250 Garfield Place

This 1891 Romanesque Revival style brownstone on Garfield Place is one in a row of five designed by architect Helmer Westoen. Luminously transformed in a 2-year to-the-core renovation, the defining characteristic is the way light and the eye travel through the space. This splendid effect is the result of the removal of a 2-story extension and rear wall, replaced by a new, full-width mostly glass extension. The fresh concept and design reflect the relaxed nature and curatorial vision of the owners and the talent and expertise of CWB Architects, Tamara Eaton Design and Pilaster Contracting. With an open view up Fiske Place, the original and exuberantly detailed facade is bathed in light. An airy openness also prevails on the 60' deep parlor floor where there is a long view through the parlors to the kitchen, solarium and garden. A wide antique breakfront is built into one wall of the kitchen, with a pantry and refrigerator nearly hidden on each side. Across the room, a cream-colored Lacanche range sits beneath a hand-forged antiqued brass hood. There is well-designed storage under the center island and surrounding counters are topped with honed Carrara marble. Floating stairs lead from the kitchen to the solarium seating area and a half flight down to a casual living, dining and play space. A guest suite on this level has a bedroom, bath and kitchenette. There is a separate entrance, under stoop storage and generous closet space in the entry hall. Above the parlor level, the master suite floor has a south-facing bedroom and wall of windows opening to a terrace overlooking the garden. There is an antique claw-footed tub in the bedroom alcove. Master bath with heated floors, private toilet room, fitted closets, dressing areas and soaring double-heighted sky lit shower are in the center and there is a large sitting room with bay windows, wood burning fireplace and study alcove with bookcase on the north side. Cabinetry, closets and doors are of walnut. The top floor of the house has two bedrooms with walk-in closets, shared sky lit bath/shower wet area in the center with separate commode rooms on either side each with toilet and sink. The wide top floor hall has a large front window and is designed as a reading and play area. The laundry room at the end of the hall has twin LG washers and dryers with steam technology and a sink next to the window. The basement level has not been overlooked and includes a workout space brightened by windows to the garden, custom-built dog quarters, a large open storage area and a room for state of the art mechanicals. There are 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths and approximately 4200 sf interior, 880 sf exterior, with building and lot dimensions of 20 x 60 x 100. A few details of the renovation include: 2 wood burning fireplaces, an enameled Swedish gas stove; 5-zone recirculating hot water heat and central air conditioning; custom lighting, cabinetry, millwork, fittings and hardware; Dinesen Douglas fir floors; appliances by Subzero include full size refrigeration, under counter refrigeration drawers and wine storage, Miele dishwasher and Fisher and Paykel dishwasher drawers; automatic solarium shades; Waterworks fixtures and Ann Sacks tiles; Sonos Audio System, fully-wired for AV, cable, Apple, Blu-ray and Direct TV; a sprinkler system; central station security and fire alarm; landscaped garden with lighting and bluestone pavers, irrigation for garden and deck plantings. Showings by appointment begin Valentine's Day Weekend.