1840s Brooklyn townhouse bought for $5.35M now asks $12.75M after a full restoration

An 1840s townhouse in Brooklyn Heights that sold for $5.35 million in 2023 is back on the market after an extensive renovation, with an asking price of $12.75 million. According to Realtor, the 6,000-square-foot property has five levels and six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, while retaining architectural details from its 1848 Greek Revival design.The townhouse was purchased by its current owners in 2023, who then undertook a major renovation of the property. Carl Gambino of the Gambino Group at Compass, who is representing the listing, said the owners carried out an extensive renovation after buying the home.During the work, the townhouse's electrical, mechanical, plumbing and HVAC systems were also replaced or updated, while the rear wall was reconstructed.

The property also has an all-electric LG heat-pump system and insulation made mostly from hemp.At the same time, the renovation kept original architectural elements inside the house. Restored millwork and other historic details remain, allowing the townhouse to retain its older character while incorporating updated systems and modern features.

Historic character with a rebuilt interior

The townhouse is only 25 feet wide, a dimension described as similar to other Brooklyn townhouses, but its five levels give the property considerable vertical space.

Gambino said the combination of its historic character and rebuilt interior makes the house unusual.“It is unusual to find a 25-foot-wide Brooklyn Heights townhouse that preserves its 1848 Greek Revival character while offering a fully rebuilt interior,” Gambino said as quoted by Realtor.The renovation also included new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems throughout the property. The historic facade and restored details were retained alongside the modernised infrastructure.“The historic facade and restored details sit alongside new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems throughout. The renovation was extensive, including a reconstruction of the rear wall and new systems throughout the home,” Gambino said.ASH, a firm included on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, worked with the sellers on the redesign of the rooms. The interiors now include Bianco Carrara marble countertops in the kitchen, solid white-oak floors and Forbes & Lomax hardware.The kitchen is also equipped with Bertazzoni, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances. Despite these updates, the property continues to feature original architectural details, including restored millwork.

Five levels and 6,000 square feet

The townhouse has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms and is spread across five levels. One level includes a gym, sauna and steam shower.The garden level has a one-bedroom suite with its own kitchen and laundry area. The space could be used for guests or live-in staff.

There is also room for a wine cellar in a power-ready area on the lower level.Outside, an eight-foot-deep ipe terrace can be accessed from the parlor floor. It sits above a landscaped garden and bluestone patio, adding private outdoor space to the property.The house last changed hands in 2023, when it sold for $5,350,000. It is now listed for $12,750,000 after the extensive work carried out by the current owners.The new asking price reflects the cost of the renovation, according to the listing.

Gambino also pointed to the property's combination of size, outdoor space and preserved historic features.“The combination of a 25-foot width, approximately 6,000 square feet, and private outdoor space is compelling in this neighborhood. The finished cellar has a gym and sauna, while a separate suite with its own kitchen gives the next owner valuable flexibility,” Gambino said.

Brooklyn Heights' location

The property is also being marketed around its location in Brooklyn Heights, a neighbourhood known for preserved architecture and residential streets.Gambino said buyers are drawn to the area for its architecture and its access to nearby places, including Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Promenade and Manhattan.“Buyers come to Brooklyn Heights for its preserved architecture and residential streets, with Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Promenade, and Manhattan close by. It offers a strong sense of neighborhood without giving up access to the city,” Gambino said.The listing also highlights the townhouse's six bedrooms and separate suite as features that can accommodate different household needs.“I see this appealing to someone who wants the scale and privacy of a substantial townhouse, appreciates historic architecture, and values a home ready for contemporary living. Its six bedrooms and flexible suite could serve a family, frequent guests, or a household with changing needs, Gambino said.