69 Orange has been meticulously preserved by the current owners and contains all original features, such as handrails, woodworking, hardware, molding, and historical milk paint. The large backyard has a surprising amount of green space and a bluestone patio perfect for entertaining. This generously sized home has four sizable bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a library, a salon, a formal dining room, and two spaces that work great for a home office or nursery. The house is fully equipped with Central AC, and washer and dryer, plus a mechanical basement lined with large blocks of stone, along with six fireplaces, five of which are fully functional. This home has a rich history. Originally, this property was owned by Sarah Gracie, daughter of Martha Middagh (Van Nostrand), who named the Brooklyn Heights "Fruit Streets". The Gracie and Middagh families were well-known in the early years of the New York City luxury real estate market, as evidenced by the Gracie mansion on the Upper East Side which is now home to the New York City Mayor.
The houses' fascinating past does not stop there. 69 Orange Street is settled directly next to the iconic Plymouth Church, which has a long history with the abolitionist movement in the United States. The first preacher at Plymouth church, Henry Ward Beecher, was a prominent and well-known abolitionist who dedicated himself to the cause of freedom. Even Beecher's sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, was committed, as she was the author of the American Classic and anti-slavery book Uncle Tom's Cabin. Henry Ward Beecher's fame attracted thousands to visit the church, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Abraham Lincoln, and Mark Twain, who walked past 69 Orange Street on their way to the church. Plymouth church was a well-known hub of the Underground Railroad, and legend has it that enslaved people making the journey were taken in and given sanctuary at 69 Orange Street, as one of the house's owners, Henry L. Pratt was the deacon of Plymouth Church during the Beecher years.
69 Orange Street is located in Brooklyn's highly desirable neighborhood, Brooklyn Heights. Brooklyn Heights is the perfect balance of exciting, fast-paced city life and comfortable suburban relaxation. 69 Orange Street is located within walking distance of Cadman Plaza Park and Whitman Park, as well as many great restaurants and shops. This property is located conveniently close to the High St- Brooklyn Bridge and Clark St subway stations.
Quick Profile
Brooklyn Heights was Manhattan’s first suburb. The Brooklyn Bridge is a neighborhood draw, offering some of the most beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as an easily walkable means of commuting into the City. Montague Street has been the main commercial street in Brooklyn Heights since the 1800s, but it is not overly commercialized. Smaller shops help maintain the small neighborhood feel of Brooklyn Heights.
The quaint cobblestoned side streets highlight the historic feel to this lovely, vibrant neighborhood that is filled with exciting and innovative restaurants, stores that have those perfect home decor items, that little black dress you love, and your favorite dry cleaner is right around the corner. Brooklyn Heights is your perfect city within the City.
There are apartments, condos, and co-ops that resulted from the conversion of pre-war residential hotels. The townhouses in Brooklyn Heights are often five stories, instead of the three stories found elsewhere. You’ll also find row houses and stunning single family mansions. Due to the three protected historic districts, opportunities for new construction are limited, and the appearance of the neighborhood seems frozen in the era when these buildings were originally constructed.
Renowned public and private schools make the neighborhood attractive to young families with school-age children. The neighborhood is generally “kid-friendly,” with parks, playgrounds, and quiet streets where kids can still play safely.