857 Carroll Street,
Brooklyn,
NY
11215
Built just before 1900, this Romanesque Revival townhouse underwent a two-and-a-half year renovation, expanding its footprint and updating its amenities. The renovation, undertaken by owners who expected to live in the house for the rest of their lives, offsets original detail with modern elements for an exquisite overall effect. Legally a two family building, 857 Carroll Street includes a generous outdoor space and a self contained apartment on its garden level.
Entering the parlor level, you are greeted by a grand formal living room, featuring a wood burning fireplace with a handmade Moroccan tile surround and a custom built daybed containing concealed Sonos speakers. Next is the landing, where the original hand carved wood staircase beckons you to the upper levels, while the kitchen and dining room call you further in. A discreet powder room is tucked away near the foot of the stairs.
The piece de resistance of the house is the juxtaposition of the large dining area, with its original dado paneling and cabinetry, coffered ceiling and hand painted wallpaper, and the kitchen, which took its design cues from Stanely Kubrick's masterpiece, 2001. The kitchen has custom cabinetry, a built-in Sonos sound system, and appliances from Sub Zero, Viking and Miele. The pot filler faucet over the stove is further evidence the kitchen was designed by someone who loves to cook. At the end of the kitchen oversized double doors (made of steel and thermally broken for superior insulation) lead out to a slate balcony built with summer barbecues in mind. Stairs lead down to a backyard paved in marble, with a built-in swing seat and plenty of room for dinner parties under the stars.
The primary suite is on the second floor and has a in-ceiling Sonos sound system, ornamental fireplace (also with Moroccan tile surround) and a tiled terrace overlooking the backyard. The spacious ensuite bath has Axor fixtures, a double vanity and custom tile throughout. In the winter, enjoy relaxing in the Penhaglion clawfoot tub next to the window and watch snow fall in the backyard below. On the other side of the level is the library, with its own custom tiled fireplace and Lincrusta wall covering. The library has a discreet projection system, featuring an automated retractable screen. In-ceiling speakers and a subwoofer provide immersive surround sound for movie nights.
Ascend to the third floor underneath a skylight of original stained glass, which fills the house with gently diffused daylight. The third floor contains three additional spacious bedrooms, a full bathroom and a laundry area outfitted with a Miele washer and externally vented dryer.
The garden level contains a large studio, with features to serve interests ranging from exercise to art. A dedicated Energy Recovery Ventilation system keeps the air fresh and the stone tile floor has a built in drain. Carefully considered lighting provides perfect continuity throughout, while steel double doors open out to the backyard. The other half of this level is given over to a self-contained apartment with its own street access, perfect for providing rental revenue, hosting family and friends.
It is the many invisible features that make this house such a perfect home. Most significantly, the temperature is controlled by radiators and hidden ductless split units, both systems controlled through Nest thermostats dedicated to each room. Radio Ra switches allow for intelligent lighting control throughout the house and a discreet security camera system powered by UniFi gives you visual access through your smartphone.
Outside the front door, going left on the tree lined street gets you directly to the incomparable Prospect Park, with the Grand Army Farmers' market just one corner over and the Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Gardens only a little further in the same direction. Going the other way leads to the Park Slope Co-Op and the neighborhood's innumerable restaurants on 7th and 5th avenues. The nearby subways include the 2/3/B/Q trains.
