503 Madison St, Brooklyn, NY 11221

NEW! You don't want to miss this architect- and artist-designed brownstone renovation. Three stories with a fully usable basement, this Bed-Stuy beauty is one to behold. The owners' lower duplex reveals a garden-level open living/dining kitchen with exposed beams, restored pine floors, painted brick and original stair. The kitchen is a chef's delight, appointed with a five-burner Bertazzoni stove, a large stainless sink with built-in drainboard, a Miele dishwasher and a Kitchen Aid fridge with French doors and drawer freezer. Sleek counter-high cabinetry, sintered stone countertops and 4-in. tile backsplash complete the crisp, chic vibe. The Douglas fir floating shelves bring warm touches of California sun to this urban enclave. The rear-facing primary bedroom has two exposures and an office alcove, and it looks out onto the landscaped yard. A full bath hosts a double Duravit vanity, a cantilevered toilet, deep soaking tub and cle zellige floor tiles. A hinged window panel pivots and opens from the bathroom to reveal backyard vistas. The parlor floor boasts two oversized rooms with 12-ft. ceilings, divided by original pocket doors with a backyard-facing side room that leads to a terrace overlooking the garden. The third-floor rental is a charming light-strewn one bedroom with a galley kitchen, original dual marble sinks, and spacious living room and bedroom. The basement is squeaky clean and well lit. Epoxy floors, a half bath, tons of storage space, a new hot water heater and laundry. Upgrades include eight-zone central air, triple-pane wood-framed tilt and turn casement windows, a large skylight and new roof, brand new plumbing and electric. This house is a beautiful coupling of original detail and sophisticated design: Three decorative fireplaces with slate mantels, Eastlake hardware, pier mirrors, turned balusters, and a newel post with a brass finial are all part of the treasure trove of 19th-century artistry that live in harmony with a 21st-century lifestyle. Neighborhood draws include Saraghina's restaurant and bakery, Rita and Maria's Cafe, Manny's Wine Shop, and record and book stores Black Star Vinyl and The Word is Change. If you must leave the neighborhood, the A/C lines are most convenient.