Great views—plus low energy bills-—in this "passive house" condo

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo has much to offer for the eco-minded. The unit is at 255 Columbia Street, which was built to conform to passive house design standards (read our primer on the subject), which means it's super-energy-efficient; the insulation and solar panels help lower electricity usage (and bills). And if access to nature and the great outdoors is important to you, you'll also appreciate the home's proximity to the waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge Park, as well as its private terrace and the property's shared, landscaped courtyard. It's listed with Corcoran for $1.65 million, a touch below similar properties in the area.

In the living room (see main image), those large windows face west, making the private terrace—which adds significant square footage to the apartment—a romantic spot to have a drink and watch the sunset. The open kitchen is large enough for a dining table, too, and delivers on storage space as well as upscale appliances. 

The master bedroom features a custom walk-in closet and an en-suite bath with a view; the latter also comes with double sinks and a shower decked out with marble tile. The listing notes that the additional two bedrooms are located on the opposite side of the apartment; each has its own roomy closet, and they share an additional full bath; there's also another half-bath.. 

The floorplan shows an in-unit washer and dryer and additional closet space in the hallway. The property's shared backyard is landscaped and equipped with grills and a dining area; other amenities include a bike room, storage, and in keeping with the green theme, a building-wide composting program.