When you think of brownstones in Brooklyn Heights, you picture the elegant stoops, the tree-lined streets, the sweeping views of Manhattan and the harbor. But very rarely does one come up that offers both historic grandeur and room for a sophisticated single-family revival. Enter 261 Hicks Street, a pre-war Italianate brownstone with nearly 5,000 square feet of living space—and a canvas for your dream home in possibly the most coveted neighborhood in Brooklyn.
This five-story townhouse, originally built in 1866, spans approximately 4,915 square feet with twelve rooms, seven bedrooms, and four and a half bathrooms. At 21 feet wide, it provides the kind of grand scale that lends itself naturally to mansion-style living. The interiors are graced with soaring ceilings, oversized period windows, and six wood-burning fireplaces that have been meticulously restored by Jos. A. Walas. A sweeping staircase and original ironwork further underscore its character, while east, west, and southern exposures bathe the home in natural light throughout the day.
The parlor floor looks out over the Gothic spires of Grace Church, and from the upper stories, you can catch glimpses of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. A private courtyard garden and a terrace above an extension offer outdoor breathing room, while the roof presents the possibility for panoramic views—perfect for a future roof deck.
The home is currently configured as a three-family residence, with the parlor through fifth floors serving as the owner’s space and a garden rental below, but its layout makes it well suited to being reimagined as a single-family mansion once again.
Living here also means being part of the storied Brooklyn Heights community. Just a short walk to the Brooklyn Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park, the neighborhood offers a balance of tranquility and vibrancy. Boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and easy access to transportation—including the nearby Court Street station—make it one of New York’s most desirable enclaves.
Priced at $6,900,000 with Joan Goldberg.
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