Cobble Hill
Greek Revival

Originally built in the 1840s, this four-story Greek Revival rowhouse sits tucked away on a secluded street in the Cobble Hill Historic District. When the clients engaged The Brooklyn Studio, the home was in dire need of intervention; prior renovations had stripped the property of any original features typical of a Greek Revival home, and its rear extension was on the verge of collapse. The needs of the family were addressed by reimagining the floorplan and enlarging the building’s footprint to create a home that is unique in its architectural features.

The clients sought a design that supports a modern family with young children, reflects their distinct aesthetic and love of the arts, and revitalizes the lost character of the home. The uncharacteristic Queen Anne-style mahogany staircase was an existing element that the clients asked to preserve and incorporate into the new design. Even though the existing stair was not an original relic of the house, its preserved history adds character to the home.

The rear extension provides an important connection to the large rear yard, with a perfect view of a mature juneberry tree. The sightlines of the parlor floor honor this focal point, visually centering the openings from the living room, kitchen and bay window to the tree beyond.

Cobble Hill Greek Revival Breakfast Room

The breakfast room adjoins the kitchen and provides a bright area for casual dining. A custom 9 ½ foot long light fixture adorns the table from above. Designed by Jenna Balute in collaboration with August Hoffman Studio, the light fixture introduces a softened light source through a fabric-wrapped metal frame. This same design language is transposed onto another rectangular light fixture at the formal dining area on the garden floor below.

A new staircase was installed at the rear addition to connect the two dining rooms at the parlor and garden floors. The sculptural mahogany stair draws parallels to the existing Queen Anne staircase in the main house. The new stair is crowned by a circular skylight set in a domed ceiling above, emulating the work of James Turrell (an artist beloved by the client), with a nod to classical architectural forms.

Cobble Hill Greek Revival Primary Closet

Cobble Hill Greek Revival Primary Bedroom

Cobble Hill Greek Revival Primary Bathroom

The renovation also capitalized on an overlooked feature of the Cobble Hill home, its rooftop vantage point to views of Manhattan and upper New York Bay. The interior of the penthouse addition is wrapped in mahogany millwork, creating a rooftop retreat complete with integrated bookshelves, a daybed, and wet-bar. Given the historic nature of the neighborhood, the penthouse was thoughtfully designed to be concealed from the streetscape below; the existing roof framing was lowered, and the penthouse was set back from the front façade.