They don't make them like they used to! (104 Prospect Park West via BHS)
In new construction, some developers and designers nod to prewar influences with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and even some semblance of a return to traditional layouts with clearly defined rooms. But for all that, the interiors of most modern construction tends to be rather charmless white boxes that get marketed as blank canvases for the buyers' imaginations.
Prewar homes, however, can be rich in carefully carved woodwork and details in every room. Some would say this went out of favor because of the time it takes to clean and maintain, but others appreciate the sense of character and history these touches bring to a home. We take a look at listings that combine prewar details with contemporary conveniences.
Prewar homes, however, can be rich in carefully carved woodwork and details in every room. Some would say this went out of favor because of the time it takes to clean and maintain, but others appreciate the sense of character and history these touches bring to a home. We take a look at listings that combine prewar details with contemporary conveniences.
In this article:
Brooklyn
All images of 609 6th Street via The Corcoran Group
Tall ceilings, tasteful moldings and built-ins, and sliding panel doors enhance the traditional charm of this two-family townhouse dating back to 1900. All woodwork and stained glass in the interior was painstakingly removed, refurbished, and reinstalled with great care. Complementing that is a host of modern luxuries today’s discerning buyer desires, including smart home system with one-touch control of lighting and audio, a state-of-the-art Sonos system, built-in speakers in every room, chef's kitchens, and radiant heated floors in all baths. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 222 Hancock Street via Douglas Elliman
Expansive triplex unit in a converted townhouse offers as much space and details as a private unit. Interiors boast soaring ceilings, original plaster details, floors with original inlays, a pier mirror, original built-ins, pocket shutters, a beautiful antique mantle with a working gas fireplace, and rare stained glass windows throughout the parlor floor. The recreation level has an additional fireplace, and a stone-lined wine cellar is temperature-regulated. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 552 1st Street via Compass
Timelessly elegant Park Slope townhouse is highlighted with amazing original and restored woodwork and moldings, stunning designer lighting, custom window treatments, and beautifully designed furnishings throughout. The cozy sitting area in front of the fireplace leads to a grand dining room, perfect for entertaining and situated just off a chef's kitchen with access to the deck and garden. All floors are connected by a striking staircase. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 634 Monroe Street via Compass
Careful consideration was taken to preserve the charming historic details of this 19th-century brownstone, and numerous upgrades have been made to the kitchen, bathrooms, hard wood flooring, building mechanicals, roof, additional electrical outlets, and all new windows. However, the home preserves much of the original detailing including intricate woodworking around the main entry and doorways, beautiful original vestibule doors, plaster ceiling medallions, bannisters, pocket doors, pocket shutters, inlay parquet floors, and five decorative fire places that give gorgeous character and charm throughout. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 104 Prospect Park West via Brown Harris Stevens
Following a meticulous three-year renovation, this stately single-family home on Prospect Park West has been updated with new windows, roof, mechanicals, plumbing, wiring, and finishes. However, none of that came at the expense of prewar woodwork and details. There is a dumbwaiter from the kitchen to the formal dining room, and the primary suite occupies the entire third floor. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 593 Jefferson Avenue via Compass
Classic Romanesque/Renaissance Revival brownstone boasts turn-of-the-century design details thoughtfully combined with the comfort of contemporary living. The parlor level is rich in details like wainscoting, original parquet floors, artful fretwork, decorative plaster relief, rich mahogany millwork, and a stunning fretwork-carved screen that has been meticulously stripped back to its original glory. However, the kitchen boasts modern appliances, a marble-topped center island, and abundant black cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 125 Maple Street via Sotheby's International Realty
125 Maple Street boasts elegant original details, over-sized rooms, a one-car private garage, and multiple exposures. Upon entering the double-door entry, one is greeted by stained glass, gorgeous hardwood floors with beautiful detail, a decorative fireplace, columns, and spectacular moldings. All bedrooms have incredible natural light, and the primary suite features a wall of closets, a built-in sink vanity, and a skylight. See floor plan and full details here.
