A Prospect Hill classic on a leafy side-street steps from Yale or Shakespeare in the Park, the 1915 Donald Prentice House was likely designed by Brown & Von Beren. Prentice taught mechanical engineering at Yale & literally wrote the book on home heating systems. His striking Colonial Revival home was built for the ages: 18" stone foundations, heavy beams, and a heating system (w/new furnace ca. 2010) that keeps the house snug. This lovingly preserved and generously proportioned 4-5 bedroom home has changed hands just a few times, most recently in 1979 (the wonderful writer & writing teacher Caroline Roberts Rosenstone lived here almost 45 years). A lovely entrance hall opens to a grand living room made for entertaining. Light pours in from three sides, including from an enlarged sunroom that leads to both a formal dining room and a 2021 deck with views of the private back garden & cityscape beyond. The charming St. Charles eat-in kitchen (with ca. 2016 reverse-osmosis drinking water filter) offers space for contemporary renovation if desired. A mud-room and renovated half-bath complete the 1st floor. 2nd floor features 4 generous bedrooms (1 with small private balcony facing the garden), laundry room and full bath. 3rd floor has a study/5th bedroom, 2nd full bath, and unfinished attic with room to expand. Full-height partly-finished basement offers further possibilities. Whole house protected by back-up generator. The Donald Prentice House is listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Tax credits and matching grants may be available for historically appropriate renovations: see www.nhpt.org/historic-structures-fund for details. See also package of historical information in the Attachments - including descriptions of 71 Autumn from the 1979 Prospect Hill National Historic District application, and from the 2008 survey for the proposed St. Ronan/Edgehill Historic District (new sub-district not yet approved), as well as information on the writings of two of the home's illustrious author owners: Prentice and Rosenstone (whose humor-writing clients included Joan Rivers). The house features plenty of space as is - including unusually large closets for a home this age - but also substantial room to expand. 2nd floor has a bonus sink - possibilities abound for a primary BR suite with en-suite bath. 3rd floor has been used as an in-law apartment for live-ins/rentals, with its own full bath & a mini-kitchenette (there appears to have once been a back staircase to 3rd floor - separate entrance *may* be possible). Both attic & basement are full height & could be fully finished. As this is an estate sale, Property Condition Disclosure report is not available. Seller is aware that fireplace has not been used in some years and should be cleaned & safety-inspected before use; Seller makes no warranty on usability. A whole-house electrical inspection confirmed that Rosenstone had electrical outlets throughout the house fully re-wired and properly grounded - see attachment. A few remaining electrical issues were repaired 11/14 at seller expense, should all be in good working order for inspection. Some historic wiring may remain in the original antique ceiling fixtures. Electrician has confirmed that historic wiring is grandfathered when connected solely to ceiling lights. Sale is subject to probate approval.
Sold for $790,000 on 02/23/24
$790,000
71 Autumn Street, New Haven, CT 06511
4beds
3,328sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1920
4,356 Square Feet Lot
$875,500 Zestimate®
$237/sqft
$3,904 Estimated rent
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: July 09, 2024 at 08:19pm
Listed by:
Rebecca Weiner,
Betsy Grauer Realty, Inc
Bought with:
Wojtek Borowski, REB.0758965
Pearce Real Estate
Source: Smart MLS,MLS#: 170607120

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Primary bedroom
- Features: High Ceilings, Balcony/Deck, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Upper
- Area: 192.5 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14 x 13.75
Bedroom
- Features: High Ceilings, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Upper
- Area: 155.88 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.75
Bedroom
- Features: High Ceilings, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Upper
- Area: 195.94 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14.25 x 13.75
Bedroom
- Features: High Ceilings, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Upper
- Area: 105 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 12
Bathroom
- Features: Hardwood Floor
- Level: Upper
Bathroom
- Features: Remodeled, Tile Floor
- Level: Main
Bathroom
- Features: Built-in Features, Ceiling Fan(s), Tub w/Shower, Tile Floor
- Level: Upper
Dining room
- Features: Built-in Features, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12 x 14
Kitchen
- Features: Breakfast Nook, Built-in Features, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Main
- Area: 140 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10 x 14
Living room
- Features: High Ceilings, Built-in Features, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Main
- Area: 294 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 21 x 14
Study
- Features: Hardwood Floor
- Level: Upper
- Area: 118.25 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11 x 10.75
Sun room
- Features: Bay/Bow Window, Hardwood Floor
- Level: Main
- Area: 156 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12 x 13
Heating
- Forced Air, Natural Gas
Cooling
- Ceiling Fan(s), Central Air, Window Unit(s)
Appliances
- Included: Electric Range, Refrigerator, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer, Water Heater, Humidifier
- Laundry: Upper Level, Mud Room
Features
- Open Floorplan, Entrance Foyer
- Doors: Storm Door(s)
- Windows: Storm Window(s)
- Basement: Full,Partially Finished,Concrete,Liveable Space
- Attic: Walk-up,Partially Finished,Floored
- Number of fireplaces: 1
Interior area
- Total structure area: 3,328
- Total interior livable area: 3,328 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,828
- Finished area below ground: 500
Property
Parking
- Parking features: On Street
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Features
- Patio & porch: Deck
- Exterior features: Awning(s), Balcony, Garden, Rain Gutters, Sidewalk
- Fencing: Full,Privacy
- Has view: Yes
- View description: City
- Waterfront features: Walk to Water
Lot
- Size: 4,356 sqft
- Features: Rear Lot
Details
- Parcel number: 1247232
- Zoning: RS1
- Other equipment: Generator
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Colonial,Other
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Clapboard, Brick
- Foundation: Brick/Mortar, Stone
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1920
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
- Utilities for property: Cable Available
Green energy
- Energy efficient items: Ridge Vents, Doors, Windows
Community & neighborhood
Community
- Community features: Health Club, Lake, Library, Medical Facilities, Park, Near Public Transport, Tennis Court(s)
Location
- Region: New Haven
- Subdivision: Edgehill/St. Ronan
Services availability

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