Historic Brooklyn Mansion Lists for $12.49 Million
A classic 22-room home in Prospect Park South has hit the market for $12.49 million, making it the priciest listing in Brooklyn’s Bucklyn area.
This unique residence, once described as a “colonial revival of steroids,” has undergone significant renovations, bringing it back to life after a period of neglect. The mansion spans 11,000 square feet, and its asking price has nearly doubled since its last sale.
Rubin, the listing agent from Brown Harris Stevens, mentioned that the owner, an architect for eight years, has meticulously restored the property. “It’s considered a local Grand Dame,” he stated, noting the impressive architectural details and dramatic scale of the building.
The exterior of the house features prominent eaves, distinctive windows, and towering pillars. The grand entrance is marked by coffered ceilings, a striking staircase, and several fireplaces throughout the home.
Inside, the mansion includes nine bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, with a total area of 11,450 square feet. When it was last sold in 2017 for $2.75 million, the property was in dire condition, with peeling paint and rotting wood. However, extensive renovations have transformed it into one of the most charming homes in the neighborhood.
These upgrades encompass new bathrooms, kitchen improvements, a new roof, plumbing updates, and restoration of pocket doors and fireplace mantels. “It was like solving a puzzle,” Rubin reflected on the restoration process.
The front double doors lead into a hall that connects to various rooms, including a parlor and a mahogany-detailed dining room. The chef’s kitchen boasts a 10-foot island, a marble sink, and its own fireplace, which adds to the home’s welcoming atmosphere.
Additionally, the converted third floor, previously a ballroom with a 16-foot ceiling, now serves as an entertainment area complete with a reading nook and a bar.
A private backyard, featuring a spacious stone patio and lush grass, adds to the charm of the property. “It feels like I’m in Connecticut or Long Island,” Rubin shared, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the space amid urban surroundings.
Although previous attempts to sell the home for $12.95 million faced challenges, Rubin noted that offers were made but ultimately declined.
Prospect Park South, developed around the early 1900s, was designed with a suburban vision by developer Dean Albord. Interestingly, this particular house was constructed in 1905 by architect Henry B. Moore, who isn’t as widely recognized.
The mansion has appeared in notable films, including “The Reverse of Fortune,” and scenes from “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” have been filmed on its grounds. The next resident may find companionship nearby, as actress Michelle Williams purchased her own mansion just a block away in 2016.