Upper Manhattan
All images of 423 West 141st Street via Compass
One-of-a-kind Romanesque Revival single-family townhome in the Hamilton Heights Historic District offers triple exposures and thoughtful modern updates alongside immaculately preserved original details. Exquisite features include six working gas fireplaces with authentic mantels, original pocket doors, wainscoting, and oak parquet wood floors. The entry foyer opens to a gracious formal living room to the left and wood-paneled dining room to the right, each with 10' ceilings and amazing natural light from triple eastern, western, and southern exposures. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 16 West 131st Street via Compass
Stunning original details and modern updates meld seamlessly in this beautiful Harlem two-family brownstone featuring an owner's triplex and garden duplex. The owner's unit begins on the parlor level, where a pier mirror, original wainscoting and an ornate staircase nod to the grandeur of a bygone era. Two fireplaces with carved mantelpieces run along the living and dining areas paved in new hardwood floors and topped by tall ceilings and recessed lighting. See floor plan and full details here.
Upper West Side
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All images of The Dorilton via Douglas Elliman
Classic architecture melds seamlessly with modern aesthetics at this gracious and spacious home in one of the premier buildings in New York City. The fireplace and stained glass windows in the entrance foyer beautifully set the tone for the rest of the interiors. The luxurious living room is rich in ornate woodwork, polished original hardwood floors and, centered on the far wall, a grand floor to ceiling fireplace and mantle. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Dakota via Brown Harris Stevens
Massive apartment in the iconic Dakota cooperative boasts spectacular Central Park views, original moldings, wainscoting, hardware, and doors, and 12' ceilings throughout. All entertaining rooms flow from a grand entrance gallery, including a corner living room with original shutters, wood-burning fireplace, and picturesque Central Park views. At the opposite end of the apartment, a formal dining room also has a wood-burning fireplace with original mantel. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 640 West End Avenue via Compass
Following a thorough renovation, this stunning corner condo features a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen, Sonos sound system, Nest thermostat, and built-in closets and shelving throughout. At the same time, original details like an elaborate plaster ceiling in the living room, pocket French doors, and carved wood paneling with built-in leaded glass cabinets in the dining room have been beautifully restored. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 159 West 87th Street via Triplemint
Historic townhouse on a tree-lined Upper West Side brownstone block has undergone a multi-million dollar restoration to combine timeless details with modern luxuries. The parlor floor's doors, windows, and staircase are all lined with gorgeous mahogany wood featuring intricate, classical detailing, and the soaring ceilings feature the original crown moldings. Additional features include three skylights, a chef's kitchen, an enormous primary suite, a laundry room, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, and a landscaped garden. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of Central Park Studios via The Corcoran Group
Dramatic duplex in a landmarked Neo-Gothic building offers the feel of a private house. The living room boasts 18' ceilings and a spectacular wood-burning fireplace with a beautifully carved marble mantle. The windowed chef's kitchen provides an abundance of cabinet and butcher block countertop space along with high-end stainless steel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Brentmore via Brown Harris Stevens
Corner duplex in a prestigious Central Park West cooperative boasts direct park views, massive windows, high ceilings, perfectly restored French doors, and original woodwork throughout. Just off the grand entrance gallery, the formal dining room has has handsome intricate original wainscoting, beautiful inlaid oak floors, original octagonal plaster coffered ceilings, and amazing colored leaded glass windows. See floor plan and full details here.
Upper East Side
All images of 625 Park Avenue via Douglas Elliman
No expense has been spared in the design of this massive home in a J.E.R. Carpenter-designed cooperative. Upon entering the apartment by way of private elevator landing, you are immediately greeted by a stunning entrance foyer. The living room, dining room, and library all have fireplaces, and the chef's kitchen has top-of-the-line appliances, a separate breakfast room, and a butler's pantry. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 3 East 77th Street via Brown Harris Stevens
Sunny apartment in a Rosario Candela-designed building boasts grand proportions, recently restored paneling, a wood-burning fireplace and access to two small terraces. Both bedrooms enjoy gracious proportions, and a windowed staff room is ideal for a home office. Both baths have been renovated, and the windowed kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Adelaide via Compass
Full-floor home in a prestigious prewar Park Avenue building is filled with sunlight and views that span across the home. An elegant gallery leads to an impressive suite of Old World grand rooms, each with stunning wood-burning fireplaces, impressive high ceilings, prewar details and master carpentry. The palatial corner living room opens to an enormous private dining room with oversized pane windows. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 1185 Park Avenue via Douglas Elliman
Spectacular Park Avenue penthouse is reached by dedicated elevator landing and magnificent entrance gallery with 25' domed ceiling above a marble staircase. baronial, south facing, living room has open city views, and a wood burning fireplace with an 18th century French limestone mantel.
The formal dining room with a wall of windows retains its original coffered ceiling and houses a custom 700-bottle wine cellar. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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