Though Manhattan gets much attention for its skyscrapers, it's teeming with sedate blocks lined with charming brownstones and townhouses (Halstead)
As famous as Brooklyn is for its stately brownstone rows, it is important to remember that this borough hasn't cornered the market on the classic building type. On the contrary, a walk through Harlem, Hamilton Heights, the West Village, and historic districts all over Manhattan reveal immaculate rowhouse blocks that are almost like stepping back in time to the 19th century, when New York was on the rise and brownstone (sandstone named for its browning when weathered) was abundant and inexpensive.
In the present day, streets of brownstones and rowhouses are distinguished by the seamless line between townhouses and uniform outside appearances. Many of these buildings have been converted back to their original single and two-family layouts, but others have been chopped up and converted into modest-sized rental, condo, and co-op buildings.
The best apartments and houses are the ones that combine the building's innate prewar charm and details with modern appliances and amenities to give today's buyer the best of all worlds. Below is a rundown of condo/co-op apartments and single-family homes encased in the timeless brownstone facade.
In the present day, streets of brownstones and rowhouses are distinguished by the seamless line between townhouses and uniform outside appearances. Many of these buildings have been converted back to their original single and two-family layouts, but others have been chopped up and converted into modest-sized rental, condo, and co-op buildings.
The best apartments and houses are the ones that combine the building's innate prewar charm and details with modern appliances and amenities to give today's buyer the best of all worlds. Below is a rundown of condo/co-op apartments and single-family homes encased in the timeless brownstone facade.
Beautiful brownstones like (l-r) 411 West 21st Street, 11 West 89th Street, 136 West 13th Street, and 515 West 144th Street can be found throughout Manhattan
In this article:
All images of 139 West 85th Street via Halstead
Kitchen
Den
Brownstone triplex is rich in historic details that include exposed brick, exposed beams, plank wood floors, and a spiral staircase connecting all levels. The living room has a wood-burning fireplace and direct connection to the kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The bedroom features an enormous, south-facing arched window, and the basement has the flexibility to become a home office, gym, or den. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 304 West 88th Street via Halstead
South-facing apartment is situated in a brownstone dating back to 1921 and rich in prewar details like high ceilings, exposed brick walls, crown molding, and wood-burning fireplace. The pass-through kitchen enjoys excellent counter space and stainless steel appliances. The building is in a prime Upper West Side location near Riverside Park, Broadway shopping, top restaurants, and convenient transportation. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 11 West 89th Street via Mont Sky Real Estate
Kitchen
Roof deck
Charming duplex in a historic brownstone is filled with light from a solarium, and a private terrace offers an outdoor oasis half a block from Central Park. Prewar details include 10' ceilings with crown molding and wood-burning fireplace, but it has been updated with stainless steel appliances, renovated travertine tile bath, and custom floor-to-ceiling closets. Trader Joe's, popular local restaurants and bars, and several transportation options are a short walk from the building. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 117 West 131st Street via Halstead
Kitchen
Bedroom
Despite its recent construction, this modern five-story townhouse fits in beautifully with its neighbors on a brownstone block. The owner's triplex boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, soaring ceilings, open chef's kitchen, endless closet space, and five different private outdoor spaces. The garden-level duplex has its own entrance, central air conditioning, laundry room, and excellent rental income potential. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 212 East 70th Street via Halstead
Kitchen
Bedroom
Stylish home in a classic brownstone has been meticulously renovated, though not at the expense of original details like the high ceilings, hardwood floors, and decorative fireplace. The tasteful modern kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, Shaker cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Southern and western exposures fill this home with incredible natural light. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 2 East 12th Street via Nest Seekers
Kitchen
Bedroom
Stylish apartment has recently been renovated, though not at the expense of details like 12' ceilings, crown moldings, framed windows, and wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, Calacatta gold marble countertops, and abundant custom cabinetry. The home comes with a private storage locker, and the building also offers a basement laundry room and the services of a live-in superintendent. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 515 West 144th Street via Compass
Kitchen
Bedroom
This Hamilton Heights townhouse was originally constructed in 1910, but recent updates have underpinned its historic features with LEED certification, modern technology, and high-end finishes throughout. The renovated kitchen has state-of-the-art appliances, plenty of hosting space, and a large dining area with access to a private backyard. A floating staircase leads to the bedrooms, which include a master bedroom with walk-through closet and en suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 104 West 87th Street via Compass
Kitchen
Bedroom
Newly renovated apartment in an Upper West Side brownstone boasts incredible light from a nearly 13' ceiling and oversized south-facing windows. Just off the large living room, an open chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz cabinetry offers the chance to cook a feast without missing out on the action. Additional features include sleeping/storage loft, a wall of floor-to-ceiling custom closets, custom desk under the loft staircase, and in-unit washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.
