Retreat from Manhattan with these 6 contemporary Brooklyn townhouses on tranquil streets

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, February 11, 2020

These Brooklyn townhouses offer size, square footage, and serenity that can't be found in a Manhattan apartment

Read any celebrity real estate round-up, and there is an excellent chance of seeing a Brooklyn townhouse among the high-profile purchases. While no longer the record-holder, power couple Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany’s Brooklyn Heights townhouse still ranks among one of Brooklyn’s most expensive deals ever at a $15.5 million purchase price. However, with a price tag of $10.8 million, Michelle Williams and Thomas Kail’s new townhouse, also in Brooklyn Heights, nipped at its heels.

Ms. Williams is no stranger to Brooklyn townhouses, having sold one in Boerum Hill for $8.8 million. She is in esteemed company - past and present Brooklyn townhouse owners include Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Saarsgaard, Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis, and Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.

Peaceful-looking townhouses can have surprising star wattage (Google Earth capture of Brooklyn Heights)

What makes this model so attractive to celebrities? When Ms. Gyllenhaal announced her family’s move from Manhattan to Brooklyn, she cited paparazzi as a factor that even the most diligent doorman couldn’t keep away, adding, “I hope Brooklyn will be quieter, safer.” Indeed, it is worth noting that all the couples mentioned have growing families, which makes generous square footage and private outdoor space highly attractive. The timeless architecture is not to be ignored, nor is the ability to live a quiet life with easy access to the center of Manhattan. Stars - they’re just like us! Or maybe not - most of us don’t have the resources or staff to buy a century-old townhouse and restore it to today’s standards, as many of these bold-faced names have.

That’s where a new trend of modern townhouses all over Brooklyn comes in. Their design was inspired by brownstones and rowhouses of yesteryear, but the homes are rich in contemporary finishes, state-of-the-art appliances and technology, and lush outdoor space just outside the front door. This model has proven highly attractive, but we uncovered some listings on the market both inside the new complexes and out.

Pair of modern townhouses recently sold at 96-98 Degraw Street

181 Richards Street, Red Hook

4 beds, 2.5 baths | 3,018 ft² | $3,150,000
Design by Made Architecture
Completed in 2013

All images of 181 Richards Street via Douglas Elliman

Between the oversized windows, two skylights, and glass doors leading to the deck and rear garden, this industrial-chic townhouse with a rubbed aluminum exterior is flooded with natural light. Interiors feature radiant heated concrete floors, a modern Shaker wood-burning fireplace, a stylish chef's kitchen, a full-floor master suite, a home office leading to the roof deck, and an open staircase with incorporated triple-story bookcase. The Red Hook ferry terminal is a short walk away, but generous parking space and bike storage makes for no shortage of ways to get around. It's little wonder this home has been featured in prestigious publications like Dwell and New York Living.

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90 Amity Street, Cobble Hill

4 beds, 4 baths | 3,720 ft² | $6,400,000
Design by W. Douglas Romines
Completed in 2018

Polhemus Townhouses via Chris Coe for Optimist Consulting

With its red brick facade and oversized casement windows, a casual passer-by might mistake 90 Amity Street for one of the historic townhouses on surrounding Brooklyn blocks. But a trip inside would dispel that impression. A sidewalk garden and chevron-patterned front gate beautifully set the tone for the floor-through entertaining spaces flooded with natural light and outfitted with intricate detail and top-of-the-line finishes, fixtures, and appliances. All levels are connected by an elevator in addition to a stunning staircase. It is part of the Polhemus Townhouses development, which offers its residents access to a fitness center, lounge, and concierge service in an arrangement similar to its condo counterparts.

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181 President Street, Carroll Gardens

5 beds, 3.5 baths | 5,356 ft² | $9,995,000
Design by Workshop DA
Completed in 2017

All images of 181 President Street via Douglas Elliman

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Located in a famous brownstone neighborhood, this brick home pays tribute to Brooklyn's industrial heritage, albeit with a luxuriously modern interpretation. After all, we can't imagine that townhouses back in the day came with a private elevator, chef's kitchen with cutting-edge appliances, and multi-car garage with Tesla charging station. Additional features include 12' ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to outdoor space, generous closet space that includes a king-sized walk-in, and cellar with temperature-controlled wine room and media room. Between the rooftop terrace with skyline views and built-in speakers and the landscaped terrace with a grilling station and pergola, this home offers abundant outdoor entertaining options as well.

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1633 Pacific Street, Crown Heights

5 beds, 5 baths | 3,800 ft² | $2,245,000
Design by Infocus PC
Completed in 2019

All images of 1633 Pacific Street via The Corcoran Group

Just built from the ground up, this five-story home's dramatic facade and angled window command attention at first sight. Inside, between the open space, modern finishes, and industrial touches, it brings Tribeca-style loft living to a quiet Brooklyn street. Features include 10' ceilings, endless natural light, stylish lighting on dimmers, a Control 4 home automation system, and highly abundant storage space throughout. A sculptural staircase connects the main living and bedroom levels, and a wide-angle spiral staircase leads to a quiet basement. It is located on a tree-lined block near several parks, but a backyard, patio, and roof deck offer green space without leaving home.

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434 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook

4 beds, 4 baths | $2,795,000
Design by Asher Hershkowitz Architect
Completed in 2019

434 Van Brunt Street via Compas

Red Hook is famous for its industrial history, and this townhouse is ideal for today's entrepreneurs and artisans with a live/work setup ideal for creative craftspeople and work-from-home business owners alike. There is a large work space on the first floor, and the upper levels offer expansive entertaining space, a rustic-chic aesthetic, and access to private outdoor terraces, including one on the roof. A black steel staircase connects all levels and acts as a natural centerpiece, and a living room with exposed wood and a metal glass fireplace is the heart of the home.

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285 Kosciuszko Street, Bedford-Stuyvesant

5 beds, 5 baths | $2,295,000
Design by PACS Architecture
Built in 1899; expanded in 2015

285 Kosciuszko Street via Nest Seekers

History buffs and architecture aficionados alike will get something out of this townhouse that dates back to the end of the 19th century, but expanded just a few years ago. The owner's triplex boasts a double-height dining area, south-facing living room, newly remodeled eat-in chef's kitchen, and private backyard. The top-floor master suite has a walk-in closet, five-fixture bath, and access to a private roof deck. A two-bedroom garden unit offers the same attention to detail and impeccable taste.