Where to find salvaged architectural materials around NYC + 21 homes with character on the market now

The Emmet Building’s second act: Inside a NoMad landmark reborn as the refined residences of 95 Madison

25 NYC residential buildings with acclaimed in-house restaurants as Polo Bar plans move to 625 Madison

Views, Light, and Value: A Q&A with Kayla Lee on what today’s NYC buyers really want

Flurry of new condos coming to Chelsea include redevelopment of the Corlears School

Hidden treasures on quiet blocks: Brooklyn and Manhattan Brownstones from $1.875M

In this article:

INTERVIEW: A chat with Brownstone Brooklyn expert Lindsay Barton Barrett on the Brooklyn townhouse market

Perfectly Appointed Townhouse on Pristine Block 261 West 132nd Street, #TH$3,099,000

Queen Anne-style townhouse steps from Central Park 136 Manhattan Avenue, #TH$4,950,000

Renovated 22.5' Townhouse in the Sugar Hill Historic District 850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #TH$3,450,000

Renaissance-style Harlem brownstone with roof deck 115 West 120th Street, #TH$4,900,000 (-2%)

A seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living 549 West 149th Street, #House$3,595,000

Rusticated Stuyvesant Heights two-family full of potential 541 Decatur Street, #TH$1,875,000

Flawless Contemporary Renovation 433 Monroe Street, #House$1,999,000

Landmarked 2-Family with Solar Tiles 1113 Bergen Street, #TH$2,750,000

An Unpolished Diamond 697 Jefferson Avenue, #TH$2,799,000

Stunning Stuyvesant Heights brownstone with private elevator 221 Macdonough Street, #TH$2,995,000

263 Madison Street, #TH$3,150,000

Serenity at the nexus of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene 139 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TWNSE$3,250,000

Leisurely living in the heart of Park Slope 357 11th Street, #TH$3,495,000 (-6.8%)

Brownstone Living Perfected 242 Gates Avenue, #TH$3,495,000

Carroll Gardens corner townhouse with patio and parking 287 Hoyt Street, #TH$3,500,000

Prime Prospect Heights Brownstone with Elevator and Sauna 142 Saint Marks Avenue, #TH$4,995,000

Related Listings

Related Links

Tags:

Related Articles

The Ideal Floor Plan: How to tell if a NYC apartment really works + 25 listings with great layouts

Sublet or pay up? How homeowners could avoid the 2nd-home tax + Luxury listings for rent in condo/co-op buildings

Price Cuts: Andy Warhol’s former townhouse reduced $500K; Sherry-Netherland two-bed slashed 70%

Where to find salvaged architectural materials around NYC + 21 homes with character on the market now

The Emmet Building’s second act: Inside a NoMad landmark reborn as the refined residences of 95 Madison

25 NYC residential buildings with acclaimed in-house restaurants as Polo Bar plans move to 625 Madison

Views, Light, and Value: A Q&amp;A with Kayla Lee on what today’s NYC buyers really want

Flurry of new condos coming to Chelsea include redevelopment of the Corlears School

Search

Market Data

Market Insight

CityRealty

My Account

Perfectly Appointed Townhouse on Pristine Block

261 West 132nd Street, #TH
$3,099,000

Queen Anne-style townhouse steps from Central Park

136 Manhattan Avenue, #TH
$4,950,000

Renovated 22.5' Townhouse in the Sugar Hill Historic District

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #TH
$3,450,000

Renaissance-style Harlem brownstone with roof deck

115 West 120th Street, #TH
$4,900,000 (-2%)

A seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living

549 West 149th Street, #House
$3,595,000

Rusticated Stuyvesant Heights two-family full of potential

541 Decatur Street, #TH
$1,875,000

Flawless Contemporary Renovation

433 Monroe Street, #House
$1,999,000

Landmarked 2-Family with Solar Tiles

1113 Bergen Street, #TH
$2,750,000

An Unpolished Diamond

697 Jefferson Avenue, #TH
$2,799,000

Stunning Stuyvesant Heights brownstone with private elevator

221 Macdonough Street, #TH
$2,995,000

263 Madison Street, #TH
$3,150,000

Serenity at the nexus of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene

139 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TWNSE
$3,250,000

Leisurely living in the heart of Park Slope

357 11th Street, #TH
$3,495,000 (-6.8%)

Brownstone Living Perfected

242 Gates Avenue, #TH
$3,495,000

Carroll Gardens corner townhouse with patio and parking

287 Hoyt Street, #TH
$3,500,000

Prime Prospect Heights Brownstone with Elevator and Sauna

142 Saint Marks Avenue, #TH
$4,995,000

Views, Light, and Value: A Q&A with Kayla Lee on what today’s NYC buyers really want