Flatbush

Flatbush House With Original Tile, Parquet, Garage Asks $4,895 a Month

Part of an early 20th century row, the recently renovated house has a yard and windows on three sides.

flatbush - main level with parlor, stair and view into dining room

by Cate Corcoran

08/01/2024 0

A bow-fronted limestone row house for rent in Flatbush comes with a garage and a load of original detail, including early 20th century kitchen wall tile, plus updates. Such properties rarely come up for rent, at least not for the price of a two-bedroom apartment elsewhere in the borough.

Located at 247 East 31st Street, it’s one of a row of two-story brick Renaissance Revival houses with gravel roofs between Beverly and Cortelyou (previously Canarsie Lane) developed by William Herod and designed by architect firm Otto Infanger & Son. Construction permits were filed in 1912, according to the Eagle. An earlier ad for a similar row nearby by the same developer touts “handsome decorations and up to date in every respect” as well as “moderate” prices.

On a corner lot, the house gets light through windows on three exposures (the ground floor ones have bars, as expected). Inside, the ceilings are high, and parquet with inlaid borders, picture-frame moldings, and a low wainscot run throughout most of the first floor.

The original double front door opens to a vestibule. Wide doorways connect the stair hall, living room, and dining room.

In the kitchen, attractive original white subway wall tile with a black and white geometric liner tile has been retained. The rest is new: White Shaker style cupboards, stone counter, stainless-steel appliances, including a dishwasher and French door fridge. Flooring with a geometric tile design continues on into a petite breakfast room at the rear.

A door, not shown, leads out to a terrace with steps down to the yard. There is decking, grass, and room for flower beds. A high fence runs provides privacy from the street, and there is access to the street-facing garage via a door.

Upstairs are more wood floors, picture frame moldings, and original five-panel doors. Most of the dwelling’s woodwork, with the exception of the varnished staircase, has been painted white throughout.

While there is no floor plan, the photos seem to show four bedrooms upstairs, along with one full bath. Another full bath and laundry, along with a second kitchen, and a fifth bedroom are located in the finished basement, which is above grade, according to PropertyShark.

The house’s two bathrooms are both recently renovated, with white subway wall tile, gray floor tile, and white fixtures.

Listed by Jason Abrishami and Jerry Minsky of Douglas Elliman, the rental is having an open house on Sunday, August 4 from 2 to 3 p.m. It’s priced at $4,895 a month. Decent deal?

[Listing: 247 East 31st Street #1 | Broker: Douglas Elliman] GMAP