242 Decatur Street

Elegant Limestone in Stuyvesant Heights Built at the turn of the 19th century, and part of the Stuyvesant Heights landmark district designated in 1971, 242 Decatur Street resides on one of the city's most tranquil tree-lined streets. Neighboring blocks showcase consistent rows of townhouses with fascinating architecture and history. Lovingly and meticulously preserved and completely renovated to contemporary standards, 242 Decatur presents that once in a lifetime opportunity. Luxuriously spacious with exceptional details, including grand ceiling heights and a remarkable private backyard, the entire house has been carefully restored. Arranged as an upper triplex with a garden simplex, this 4,140 sq ft residence, spanning 20 ft wide, works equally well as a single family or an upper triplex with generous garden level income. Offering the perfect harmony of period details and 21st century comforts, the triplex has five lavishly-sized bedrooms and three spacious full baths, including one ensuite located on the grand parlor floor. The parlor is spectacular with idyllic proportions and a versatile layout to fit a casual or formal lifestyle. Not often found in these historic homes is the full-sized eat-in kitchen, outfitted with quartz countertops, subway tile, custom woodwork, pantry, and a spacious island, all enhanced by an oversized picture window with an unobstructed view to the gardens and sky. The grand rear room in the parlor extension can serve many functions, such as a formal dining or entertaining room, artist's space, office, music room, home school, library, personalized fitness center, or recreation room. Bathrooms are finished in marble and were completely renovated. One has a soaking tub and another has a claw foot tub with the original brick wall. Sunlight streams in from windows overlooking the yard. A separate laundry room is cheered by two skylights and storage to keep you organized. Each bedroom has massive walk-in closets. The garden apartment has been equally well-preserved. Walking through this home is truly an uplifting experience, moving from one carefully preserved architectural element to another, anchoring the mansion's cultural heritage. Start with the original mosaic tiles in the vestibule, built-in pier mirror with bench, sconce and brass hat racks in the entryway, stained glass windows on the parlor and discover four original fireplace mantels, inlaid parquet floors, mahogany and white oak wood trim and molding, tin and coffered ceilings, wainscoting, stunning decorative plaster, fretwork screens, and three stained glass skylights. Woodwork throughout this magnificent home has been painstakingly refurbished - floors, molding, decorative trim, built-in cabinets, bookcases, original oak ice box door, pocket shutters, functioning dumb waiter, and sliding pocket doors. Abundant natural light is achieved through the ever present oversized windows, rounded bay front, three skylights and the building's north and south-facing exposures. The renovations and upgrades found here were thoughtfully planned and executed. Following a 2014 gut renovation and restoration, all mechanicals were replaced for comfort and efficiency. The electric system and plumbing were newly installed, and mechanicals are appropriately sized: two hot water heaters, two furnaces, and discreetly housed central air conditioning on all four floors. The location is exactly where you want to be crowned mid-block on Decatur considered the premier block in Stuyvesant Heights and one of the most sought after addresses in the city. The welcoming offset stone stoop and the flawless limestone facade with ornate relief frieze and triple curved-bay front provide a stately and distinguished presentation. Impeccably maintained, 242 clearly stands out from the rest. Transportation on the A or C at Utica is a few blocks away. Local restaurants are an easy walk. This home provides a rare opportunity to own and live in one of the most exceptional townhouses in Brooklyn.