Nestled on a private 20,000-square-foot lot in Brooklyn’s now trendy Bay Ridge, the insanely adorable Gingerbread House is quite possibly the closest thing to a fairy tale come true.
Built back in 1917 — when it immediately grabbed the title of ‘most magnificent residence in New York City‘ — the 5,746-square-foot home at 8220 Narrows Avenue home beautifully retained its unique charm throughout the decades.
The the real-life gingerbread house, built from uncut stone, stays true to the rolling topography of the land with a pitched roof and gabled windows that look like they’ve been taken straight out of The Shire.
A captivating archway leads to a secret oasis of emerald lawns and flowing fountains as well as the home’s private entrance and three-car garage. Spacious rooms and an open layout reveal glittering stained glass windows, intricate woodcarvings, hand-painted ceilings, and whimsical door knockers.
Despite all this, the real-life Gingerbread House has been repeatedly struggling to find a buyer.
First listed in 2009 for $12 million, the unique home quietly went off market only to return in May 2014 with a fresh asking of $10.5M. Despite failing to find a buyer — and even after giving renting a shot — the Gingerbread House is now surprisingly priced at $10,999,000.
But a home like the one at 8220 Narrows Avenue isn’t looking for just any buyer; there’s probably just a handful of Hansels and Gretels in the world with pockets deep enough — and tastes this particular — that can afford to take the house off of the witch’s hands (sorry, owners; nothing personal).
Now let’s skip to the good part and take a closer look at this enchanting storybook home:
The Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas EllimanThe Gingerbread House in Bay Ridge. Image credit: Douglas Elliman
A fabulous, 8,250-square-foot Brooklyn Heights brownstone has hit the market this month, with a $14.5 million asking price and a very long list of modern amenities.
Lindsay Barton Barrett, Christina Abad and Cristina Criado of Douglas Elliman have been tasked with finding a new owner for this newly renovated home, and we think it won’t take them long to get the job done.
The home is located at 81 Pierrepont Street, in the heart of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District of New York City, and offers 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and an endless array of elegant touches. It is located within a four-story, eight-unit building constructed back in 1854, but a recent renovation by The Brooklyn Home Company has brought it to modern standards.
Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman
The interior of the house offers anything and everything that a prospective homebuyer might look for. Though the space is divided between levels, accessibility is not a problem, as the home boasts a beautiful staircase, as well as a personal elevator.
Walking into the parlor level via a classic high-stoop vestibule entry, you’re greeted with abundant natural light and a cozy, homely atmosphere. The focal point of this level is the intricate gas fireplace flanked by comfortable couches, while massive windows offer a glimpse into the world outside.
Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman
White oak floors then lead you into the open kitchen, which is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, including a massive Carrara marble island and a retro-style stove.
Just below the kitchen, a garden entry leads you to a spacious family room featuring a wet bar, as well as a room that can be used as a den or a guest room, which includes a full bathroom, plenty of closet space, and a powder room. Right below, there is a fully finished cellar with a wine room, storage space and a recreation room.
Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman
The second level houses a full-floor, breathtaking master bedroom complete with three walk-in closets, a massive bedchamber overlooking an outdoor terrace, and a spacious master bathroom.
Going further up to the third level, you’ll find two more bedrooms, each featuring custom walk-ins and private baths, as well as a full laundry room with washer and dryer. The fourth floor offers another two bedrooms sharing a spacious bathroom, and a sunny family room with a gas fireplace.
Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman
The crown jewel of this Brooklyn home is found on the top level, which opens up to a massive roof deck with exquisite city views. The 900-square-foot deck comes complete with a fully stocked outdoor kitchen and a grill area for entertaining guests and enjoying the summer evenings.
Brownstone home at 81 Pierrepont Street. Image credit: Lindsay Barton Barrett//Douglas Elliman
The building also offers some crucial amenities for the future homeowners, including a laundry room, storage space and parking. Just a few steps away lies the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, with Cadman Plaza to the east and Brooklyn Bridge Park just minutes away along the waterfront.
We think this fabulous brownstone checks all the right boxes, but if you’re still on the fence, be sure to reach out to the brokers and maybe get a house tour to convince yourself of this home’s beauty.
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