A unique piece of New York City history is up for grabs on East 128th Street.
This pre-war clapboard townhouse, recognized as one of the oldest occupied detached houses in Harlem, is on the market for $3.25 million.
Nestled between larger, more modern buildings, the pale green exterior of the house remains reminiscent of its 19th-century origins.
Inside, however, things have changed quite a bit.
An insightful report from 1981 identified the home as one of the few surviving frame houses in Harlem, noting that it had remained “mostly untouched.”
The house was constructed in 1864, back when Harlem was more of a semi-rural area.
This charming structure was part of the first residential development wave on East 128th Avenue, marking a significant beginning for Harlem’s residential scene.
Its distinctive design features elements from the once-popular French Second Empire style, showcasing mansard roofs, dormer windows, and intricate decorative details.
While neighboring buildings have been torn down over the years, this resilient house has endured.
The four-story structure last changed hands in 2015 for $3.6 million. After the purchase, plans were made to establish a music nonprofit in the home, but these efforts soon led to a legal dispute, leaving the property back in the owner’s hands.
Now, the house boasts 3,225 square feet of living space, alongside an unfinished basement, and has undergone considerable updates in the last decade.
Upgrades include new plumbing and electrical systems, as well as coveted modern features like a walk-in closet, an irrigation system for the backyard, and an open-concept kitchen.
Although some newer amenities, like the Sub-Zero refrigerator, might not entirely match its historical vibe, many original elements have been preserved. The current owner has also refurbished the fireplace and molding and repainted the ceramic medallion adorning the high ceilings.
Since 2015, the house has received new hardwood floors, and the backyard has also seen renovations.
The exterior has been freshly painted, and the cedar paneling in the yard was completely updated, as noted by Matthew Langer, the agent listing the property.
Despite these extensive improvements, the current price marks a $350,000 decrease from the previous sale in 2015. Langer indicated that the $3.25 million asking price was determined by an independent appraiser. The higher price from 2015 might reflect one buyer’s particular appreciation for the property’s history rather than its true market value.
Nonetheless, when comparing other detached houses for sale in Harlem, this clapboard creation is a true gem.
“While there are several brownstones, this is the last wooden-framed house I’ve come across,” Langer remarked.
