New York City is full of historic architecture, and brownstones are one of the city’s most distinct styles.
What Is a Brownstone?
A brownstone is a type of townhouse or rowhouse known for its distinctive reddish-brown sandstone façade. These buildings are especially common in older urban areas like Brooklyn and often feature classic architectural details like stoops, tall windows, and high ceilings.
While many brownstones date back to the 19th century, they’ve remained popular due to their historic beauty and spacious layouts.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Brownstones in NYC
1871 House, Manhattan
What makes it unique:
- Built in 1871
- Marble fireplace mantels
- Parquet wood flooring
Available for short-term and long-term renters, this 19th-century townhome enhances the Victorian elegance in Lenox Hill. True to its name, 1871 House was built in 1871 and has retained much of its original structure, like its wood flooring and marble fireplaces.
54 E 83rd St, Manhattan
What makes it unique:
- Bay window
- Brick fireplace
- 11-foot ceilings
This Upper East Side brownstone is situated between Park and Madison Avenues, putting residents right at the center of the action. 5th Avenue, Museum Mile, and Central Park are all just a short walk away. The bay window nook overlooking the city makes for a perfect reading spot, and the brick fireplace in the living room contrasts the white walls and preserves the home’s historic feel.
375 Herkimer St, Brooklyn
What makes it unique:
- Ceiling medallions
- Victorian double mantle
- Frame molding on the walls
Built in 1901, this Victorian-era residence retains original details like ceiling medallions and wooden double fireplace mantels. Frame molding on the walls give this rental an elevated look of luxury, and the original wood flooring is just as stunning.
521 3rd St, Brooklyn
What makes it unique:
- Gargoyles on the entryway
- Parquet wood flooring
- Ornate wood trim
With parquet wood flooring, ornate wood bannisters, and stone gargoyles at the entrance, this 19th-century brownstone is straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Located in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, this townhome is walking distance to Prospect Park. But residents don’t have to walk that far to enjoy the outdoors—this townhome has a shaded backyard patio where residents can dive into “And Then There Were None.”
44 W 91st St Unit 2, Manhattan
What makes it unique:
- Gold finishes
- Bay window
- Jacuzzi bathtub in the primary suite
Only half a block from Central Park, this elegant Upper West Side brownstone brings vintage opulence into the 21st century. Wood frame molding on white walls and parquet wood flooring give this townhome an aged feel, while granite countertops and gold finishes in the kitchen add another level of luxury. Enjoy sunlight streaming in from the townhome’s bay windows, or end the day soaking in the primary suite’s Jacuzzi tub.
189 St Johns Pl, Brooklyn
What makes it unique:
- Ornate wood trim
- Artisan kitchen tile
- Spacious backyard
Built in 1881, the details are the star of the show in this Gilded Age townhome. Ornate designs are carved into wood windowpanes, bannisters, and fireplace mantels, and frame molding on high ceilings makes rooms feel even larger. Dark wood borders trace the walls of every room, and each fireplace sits on unique flooring.
320 W 139th St, Manhattan
What makes it unique:
- Exposed brick
- Exposed beams
- Original wood stairs
This industrial-style townhome marries vintage style with modern minimalism. Next to the modern chef’s kitchen are original wood stairs preserved from 1898, and exposed brick walls and beams on the ceiling add to the Industrial-era feel.
505 1st St, Brooklyn
What makes it unique:
- Victorian-era mantels
- Original cabinetry
- SubZero wine refrigerator
This three-story townhome sits on a street lined with other gorgeous brownstones, and triple bay windows on all three floors give residents a view of the residential street. The interior of this townhome weaves modern elements into original features, like the ornate wooden threshold next to a SubZero wine fridge in the kitchen. Just half a block to Prospect Park, this brownstone gives residents a crash course in the best of Brooklyn.
165 Monroe St, Brooklyn
What makes it unique:
- Blue cabinetry
- Original pine flooring
- Exposed brick arches
With high ceilings and an open layout, this townhome brings the Victorian era into the 21st century. Bright blue cabinetry, modern light fixtures, and high-end appliances make the kitchen perfect for hosting parties, and original pine flooring and a marble fireplace preserve the 19th-century charm. The lower level features unique exposed brick arches that would pair perfectly with industrial décor.
48 W 120th St, Manhattan
What makes it unique:
- Exposed brick walls
- Hardwood flooring
- Private backyard
This triplex brownstone in Central Harlem gives renters the Manhattan experience on a quiet street. Don’t be fooled by its tucked-away location—this townhome is walking distance from Marcus Garvey Park, Central Park, and several subway stations. The interior of this charming brownstone adds to the tranquil feeling, with natural lighting, hardwood flooring, and an open-concept layout.
Find Brownstones in New York on Apartments.com
Have brownstones piqued your interest? Find your dream townhome with Apartments.com! When searching within New York City, navigate to the “Home Styles” section in the “All Filters” popup and select “Brownstone.” This will narrow your search to help you find your perfect place.