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All images of 59 West 83rd Street via Halstead
Spacious apartment just off Central Park boasts excellent natural light, garden exposure, exposed brick wall, wood-burning fireplace, and abundant built-in storage. The kitchen has been beautifully renovated with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. It is in an exciting neighborhood with top shopping and restaurants, but its location at the rear of the building makes for a peaceful environment. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 278 West 86th Street via Sotheby's
Well-situated Upper West Side apartment masterfully combines prewar charm with modern sophistication. Features include high ceilings, refinished hard wood floors, and upgraded bath with walk-in shower. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and breakfast bar. See floor plan and full details here.
106 West 123rd Street (Douglas Elliman)
Kitchen
Bedroom
All images of 106 West 123rd Street via Douglas Elliman
Duplex condo in a beautiful brownstone boasts living room with open layout, soaring ceilings, three large north-facing windows, and wood-burning fireplace. It flows seamlessly into a chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances and polished granite countertops. Upstairs, the master suite features southern exposure, walk-in closet, luxe bath, and private terrace facing a 95-year-old church. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 29 West 82nd Street via Compass
Kitchen
Private terrace
Spacious, south-facing duplex in an Upper West Side brownstone offers excellent bones to create a dream home in a prime location. Features include exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, fireplace, and private outdoor space. Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, popular restaurants and nightlife, and the 86th Street B/C trains are a short walk away. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 235 West 137th Street via Douglas Elliman
Living/dining area
Sleeping area
Sun-splashed studio features two oversized windows, a gas fireplace, and the flexibility to be sectioned into living and sleeping areas. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops, cherry cabinetry, tin backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. It is situated on a tree-lined brownstone block near several universities, parks, churches, restaurants, and transportation options. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 411 West 21st Street via Christie's International Real Estate
Kitchen
Bedroom
Impeccably designed apartment occupies the parlor floor of a Chelsea brownstone dating back to 1853. Features include 10' ceilings, original hardwood floors, and open-concept living/dining area. The kitchen comes outfitted with abundant storage, custom soft-close cabinetry, and high-end stainless steel appliances. Both bedrooms are bathed in sunlight, and the king-sized master bedroom comes with a newly renovated bath. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Beaux Art via Triplemint
Oversized apartment in a meticulously maintained brownstone boasts 10'6" ceilings, abundant closets and storage, and windows in every room that fill the home with light. The open windowed kitchen features a full suite of chef-caliber appliances and a large entertaining counter. The bedroom opens into the corner of the building and is situated across from a walk-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 136 West 13th Street via Compass
Entrance foyer and living room
Bedroom
Sophisticated co-op is situated in a townhouse dating back to 1880, but has been updated with Sonos sound system, high-end kitchen appliances, and wet bar with wine fridge. However, none of this came at the expense of historic details like 11' ceilings, wood beams, wood-burning fireplaces, exposed brick, and a claw-footed tub big enough for two. The best dining, shopping, nightlife, and transportation of Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Union Square are right out the front door. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 109 West 122nd Street via Compass
Private backyard
Floor plan
Stately Queen Anne brownstone dates back to 1899 and is beautifully situated in the Mount Morris Park Historic District. Original prewar details like stained glass windows, fireplaces on every floor, 12' ceilings, opulent door frames and crown molding, and hardwood floors remain intact and impeccable. The garden floor houses entertaining rooms and access to the private backyard. 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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