Live in This Cool, Summery Duplex Located in an 1851 Church for $8,750

One thing we can say about this apartment currently for rent at 215 Degraw Street (a.k.a. 56 Strong Place) in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn: The listing broker likes it. She writes, and we quote: “…this incredible 3 bedroom 3 bath duplex offers more to one lucky renter than this writer can ever hope to convey.” But she gives it a shot just the same, explaining that for a mere $8,750 a month, you can bag “The triple Crown of Rentals!” She says more, too, but let’s take a look at what’s causing all this excitement.

First, Landmark at Strong Place is a circa 1851 Gothic Revival church that was converted into a 23-unit condominium in 2010. So already it’s more interesting than your average apartment.

This spacious 1,525 square-foot duplex has–count ’em–four connected outdoor spaces totalling 53 feet, accessible through tall and lovely French doors that bring in sunshine and a breeze, cathedral ceilings befitting a historic, well, cathedral, and softly-polished floors.

Taken together the look is a little bit Hamptons beach house, a little bit newly-minted luxury condo, a little bit like you get to live in a big, cool historic church–pick whichever suits your mood.

The large and supremely well-outfitted kitchen is also a hit of instant calm, with pale mint walls, a sea-green translucent glass-tiled backsplash, top-of-the-line appliances, modern open shelving plus plenty of clean white shaker cabinets, a wood-topped breakfast bar and lots and lots of space to congregate.

Yet another set of doors to the decks opens from the master bedroom, which is painted a calming ocean blue. There’s an en suite bath here with a washer/dryer and lots of closets.

Upstairs, a third bedroom has cathedral ceilings and skylights so your kids/guests/roommate can gaze at the stars and wake up to sunshine. Also upstairs is a home office, a huge walk-in closet and one of the home’s three baths.

Bathrooms are modern and sophisticated in marble tile, white Corian, wood and chrome, with elbow room for Jack and Jill.

There’s enough outdoor space for the whole congregation with a gracious terrace that spans the length of the unit; nooks and secluded spaces create an outdoor world .

Then there’s the church facade, which is pretty impressive, even among church facades that conceal fancy condos. This one also conceals a fitness center, storage space and bike storage, plus an elevator, central heat and air and a virtual doorman. You also get a private designated parking spot, which is a pretty great idea, since the beautiful brownstone neighborhood of Cobble Hill is one of Brooklyn’s most popular for both living and visiting, with its restaurant row, shops, cafes, parks and the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and Brooklyn Bridge Park a short distance away.

[Listing: 215 Degraw Street by Vicki Negron for Corcoran Group]

[via CityRealty]

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