118 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

118 is a rarity. It is a gorgeous Italianate mansion, notable for its extra wide proportions of 23 feet, dominating the corner of Lafayette Ave at Cumberland Street. Built in 1860, the classic details include a superbly carved stone entry way, eyebrow lintels, window table sills, as well as two paneled arched front doors which exemplify the period. There is a nod to The French Second Empire on the 5th floor with a slate mansard roof, dormer windows, and an exquisite wood bracketed cornice. Original details? There are tons, the ceilings soar on the parlor level,with ornate wedding cake plaster detail, a pier mirror, several ornate marble mantels, an arched raised-panel & etched glass pocket doors, parquet flooring, and original bannister. There are working fireplaces on all of the floors. An expanse of windows on 3 sides allows light to flood the house, including 2 full height bay windows, one facing south over the 55 foot garden that is bordered by an original brick wall with ironwork running along Cumberland Street. The legal 3 family home is separated into an owners' garden/parlor duplex, a 1.5 bedroom floor-through occupies the 3rd floor and a huge upper 2 bedroom duplex encompassing the 4th and 5th floors. One could create a huge single family or maintain the present setup: live downstairs and have high income producing upstairs rentals.118 is in the Fort Greene Historic District, a neighborhood with tree-lined streets, Fort Greene Park, The Brooklyn Flea, fabulous restaurants and shops as well as excellent public transportation.