108 8th Ave

This limestone townhouse in the heart of historic Park Slope boasts scale, size, and detail rarely found in a private home today. Boasting over 8,000 square feet, its beautifully proportioned rooms, complete with 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 baths, and 3 outdoor decks combine intimacy and palatial splendor. Currently used as a one family residence (a legal two-family), this home can easily be modified to provide a substantially high-income rental: the house occupies nearly the entire lot size (20'x92'). The garden level can be rented (see floor plan).This historic mansion was built in 1900 for iconic developer Louie Bonert with distinct architectural sophistication by architect Thomas Bennet. The visionary behind what is now considered some of the finest residential "park" blocks in Park Slope (Brooklyns Gold Coast), Bonert built the townhouse with the intention of impressing his new bride and spared no expense, utilizing the highest-quality materials from around the world. The current owner has renovated and modernized while preserving the homes elegance and charm. Along with completely updated electric and plumbing, the home comes fully-equipped with multi-zoned central air and acoustic stereo sound systems.As you enter the townhouse, a floor-to-ceiling glass-and-wrought-iron entry wall provides a view of the home's splendor. The ornate floor-to-ceiling near 10-foot tall mirrored mantel with a gas-burning fireplace sits across intricately-carved mahogany newel posts at the foot of the six-foot wide center staircase. The positioning of the staircase allows for most rooms to span the full width of the house.Further into the house, original wainscoting surrounds the informal entertaining room, which is anchored by a large oak and tile mantel and a gas-burning fireplace. Behind it sits the breakfast room, part of the two-level chef's kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a Juliet balcony, two sets of large stained glass windows from the studios of Frank Lloyd Wright (the Coonley Playhouse Triptych, "Balloons & Confetti"), and handcrafted cabinetry that spans the height of the 14-foot coved ceiling. As you ascend the mahogany staircase, look up and bask in the glow of the magnificent original stained glass skylight. The parlor floor, used by Martin Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence" and HBO's "Boardwalk Empire", captures the opulent living of a by-gone era and will inspire grand plans for entertaining. The formal dining room features soaring wood-coffered ceilings, original wall tapestries, a delicately carved mahogany buffet, a Spanish marble mantel with gas burning fireplace, and a quaint nook surrounded by stained glass windows. Moving into the Music Room, an original crystal chandelier, accompanied by petite "chandeliers" that hang in the four corners of the 15' high ceilings, shed light on the extraordinary plaster detail and gorgeous mirrored fireplace. A magnificently appointed pass-through area, complete with intricately carved woodwork, built-in drawers and closets, a mirrored changing area, and a classic marble sink links the spacious master bedroom and library. The master bedroom suite, with its own mahogany mantel and fireplace, includes a large marble bathroom complete with a steam shower, multiple nozzles, a bidet, and a deep soaking bathing tub for two. The top floor of the house boasts an additional bedroom with en suite bath outfitted with luxurious blue marble tiles. To the rear of this floor is a home office with its own spacious outdoor deck. Included on this floor are an additional full bath, a full-sized vented laundry room, and a walk-in cedar closet. Stairs lead to a roof deck with panoramic city views for entertaining guests.The garden level, with its own private entrance, includes a complete living suite, game room, sauna, mudroom, and outside sitting area/yard. A fully functioning mechanical dumbwaiter begins on this level and reaches up to the master bedroom suite. The arch-less cellar below spans the entire length & width of the house (with an 8-foot high ceiling) and can easily be adapted for additional recreational space.Located in central Park Slope, considered one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the country, this house is only one block away from majestic Prospect Park and the weekly Farmers' Market at Grand Army Plaza. The cultural charms of the area, which include the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Museum, are a few blocks away. Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the Barclay's Center are nearby, along with the area's finest public and private schools, public transportation, and parking garages. Local fare, restaurants and shopping are one block away on 7th Ave and nearby along 5th Avenue.This house reflects the efforts of artisans and masters of their craft in its restoration, including: Ron Di Donno Architects, Ernest Porcelli/Glass Art of Brooklyn, and Joseph Guido/Foro Marble.