Description

Recognized as one of the most grandly built and meticulously preserved free-standing private homes in Brooklyn, 1305 Albemarle Road in Prospect Park South is distinguished as a jewel within the bucolic environs of the Prospect Park South Historic District, which was designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1979 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.


In 1899, developer Dean Alvord purchased approximately 60 acres of farmland in order to create Prospect Park South, a community of substantial homes, a "rural park within the limitations of the conventional city block and city street." The houses in Prospect Park South were required to be grand, freestanding homes with expansive lawns and ample plots to allow for privacy and landscape architecture more commonly found in the finest towns outside the city on the North Shore in Long Island, Westchester, and the Connecticut waterfront. This resplendent home is truly an oasis within the city.


Convenience is not sacrificed for its residents-subway transportation is close by, as is gourmet shopping, cafes, and every convenience one might need. The Parade Grounds and Prospect Park itself are less than two blocks away.


Built in 1905, designed by architect Henry B. Moore for George and Sarah Gale in grand Colonial Revival style, the residence is defined by its majestic two-story Ionic columns and spacious porch-inviting the eyes to rest longingly upon its handsome facade. Unlike even the grandest of townhouses, the scale, vistas, and multiple sources of natural light create the feeling that one is in a fine manor house in the country-not in the heart of the city. On the public floors-and as one traverses the epically proportioned, fully restored mansion staircase with original newel post-there are no fewer than three sources of light in each domain.


According to Christopher Gray of the New York Times the Gale Mansion "is the gem of the street, Albemarle is one of the grandest residential streets in the whole city."


The Gale house marries historic grandeur with modern luxury, combining masterfully restored century-old, irreplaceable detail across 11,000+ square feet and 22 rooms, including 9 bedrooms, 7 full and 1 half baths across four distinct levels of living space, replete with multi-zoned air conditioning and radiant floor heat system. The manicured grounds ideally complement the glorious interiors, where you will find a lushly landscaped private yard with bluestone patio, side garden, vast lawn, and a private two-car garage and driveway.


Main Floor

The grand hall is defined by a coffered ceiling and massive wood-burning fireplace-one of 6 gas and wood-burning fireplaces within the home-which in turn leads to a sun-drenched formal front parlor with fireplace, handsome library with fireplace and bay window, a mahogany-clad dining room facing the garden, and charming reception parlor. Four distinct moods for entertaining and peaceful repose. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with a 10-foot stone island, Viking range/double oven, Sub-Zero French door refrigerator, three Fisher & Paykel dish drawers, Carrara marble farm sink, and a wood-burning fireplace for chilly winter mornings. There is a separate windowed laundry room and a walk-in custom pantry. French doors open to a bluestone patio and expansive backyard with mature plantings-bringing the outside in at all times of year. An elegant and discreet powder room completes the main floor.


Second Floor

The second floor is the private domain and contains the sumptuous primary suite with a windowed dressing room and a luxurious en-suite bath. Four additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a spacious home office complete the second level.


Third Floor

Upstairs is the former ballroom with over 16-foot-high ceilings, where in 1908 George E. and Sarah Gale hosted more than 300 guests for live musical performances and grand revelry. For today's lifestyle, the upper level houses generous guest suites, lounges, a media room, home workspace, and the ideal environs for casual family fun with friends. The ballroom has been opened up to the attic to create a soaring ceiling and designed with a vintage bar that stretches along one wall for decadent home entertainment. You're transported to a London speakeasy-a magnificent place to share with friends. A spiral staircase leads up to a mezzanine. This floor is supported by three more bedrooms, a recreation room, mechanical room, and walk-in closet. A charming attic space features a sunlit reading loft overlooking the levels below-ideal for a home office, art studio, or snug. There are two full bathrooms on the third floor for guest use.


English Basement

With a private exterior entrance and high beamed ceilings, the English basement includes a 44-foot lounge with kitchenette, as well as a large gymnasium, sauna, and a large work/storage room.


Notable Features:

Over 1,450 SF of outdoor space across porches and terraces

75-ft driveway and 2-car garage with EV charger

Gated backyard with south-facing lawn and mature plantings

15-zone AC, 24-zone high-efficiency heating system for maximum comfort and energy savings

Original moldings, millwork, and restored woodwork throughout

66 restored original wood-framed windows, with new putty glazing and weather-stripping, stunningly designed and handcrafted with multiple bay windows, bowed, arched, and eyebrow dormers, diamond pane, oval casement, web mullion, Palladian windows, and French doors on multiple levels



6-minute stroll from B and Q subway lines, Prospect Park, the Kensington dog run, and top rated public and private schools- a world away yet a mere heartbeat from every luxury the city offers- a true Home in the city to cherish for generations. Listing courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC ...
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