There are few addresses in Brooklyn quite as coveted as Columbia Heights, the picturesque, tree-lined street that runs alongside the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, offering some of the most recognizable views of Manhattan.
And a historic townhouse along this prized stretch has just hit the market, bringing with it nearly 170 years of history, a rather spectacular waterfront-facing terrace, and a $13.5 million asking price.
Located at 144 Columbia Heights, the stately 25-foot-wide townhouse was built in 1856 and has been owned by the same family since 1962.
Now, after more than six decades under the same ownership, the property is being offered for sale through Linda VanderWoude of Brown Harris Stevens.
The home is one of just four townhouses overlooking the water along this stretch of Columbia Heights to feature a distinctive New Orleans-style terrace with elegant wrought-iron railings.
And given its position overlooking the East River, the terrace comes with quite the backdrop: sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, passing boats, and the harbor below.
The impressive views extend throughout much of the house, with oversized windows framing the waterfront and Manhattan’s skyscrapers, while the property’s western exposure makes for particularly memorable sunsets.
But there’s plenty to appreciate about the townhouse itself, starting with its generous proportions.
Spanning 8,249 square feet across multiple levels, the historic residence offers 16 rooms, nine bedrooms, and six bathrooms, with a configuration that leaves considerable room for customization.
Currently arranged as a legal five-family property, the townhouse includes an owner’s lower triplex, two renovated floor-through apartments, and two junior one-bedroom apartments on the uppermost level.
The property is being delivered vacant, giving its next owner the flexibility to maintain the existing multi-family configuration, explore its investment potential, or undertake a more ambitious renovation to transform the entire building into a single-family residence.
And with 8,249 square feet to work with, there’s certainly no shortage of space for an architectural makeover.
The owner’s triplex, which occupies the parlor, garden, and basement levels, was designed by architect Charles Forberg and features an interesting mix of original 19th-century details and midcentury modern influences.
The parlor floor is especially impressive, with ceilings soaring nearly 13 feet high and enormous 10-foot-tall windows that retain their original shutters.
An oversized original pier mirror adds another period detail, while the expansive living room enjoys views of the harbor, the Manhattan skyline, and the property’s private garden.
It’s also from this level that the home opens onto its distinctive wrought-iron terrace.
With its elegant railings and enviable position overlooking the waterfront, the terrace is one of the property’s most recognizable architectural features, offering an outdoor vantage point from which to watch the activity along the East River.
Elsewhere on the parlor floor, a generously sized bedroom with a full bathroom and original decorative fireplace overlooks the tree-lined street below.
The garden level has a noticeably different feel, with a collection of comfortable living spaces that connect directly to the outdoors.
A dining room with western exposure features another original decorative fireplace, along with a charming Dutch door that opens onto a brick patio.
From there, steps lead down to the private garden, a surprisingly peaceful outdoor retreat considering the property’s location in one of New York City’s busiest boroughs.
The garden level also houses the kitchen, laundry room, two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a home office, making it well suited to everyday living.
Downstairs, the basement introduces yet another architectural element, with three graceful arches, natural stone details, and ceilings measuring approximately 7 feet, 9 inches.
An oversized recreation room with terra-cotta tile flooring and direct backyard access provides additional living space, with potential uses ranging from a home gym or media room to a family lounge or workspace.
Multiple storage areas and the home’s mechanical systems are also located on this level.
The upper floors are currently divided into separate apartments, with two renovated floor-through units featuring generous ceiling heights, in-unit laundry, and impressive views of the East River and Manhattan.
Above them, the two junior one-bedroom apartments occupy the top floor, where skylights and oversized windows bring in plenty of natural light while capturing more of the surrounding cityscape.
While the interiors offer a fascinating mix of historic architecture and later updates, much of the property’s appeal comes down to its location.
Brooklyn Heights is one of New York City’s oldest and most architecturally distinctive residential neighborhoods, with its streets lined by elegant 19th-century brownstones, historic churches, and grand townhouses that have retained much of their original character.
Columbia Heights is particularly desirable thanks to its elevated position above the East River and its proximity to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the beloved waterfront walkway famous for its postcard-worthy views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The townhouse sits just steps from the promenade, with Brooklyn Bridge Park practically at its doorstep.
DUMBO, with its cobblestone streets, waterfront parks, restaurants, and galleries, is also a short walk away.
Closer to home, neighborhood favorites like Inga’s Bar, L’Appartement 4F, Henry’s End, Noodle Pudding, and Vineapple add to the area’s appeal, while multiple subway lines and NYC Ferry service provide convenient connections to Manhattan and other parts of the city.
For a property that has remained in the same family since the early 1960s, 144 Columbia Heights offers an intriguing opportunity to revisit a nearly 170-year-old piece of Brooklyn real estate.
Its historic bones, unusually generous 25-foot width, private garden, and distinctive wrought-iron terrace provide an appealing starting point for a restoration or a more comprehensive redesign.
And while a future owner may choose to rethink the interiors entirely, there’s one feature that won’t require much improvement: those sweeping views across the East River to the Manhattan skyline.
The historic townhouse is now listed for $13.5 million with Linda VanderWoude of Brown Harris Stevens.
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