The sights and sounds, the unmistakable pulse and palpable history of Harlem are an indelible aspect of the continuing evolution of this historic borough. 

The remaining century-old townhouses that line the streets are slowly giving way to the city’s inevitable march of time and gentrification but many of the evocative early 20th-century brownstones remain, recalling both the century-old origins of the neighborhood and its identity as the heart and soul of Black culture. Rescued by a couple ready for a new challenge, this vacation home for rent in New York City has a vibrant new personality and aesthetic that honors both. 

The nomadic family divides their time between NYC, their home in Maine, and frequent stays in boutique homes in faraway places.  Enthusiastic preservationists, they’ve restored several historic homes along the way. When they bought the building in 2015, except for the lovely ornate facade, it had been carved into four individual apartments with much of its original character lost to time and development. But, ready to embrace a new, more modern approach to design, the duo dove in.

Working with architectural firm OPerA Studio, the building was extended slightly, and anchored with a new staircase connecting the towering four storys. Replacing the rear facade with floor to ceiling glass walls and a second terrace, flooded the interiors with welcome natural light, all the better to showcase the stylish, industrial-chic design. 

Replacing the dark, dated aspects of the rooms with pale woods, colorful and whimsical pieces of modern and vintage decor, they brought this home roaring back to life.

Now warm and welcoming, this creatively restored antique-to-modern family home has undergone a richly deserved rebirth.

Towering four stories high, this vacation home rental in New York City has been lovingly and creatively restored from a century-old brownstone, whose turn-of-the-century beauty had largely been eliminated through the years.

The classic early 20th-century townhouse was ripe for a makeover, with each floor benefiting from an expansive and fresh reinvention.

The dark, 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 Airport (6.6 miles) 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round