260 Decatur Street

Dreamy triple-parlor, four-story, three-family Brownstone with abundant original architectural detail — located in prime Stuyvesant Heights just steps from the express A/C train at Stuyvesant Ave. Designed in 1894 by the eminent Magnus Dalander, 260 Decatur Street is part of an exceptionally handsome row of 25 townhomes built in the Romanesque Revival tradition and incorporating elements from the incoming Renaissance Revival style. This stretch of Stuyvesant Heights is considered one of its best, and walking home down this lovely street will always be a source of joy. Measuring 20-feet wide, and comprised of nearly 4000 gross square feet, 260 Decatur Street is currently configured as two floor-through apartments above a lower duplex offering you the flexibility and inspiration to create a grand single-family home, or enjoy sustained rental income as is. The historic treasure trove of architectural detail is foretold in the front hall with its floor-to-ceiling oak paneling with garland detailing, built-in hall mirror with original brass hardware, and an arched framework gem with original stained glass, ornately carved screening and built-in bench. We can’t imagine a lovelier place to hang your hat. The bright and spacious front parlor welcomes you with a columned, floor-to-ceiling pier mirror reflecting the front foyer through the carved wood pocket doors. A stained glass transom crowns the double bay window to the north. Simple but unique curved ceilings offset the pilastered molding and knee-high baseboard paneling. Ornately-carved fretwork with columns, arches and a musical centerpiece leads into the center parlor. Traditionally, the front and center parlors were used for receiving guests while the rear parlor was reserved for private family activities. This jewel-box of a room, the rear parlor, is radiantly sunlit from its south-facing triple-bay window, once again crowned with original stained glass. The columned, mirrored mantle vies for attention with original built-in wall cabinetry across the room. Paneled doors, knee-high paneled wainscoting and inlaid floors complete this picture of elegance. The garden level is the lower floor of the duplex with an original mantle, inlaid floors and paneled wainscoting in the gracious front dining room. The rear kitchen has been updated but retains a charming wall of built-in cabinetry transporting us right back to a turn-of-the-century country kitchen. The top two stories are each floor-though apartments with 1 bedroom per, spacious living rooms, and functional kitchens and baths; there is a decorative fireplace mantle in each of the four main rooms. In the middle floor, the pass-through closets are the most intact with paneled walls and ceilings, fretwork, built-in cabinetry and pocket doors. Decorative plaster relief adorn the ceiling and walls and a window seat in the protruding bay offers the perfect spot to relax and admire the historic landmarked view. There is also a protruding bay window in the top floor and gorgeous built-ins in the pass-through dressing areas, as well as parquetry inlaid floors. The architectural stats are remarkable: three sets of protruding bay windows; six fireplace mantles; one pier mirror; two walls of built-in cabinetry; four mostly intact pass-through dressing areas with original built-ins; original shutters; original inlaid floors; curved ceilings; stained glass; seven sets of pocket doors; fretwork and more… it’s all here. The mechanical systems have been upgraded over the years. Primely located in the original Stuyvesant Heights Historic District, 260 Decatur Street is minutes away from the express A/C train. The best of Bed Stuy’s dining scene and shopping is at your fingertips: Mama Fox, Saraghina, Peaches, L’Antagoniste, Milk & Pull, Chez Oskar Nana Ramen, Trad Room, Zaca Café and more; enjoy world-class jazz at Bar LunAtico and shop at Sarghina Bakery, Bed-Vyne, Manny’s Wine Shop and Halsey Traders.