Real Estate

Exquisitely Restored Bed Stuy Townhouse With Admirable Woodwork, Baths Asks $3.225 Million

A mantel with unusual carvings, decorative screen, light-colored oak woodwork, and nicely updated kitchens and baths are among this home’s charms.

by Stephen Zacks

03/11/2019 0

This stunning, exquisitely restored townhouse in Bed Stuy was designed in 1891 by architects Isaac D. Reynolds & Sons, among the noteworthy architects of that era in Brooklyn. Instead of limestone that became popular at the turn of the century, seen elsewhere along the block, 607 Jefferson Avenue is part of a row of five composed of sandstone with a brownstone base, with rusticated arched and rounded radiating door and window surrounds. The dogleg stoop features original iron railings containing quixotic scrolling wheels alongside curled balusters. The double-door entrance with rounded transom is framed with classical columns and topped by ornate foliate detail with a palm frond crest. That’s just a taste of the eccentric wonders inside.

As the Compass listing notes — handled by Perri Defino and Morgan Munsey, recognized for his encyclopedic knowledge of Bed Stuy architectural history — the restoration takes pains to refinish the oak with a lighter color, offering a contemporary update to the craftsmanship of another time. We agree it works exceptionally well. The unusual patterns on the carved mantel in the front parlor may be further iterations of the palm motif; it’s topped by mirrors and a decorative railing at the peak. The mantel’s summer cover has an ancient calvary figure at the center.

The screen separating the entry hall from the stair possesses similar extraordinary details. The admirable woodwork continues in the parlor-level kitchen, outfitted with white shaker-style cabinets, stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, with antique-style sink fittings.

Another mantel stands out in the open kitchen and dining room, carved with a frieze featuring a medieval gentleman with a walrus mustache, topped with a mirror, swirling columns, and a curved cornice. A glass doorway leads to a deck and steps down into the garden.

Upstairs the bedrooms include more mantels along with passthroughs with sinks and built-in drawers. One of the bathrooms has original bead board in peak condition, an antique clawfoot tub, an old fashioned faucet and console sink, and a diagonal wood floor. Another has marble hex floor tile, subway tile on the walls, and a step-in shower.

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Altogether there are six bedrooms and three bathrooms; the house is configured as a garden rental with a triplex above. It falls just outside the historic district and is close to the Bridge Street AME church, one of Brooklyn’s oldest congregations, as well as the shops and eateries of Stuy Heights.

If you missed the open house yesterday, there may still be time, as it’s only been on the market for 12 days, asking $3.225 million. Is the price right?

[Listing: 607 Jefferson Avenue | Broker: Compass] GMAP