A person's home is their castle, but this one in Fieldston takes that quite literally. (4720 Grosvenor Avenue via Compass)
In many parts of the United States, owning a single-family home with a big yard is considered the ultimate American Dream. New York City has been the exception for the past several decades, and yet we may see the wheel turning in that direction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the city's efforts to flatten the curve.
Many New Yorkers have seemed more than happy to sacrifice space in exchange for easy access to the city's best parks, cultural institutions, restaurants, shops, nightlife, and services. But when almost all of that shut down and whole families found themselves confined to tiny apartments, some may be asking if it was worth it. Some apartment advocates could find themselves coming around to the possibility of a townhouse, while others might think beyond that.
The following single-family houses are located in Brooklyn and Bronx neighborhoods, but are rich in proportions and outdoor space seemingly unheard of in even the most spectacular of their apartment neighbors. And when New York opens again, they are well situated near transportation allowing for both a quick trip to the center of the action and a fast retreat home.
Many New Yorkers have seemed more than happy to sacrifice space in exchange for easy access to the city's best parks, cultural institutions, restaurants, shops, nightlife, and services. But when almost all of that shut down and whole families found themselves confined to tiny apartments, some may be asking if it was worth it. Some apartment advocates could find themselves coming around to the possibility of a townhouse, while others might think beyond that.
The following single-family houses are located in Brooklyn and Bronx neighborhoods, but are rich in proportions and outdoor space seemingly unheard of in even the most spectacular of their apartment neighbors. And when New York opens again, they are well situated near transportation allowing for both a quick trip to the center of the action and a fast retreat home.
A bucolic upstate setting? Try the Bronx. (Image via BHS)
All images of 5501 Palisade Avenue via Brown Harris Stevens
Two-story Greek Revival-style house is practically located on a park with a dining patio, gardens, trees, and an expansive lawn overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades. Interiors boast two fireplaces, French windows, a formal dining room, and a windowed eat-in kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 246 83rd Street via Keller Williams
From the grand 12' front door to the 24' ceilings in the foyer, no detail was overlooked in this home moments from Manhattan. The spacious living room with a fireplace flows seamlessly into an open chef's kitchen. Upstairs, the master suite has a walk-in closet and spa-like bath. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 56 Marlborough Road via Compass
Originally built in 1918, this Brooklyn mansion is rich in details like stained glass cupola, coffered ceilings, and wood-burning fireplace. However, the infrastructure has been updated. The kitchen has high-end appliances and access to a large private backyard. A virtual tour is available. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 5770 Palisade Avenue via Halstead
In the wake of a gut renovation, this magnificent house boasts a new roof, central air, finished basement and attic, an oversized windowed eat-in kitchen, a den with a wood burning fireplace, and a wall of sliding glass doors overlooking a courtyard. But none of this came at the expense of the home's historic cathedral ceilings, beams, or rafters. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 334 East 17th Street via Compass
Thoughtfully renovated Victorian house just steps from the subway to Manhattan is filled with both natural light and gorgeous original details. It is surrounded by a large wraparound porch, and interiors enjoy open, generous layouts. A virtual tour is available. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 434 West 260th Street via Sotheby's
Upon arriving at this beautifully restored Colonial house, an inviting front porch opens up to a grand gallery leading to bright, open entertaining rooms. The restored mahogany staircase leads to the bedrooms and new baths. Original architectural details include stained glass window, decorate moldings, and ceiling medallions. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 262 77th Street via The Corcoran Group
Located on a tree-lined street, this charming Queen Anne Victorian house's original details include high ceilings, stained glass windows, bay windows, and hardwood floors with inlaid borders. The windowed eat-in kitchen leads to a balcony overlooking the backyard and garden. A video tour is available upon request. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 4630 Fieldston Road via Halstead
Located in a landmarked enclave, this beautifully restored brick home enjoys grand proportions, a dramatic entry, soaring ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, and a massive private backyard. Top private schools and transportation to Manhattan are a short trip away. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 170 Stratford Road via The Corcoran Group
Architecturally elegant house in Victorian Brooklyn has been masterfully maintained with original architectural details. All entertaining rooms on the first floor look out on greenery surrounding the home. Upstairs, all seven bedrooms enjoy excellent closet space. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 4720 Grosvenor Avenue via Compass
Glorious home in a landmarked district was built with materials from a ruined castle in Croatia, and original woodwork and windows have been well maintained. A turret houses a breakfast nook on the first floor and a study on the second. Additional features include big beamed living room, renovated kitchen, walled patio, patio garden, and terraced gardens. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 4490 Fieldston Road via Halstead
Brick house is situated on two adjacent one-acre lots with the potential to build one magnificent home on each. However, this Mediterranean revival-style house already offers excellent features in the form of oversized windows, plastered and beamed high ceilings, outdoor patio, and a finished basement and attic! See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 4671 Delafield Avenue via Compass
From the basement with potential for a wine cellar to the third-floor billiards room, no detail was overlooked in this Center Hall Colonial. In between, features include a Tuscan-inspired chef's kitchen, formal dining room, sunroom, expansive master suite, and endless storage throughout. See floor plan and full details here.
Honorable Mentions
115 Fenimore Street via Brown Harris Stevens
1959 East 16th Street via Compass
349 Logan Street via Keller Williams
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