This three-bedroom duplex in Fort Greene has some definite quirks. But could you live with them?
We see quirky apartments all the time, and this one falls squarely into that category. It's a $4,000/month three-bedroom duplex if Fort Greene with outdoor access, and two fireplaces. It's also got lots of exposed brick. The third bedroom, it should be noted, is in a (large) basement, so you'll have to be okay with subterranean living. But judging by the listing photos, there is a small window down there, so at least that's something.
So is it worth considering? We asked our experts (and veteran renters), real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX's founder Constantine Valhouli and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.
The apartment:
Size: Three-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 38 Greene Avenue (between Carlton and Adelphi), Fort Greene
Monthly rent: $4,000/month
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 12 days
Subway: C at Lafayette, G at Clinton-Washington
Pros and cons:
"It's a little hard to make out the layout of this place from the listing photos, but the outdoor space and what seems to be decent square footage are definite pros. So is the location in a charming neighborhood and close to the subway. Unfortunately, the apartment just looks a bit dated (those kitchen cabinets, the closet doors and fireplaces), but someone with a flair for interior design could probably turn it around." —Lucy
"Pros: The apartment is in Fort Greene, one of the more architecturally charming neighborhoods in Brooklyn. And one of the few places that was home to both Walt Whitman and Spike Lee (although not at the same time). There's a park around the corner, and the entire neighborhood is a culinary destination. Another major plus: two fireplaces. Although let's not discuss what was done to those fireplaces, architecturally. Cons: The listing does not include the square footage, so it is difficult to make an informed comparison of how this stacks up against other rentals in the neighborhood. There were some 'interesting' design decisions taken here. On one hand, a delicate inlaid border on the wood floor; on the other hand, hollow-core wooden doors and 1980s Yorkville/Miami Vice aesthetic." —Constantine
"If you’re light-averse, this is the place for you. Sure this is a duplex, but it’s very basement-y in feel so you have to be okay with this going in. And, P.S., the apartment’s massive Flintstones-esque fireplace is located in the tiled basement which just adds to the cave-like feel of the place." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"I'm thinking two roommates who are in a band together and can use the downstairs as a practice room/hangout space rather than a bedroom. But they can't be starving musicians because of the price." —Lucy
"On the 2/3 train, it is less than a 30-minute commute to Wall Street, and about 35 minutes to midtown. From here, one could bike to work in Red Hook or Sunset Park, or even walk to work in downtown Brooklyn. So, the apartment lends itself to anyone who works within that radius." —Constantine
"Two pals who prefer to spend less on rent so there’s enough left over for a) tickets for shows at the Barclays Center just blocks away and b) epic parties—the backyard is pretty sweet." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
LEAVE IT: "It's just not that nice to look at, and the cons slightly outweigh the pros to me." —Lucy
LEAVE IT: "The location is amazing, but it might be difficult to live with some of the design decisions, especially at that price." —Constantine
LEAVE IT: "It’s too dark and pricey (don’t forget to tack on the broker’s fee) for my taste." —Lambeth
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