Harlem Brownstone

A Harlem Brownstone's Vibrant Renaissance

This thoughtfully renovated home reimagines each of its four floors with inspired design and bright, open spaces that take full advantage of its impressive vertical architecture, blending period details with contemporary design. The living spaces flow naturally from one level to the next, with ample outdoor space, offering a perfect balance of privacy and connectivity.

This vacation home for rent in New York City has a vibrant aesthetic that honors Harlem's heritage and updates it for modern living. The neighborhood's remaining century-old townhouses are slowly giving way to the city’s inevitable march of time and gentrification but many of the evocative early 20th-century brownstones still stand, recalling both the origins of the neighborhood and its identity as the heart and soul of Black culture.

The home's original stacked interiors have been lightened and expanded, taking advantage of the vertical profile to reimagine it for modern living. Anchored by the exposed steel and oak staircase that climbs through each floor, the former parlor is now a spacious living and dining space with a sleek modern kitchen and a guest room on the garden level. There are two additional living spaces, with three double bedrooms on the upper two levels. 

The interiors intentionally retain the exposed steel framing, heating ducts, sprinkler lines and structural elements to create an industrial aesthetic that is enhanced with vibrant and colorful furnishings and decor. 

The stairway also seamlessly connects the interior spaces and leads down from the newly added terrace to the gardens and outdoor living spaces designed by landscape designer Evan Lai.

Additional features

Wifi throughout, premium satellite cable TV, SONOS sound system, security system (video and buzzer to entry doors on every floor), Nest climate control, laundry facilities, kitchen and bath amenities. 

Around

From Malcolm X and Duke Ellington, to Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes, and the inimitable Apollo Theater and Hip-Hop, Harlem is the epicenter of 20th-century Black culture that looms large, even as time and the inevitable gentrification has slowly begun to impact the fabric of the neighborhood.

Migration from the south in the early 20th century established this neighborhood as a safe harbor and cultural hub that allowed the community to thrive. What remains is a rich tapestry of the arts, music, dance and literature known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Bisected by 125th street, the area lies at the headlands of Manhattan just above Central Park where you'll be just minutes away from all of best of the northern part of the city. With deep-rooted institutions like Sylvia's, Amy Ruth's and Red Rooster's famous soul food restaurants right alongside the whole foods and yoga set, this is the face of an evolving New York City. The Studio Museum is just around the corner, and the property is within walking distance of the three best urban parks: Morningside, Marcus Garvey and Central Park, as well as nearby Columbia University. 

Do a sampling of some of the neighborhoods best restaurants, supper clubs and bars along Frederick Douglas Boulevard and take in what will hopefully be a neighborhood whose classic American heritage thrives unchanged for years to come.  

Location

Harlem, New York City. Nearest airport: La Guardia (6.6 miles) 

Best time to visit

Year round