An Epic Fairytale Gingerbread House In Brooklyn
An Epic Fairytale Gingerbread House In Brooklyn – And My Connection!
This fairytale gingerbread house in Brooklyn holds a very special meaning for me – aside from being an epic home like no other I’ve seen, I’ve had the pleasure of growing up in the same neighborhood this home was born in. It’s not often that one is blessed to be able to own a home like this, I was very fortunate to be able to walk past it whenever I felt like dreaming and envisioning what it would have been like to live in it.
Originally built by architect James Sarsfield Kennedy, this unique home was built in 1917 on a 20,000 square foot lot in trendy Brooklyn. The house itself is just under 6,000 square feet and contains 6 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The home has had only 4 owners which given its birthdate of 1917 is very few. It underwent extensive renovations following Hurricane Sandy.
This Fairytale Gingerbread House is selling for $9m. It’s been having a hard time selling – I guess they are holding out for their price. This house has a fairytale description too!
Rare is the marriage of manor, lord and lady. Simply, the Gingerbread House, landmarked by the City of New York for its iconic place in the history of the Arts and Crafts genre, is enchanted. What a joyous life you may conjure here! The renowned clarity of form and structure, variety of materials, asymmetry, traditional construction techniques and craftsmanship, defining of the Arts and Crafts movement, are visually, texturally and functionally palpable.
It’s hard to imagine a home like this located in the heart of an area in Brooklyn called Bay Ridge. I was born in NYC and when I was a young child, my parents moved us from an apartment in New York City to a house in Bay Ridge. It’s funny how this Fairytale Gingerbread House was a small piece of so many conversations. At some point during the daily gossip, someone would always mention this house. “Did you see it”? “Did you walk past it”? “Can you imagine living there’? – These were just some of the questions and bits of conversations folks would have about this house.
While I lived within walking distance of this magnificent house, I didn’t grow up accustomed to this type of lifestyle. We owned a middle-class style home which I am very grateful to have lived in. Brooklyn is like that – you can walk one block in one direction and find mansions and walk a few blocks and find an entirely different world of homes. Bay Ridge was a great neighborhood to grow up in and for that, I’m blessed. I do miss it from time to time. It has a wonderful sense of family and connectedness you just don’t find these days.
This house clearly didn’t belong in Brooklyn – so what was it doing there? While the Bay Ridge area is a trendy and posh neighborhood and always has been, this Fairytale Gingerbread House did not belong there. It looks like something out of the world of Hansel and Gretel and European folktales. In reality, this house is a rare American example of the Arts and Crafts style.
This house is made of uncut stone, in varying shapes, colors and sizes and was a brilliant and organic way to make the land work for the design.
Whenever we visit Brooklyn, we always drive past this house. We still dream of how magnificent it would be to live there. We still wonder what life would have been like BBQing in the backyard.
Of course, there’s lobster on the grill – would we expect anything else?
The kitchen is simply stunning. Copious amounts of light and updated everything! Instead of an island, they opted for a sit-in area which I adore.
I also love this galley style area of the kitchen. It’s great for maximum efficiency.
Everything in this Fairytale Gingerbread House is composed of wood; from the floors to the shutters to the furniture – you won’t find any painted furniture here. Although, it’s all the rage for years now and, I love some of my painted furniture pieces.
Large palatial living space defines this living room area. Notice the raised etchings on the wall and the fireplace – wow. What a masterful way to define an area.
Another sitting area – the ceiling is artwork in and of itself. I love the eclectic decor elements in this house.
Lucky pooch! Again, notice all the wood design in this house. All superior workmanship.
This palatial living room is fit for royalty. Wine anyone?
With plenty of room to park their historic cars, the outdoor living space is as beautiful as the indoor. In Brooklyn, all this living space is a rare commodity.
The house sits on a large lawn, with a back extension, an enclosed garden, and the garage. Some other wonderful details include the traditional English garden fence in the back, the red chimney pots and the perfectly unexpected window smack in the middle of the chimney wall.
The new owners will have wonderful dreams in this bedroom, I’m sure.
Of course, we would expect to find exquisitely designed stained glass in this epic historic house.
This 1920 Fairytale Gingerbread House combines diverse design elements that are as timeless as they are today as they were then. If you want to learn more about this property head on over to the original real estate listing.
Here’s a wonderful video of the property as well.
And as always, thanks so much for stopping by! If you like this post, An Epic Fairytale Gingerbread House In Brooklyn, subscribe via email below and never miss a post again!
Click the image below to see Johnny Depp’s’ Gorgeous Bluegrass Horse Farm!
You had me at Fairytale Gingerbread House. It is such a wonderful home. I enjoyed seeing it so much and I love the real life stories about how you grew up by this delightful home.
Such a fabulous home! Classic elegance for sure. The outside may say fairy tale but the inside is just exquisite! Thanks for sharing this one, and your personal connection to this beauty.
That’s some house…I may have to sneak a peek the next time I’m in Brooklyn!!
Such a beautiful and unique home! We have small versions of them out here in Carmel, California! The inside of these is very hobbity, which is super fun!
Thank you, Sue. This house is a dream for sure. I loved that I got to see it in person as a kid. Ahhh to dream lol
Carolann
Thanks, Heather. I love this home and was thrilled I got to see it in person as a kid. I hope someone buys it soon!
Carolann
Hi Kim, oh yes! Be sure to go check it out. It’s truly a sight to see!
Carolann
Thanks, Janine. I was so lucky to see it in person. It’s truly a stunning home.
Carolann
Oh my goodness, I just fell head over heels in love with a house!!!! That is so incredibly beautiful. I wonder how they made the roof, it fascinates me. All those beautiful, unexpected curves. So lovely
Thanks so much, Michelle. I love that home too. Being able to see it in person was a real treat! Have a wonderful upcoming weekend!
Carolann