172-year-old Brooklyn Heights stunner wants $7.75M after renovation

The brokerbabble for this Brooklyn Heights townhouse, listed for $7.75 million, notes that it would be perfect for “connoisseurs, preservationists, townhouse lovers, or anyone that would like become one”—a bit hyperbolic, yes, but the home is pretty historic. It’s located at 26 Willow Street, which puts it squarely within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, and—along with its neighbors at Nos. 20, 22, and 24—dates back to 1846.

And while it doesn’t have the same cachet as some of its neighbors—it’s no Truman Capote townhouse, which is just down the block at 70 Willow Street—it does look much the same as it did in the 19th century. The latest edition of the AIA Guide to New York City describes the grouping of homes from No. 20-26 as “straightforward, austere, yet elegant,” noting in particular the two-story porches out back that have views of the harbor and Manhattan.

That porch is still in place on this house, as are some of its other historic features, such as plaster crown and ceiling moldings, pocket doors, and columns. But it was also “beautifully renovated,” per the listing, with new touches like custom cabinetry, upgraded mechanicals, and updated bathrooms.

The home has six bedrooms, though the floorplan shows four and two rooms marked as studies; the master bedroom, which has an en-suite bathroom, also comes with access to the back porch. There are three and a half bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen with its own fireplace, several more fireplaces, and a backyard. On the downside: no elevator.

It’s listed with Brown Harris Stevens’s Brian Lehner for $7.75 million.

• Listing: 26 Willow Street [BHS]