Today I am sharing the first of a series that I believe everyone may really enjoy. I know we are all DIY/HGTV/Design enthusiasts and this should be fun to follow along! My sister and her partner, Rose purchased this nineteenth century carriage house in Brooklyn, NY. They have two children, ages 6 and 3 and are so excited to create their home for years to come.
Originally, Carriage Houses were outbuildings to a larger house or mansion and as the name depicts, used to store the horse drawn carriages and related tack. This particular carriage house was originally owned by Remsen Johnson, a local real estate magnate. He lived in the mansion and his chauffeur lived in the carriage house behind. My sister and Rose purchased the carriage house from the chauffeur’s great grandson, which means the house had been in their family for over 100 years. The carriage house’s backyard borders a cobblestone lane where horses were transported to the mansions of Clinton Avenue. Some other historic remnants are two cast iron hitching posts, an interior hitching rail, a horseshoe makers table and a few metal rings for tying up the horses. Pretty neat!
The house is not habitable at the moment. It is a total gut job and the first hurdle has been acquiring the proper permits to begin its renovation. The building is historic which brings permit restrictions, such as sight view from the front and restrictions on what they are able to remove, etc. You will see what a huge undertaking this will be! It is in desperate shape but the potential is incredible.
Front Exterior
Back Exterior
Kitchen – front of house
Back bedroom area
Stairwell
Bathroom
It is quite an intimidating endeavor, but I know we can all see its amazing potential! I think we will all enjoy seeing it gradually transformed into a beautiful home. The architect is hard at work and has amazing ideas for the space. I shall keep you all posted!
Oh – this is going to be so much fun!!!
oh wow! this will be fun! congrats to your sis and rose!
It’s a beautiful building with an interesting history! I look forward to seeing updates. Your sister and her partner are courageous to take on such a huge undertaking!
Yes, I do believe the word courageous is quite fitting in this case lol! Cheers!
What a lovely house. It will be beautiful when it’s finished and it will have so much character. I love that people are willing to take on such neglected buildings and breathe new life and love into them. It will be tough at times, but I wish your sister and family every good fortune in their wonderful renovation project.
Thanks so much, Anne Marie!
Amazing project, look forward to watching progress with interest. My son and his family are just about to embark on a Grade II listed house built in 1712 here in the UK!
Oh, wow! 1712! That is pretty amazing! I bet it will be gorgeous when done!
What great potential. Looking forward to seeing the progress!
What an incredible find! I can’t wait to see the progress.
Oh what a beautiful building. It will be fun to watch the transformation.
Wow! Can’w wait to see the progression.
What a cool piece of history to own!!! that place is going to be amazing when it’s done! Even the kids are loving it already!
Oh, that is so sweet of you! Yes, they are already enjoying their new backyard! Can’t wait to get their rooms done 🙂 Cheers!
can’t wait to see the transformation and process on this beautiful piece. Love the old wallpaper especially the cowboy one 🙂
If I had a willing husband and more money….I would love a project like this!!
LOL I know!
Fabulous! Can’t wait to see the finished product. Should be wonderful. Thanks for sharing!!!
How exciting for your sister and her family! I just love to see these kinds of transformations.
It’s going to be incredible.
Maxine
It will be fun – that’s for sure! Love that french armoire from last week, btw – swoon!
Once again, you are so spot on! This will be fun to follow along and watch the transformation! Thanks for including us in their journey!
You are very welcome!
What an amazing thing to be able to do. I loved the floors..
this is so awesome!
Oh wow! This is going to be a great series! Do you get to participate at all with creative ideas, project pieces, shopping, etc? It’s always fun spending someone else’s money! 🙂 I can’t wait to see it unfold!
I do get to participate! We were talking flooring the other day! And bathroom tiles. It is a bit overwhelming with all the choices they will have to make. I can tell you that the plans are just amazing and yes, as long as it is not my money I can have fun spending it lol!
Already looking forward to the ‘journey’ 🙂
Will be interesting to follow along. Thank you and your sister and family for sharing with us.
Oh, I love it, it has so much character! It will be beautiful and I’m excited to follow along :o)
Tania
The e is awesome and when they are finished it will be amazingly beautiful.
I feel like I’m back in England looking at that carriage house. What an awesome project! Those hardwood floors are AMAZING — I hope they’re able to salvage them. You’re right — it will be fun to watch your sister’s home transformation. 😀
Oh, yes – it is will be fun! I just wish the permits weren’t taking so long! It does look old European – so charming!
Oh Wowza……very français looking. Lived in France many years and this looks so French to me.
Love the fabulous charm of the building. How exciting….can’t wait to see the finished charm.
Magnifique!!! 🙂
Marcie
It does look French – you are right! It certainly has charm and I’m glad my sister bought it as I know she will be so careful to keep the charm and not lose it during the reno.
Congrats to your sister and family. The kids already seem to love it. Can’t wait to follow along..without having to do all that hard work :). And that cowboy wall paper is a treasure. Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t that paper fabulous? Thanks so much and I am excited to share it all with you!
Oh, I am so glad they are saving this beautiful landmark. Those floors and those windows, delightful!