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Inside An Unusual Old Home For Sale Across From Brooklyn Bridge Park

Jen Carlson

Published Sep 10, 2018

Modified Sep 10, 2018

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Jen Carlson

Published Sep 10, 2018

Modified Sep 10, 2018

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In New York City, homes tend to come in the form of unspectacular apartments inside brownstones, townhouses, old tenements, public housing, and luxury condo buildings. So when we spot a unique home inside the city limits, it's usually a little bit surreal: that bucolic cabin on a rooftop, for example, or that one with all the cupolas, whatever those are. The latest is in DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights (or if you prefer, in Fulton Ferry Landing), right across from an entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park. In fact, it's one of the last remaining homes with a view of the skyline from that vantage point that isn't in a shiny new condo building (or hotel). And if you've got that kind of money ($1.95 million) you can buy it.

The first thing to know about the place is that it's currently owned by "The Timothy Robbins," of Shawshank Redemption fame, according to the listing. The second thing to know is that it is adorable, according to the garden entry that gives it a Main Street U.S.A. vibe. Maybe we can paint all apartment building front doors in this hue of mint?

Here's more on the home from the Sotheby's listing:

Your own parking spots on the right. (Sotheby's)

Nestled directly across from Brooklyn Bridge Park lies this special home at 5 Doughty Street, which might be best described as the poster child for the term “Must-See.” Upon entering this property from the street, you will immediately be transported into the enchanted private front garden of this multi-level, 2-bedroom, 2-bath home.

This peaceful home is surrounded by a 10’ high terra-cotta wall, offering an intimate ambience and European aesthetic. The home’s entrance is surrounded by a private, tranquil garden with lush greenery and your own rooftop deck is located atop this home with views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

This home features natural hardwood flooring throughout, a living room, separate dining area, and kitchen with a stainless steel dishwasher and refrigerator. The first bedroom features exposed brick, closet space, sunlight, and a full-sized en suite bath. The second bedroom includes a closet and windows overlooking the private garden.

Also, it features PRIVATE PARKING FOR 2 VEHICLES, and you could probably make your money back just by renting those out.

Doughty Street was named for Charles Doughty, a lawyer in the 18th century who helped create the Village of Brooklyn. The home was built around 1910, and turned into 3 apartments in the 1970s. (The other two are at 3 Doughty Street and at 7 Doughty Street—neither are currently on the market). Documents regarding changes to the front entrance of the 7 Doughty property contain details about its past, with the owner noting it was part of the Brooklyn Railroad Offices, and served as horse stables for the horses that pulled railcars. The walls were not put up until the 1970s, when it was converted into the apartments. They are all inside the landmarked Fulton Ferry Historic District.

Buyer's note: That aforementioned document notes that no one can really find these apartments, and since they don't look like residential units from the side street they are on, they are "frequently urinated on." Welcome to New York, where even our million dollar homes are peed on.

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Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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