$5.9M Civil War-era Clinton Hill mansion is a three-family home and an architectural gem

Clinton Hill is known for its ornate historic mansions set on blocks lined with brownstone and brick. This three-family home at 315 Washington Avenue, asking $5,900,000, is a fine example of just such a find. Built in the 1860s, this Francois I-style home is set back from the avenue, recognizable by the mansard roof added near the turn of the century by the Parfitt Brothers architectural firm. The free-standing manse measures a generous 30 feet wide and 68 feet deep on a gated lot surrounded by front, side, and back gardens, terraces, and a private driveway.

For architecture buffs, the home’s exterior features details like a modillion cornice, pedimented dormers, and patterned slate sheathing. Within, every opportunity of Brooklyn townhouse living is present and accounted for, including a 4,900-square-foot, seven-bedroom dwelling above two large garden-level apartments.

Past the front garden and up the stairs is a broad front porch, perfect for lazy summer days. Inside, the entry foyer opens into an elegant parlor great room and formal dining room featuring dazzling historic detail at every turn. The space is framed by 11-foot ceilings with dentil crown molding and ceiling medallions, leaded glass cabinetry, and parquet floors.

This main floor also offers a compact kitchen and a large family room. These grand spaces are served by a skylit pantry/laundry room that opens onto the backyard.

On the second floor are four bedrooms and two full baths. A terrace overlooking the back garden is accessible from two of the bedrooms.

On the home’s top floor are three more bedrooms and two baths. Yet another outdoor oasis serves this floor in the form of a sprawling (though unfinished) deck.

On the garden level are two separate apartments for significant income potential (or more space for mansion life). One unit is a renovated two-bedroom, two-bath apartment. The second unit has one bedroom.

The surrounding outdoor–and parking–spaces rival those of a country estate, including a backyard that spans the width of the property. This singular city home is just four blocks from the C train subway stop, and steps from the G train.

[Listing details: 315 Washington Avenue by Laura Rozos of Compass]

RELATED:

• This $6.5M Montrose Morris-designed Clinton Hill corner mansion has a three-story round tower
• For $3.3M, this turn-key Clinton Hill townhouse is light-filled and lovely, with historic charm intact
• Clinton Hill’s famous Pfizer mansion sells for $9.05M, setting neighborhood record
• Historic Brooklyn Heights house from the movie ‘Moonstruck’ hits the market for $12.8M