72 Halsey Street

72 Halsey Street is a grand 1881 Brownstone with high ceilings, well-proportioned rooms and a plethora of original detail that will make your heart beat faster. Prolific Brooklyn architect, Isaac D. Reynolds, made sure that 72 Halsey Street was graced with all the elements that define the Aesthetic Movement, one of the most important cultural movements of the late 19th century — a decorative, artistic phase of the Victorian era. Original parquetry wood floors with inlay borders, mahogany and burl wood newel post, oversized windows that invite sunlit garden views, pocket doors, and original wood and plaster moulding are stand-out features. The considerable mahogany double entrance doors exude the luxury of the era and the incised and original faux-painted slate fireplace mantles in the double parlors shine and sparkle. These are two of seven slate mantles found throughout this elegant home. But the real crowning glory of 72 Halsey lies in the superb tin ceilings in nearly every room. These are not the usual charming-but-common variety often seen; these ceilings are the top tier of the wedding cake — luxurious, ornate and unique — and in great shape. Look more closely and you find original brass and porcelain hardware, gas lamps and a gorgeous etched glass pocket door into the rear parlor. Bring your architect to make the most out of this diamond in the rough. Built in four-stories, and currently a legal three-family, 72 Halsey is configured as a single family with kitchen and dining on the garden level. A particularly pretty plaster relief frieze dresses up the dining room. There is a lofty double living space on the parlor floor, and four large bedrooms and two smaller ones on the top two floors. The original built-in pass-through cabinetry remains on the 3rd floor, ready for restoration. 72 Halsey is ideally located in the highly desirable Bedford Historic District close to the A/C ex-press train stop as well as the Long Island Railroad station. Favorite nearby hotspots include Bunny, Le Paris Dakar, Brooklyn Tea, Alive Herbal, Hart’s, Glorietta Baldy, Peaches Hot House, Tilly’s, Corto, Peace & Riot, Chicky’s General Store, Bed-Vyne and all the amenities that nearby Nostrand, Tompkins, Bedford and Franklin Aves have to offer.