Two-bedroom Flatbush detached with mantels asking $3,900

Located in a 1910 home, the condo still features some historic details and modern updates, such as a dishwasher and in-unit laundry room.

Photo via Brooklyn Properties

by Susan De Vries

In Flatbush, near Newkirk Plaza and Ditmas Park, this sizable two-bedroom rental home is on the first floor of a detached house that was built in 1910 as a two-family home. Mantels, stained glass and wood floors can still be found in the unit at 597 East 17th Street.

Builder Edward R. Strong was busy on the block in the early 20th century and had his own office on the corner of Newkirk and East 17th. In 1910 he submitted plans for a row of two-family houses, including this one, and for three-storey flats on the block. No architect was appointed to design the houses, but Strong regularly collaborated with Benjamin Driesler, including on the flats. It is likely that the prolific architect was behind this stretch of gambrel-roofed houses double porches. Strong advertised detached houses on East 17th Street in 1911 as “beautifully finished” and for allowing owners to rent one story for $55 a month.

This apartment covers the entire first floor with a lounge, dining room, kitchen with windows and breakfast area, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. There are high ceilings, windows on four levels, wooden floors and neutral colors throughout.

The drawing room overlooks the street and has a white painted brick mantelpiece with an interesting pointed arch opening, picture rails and a doorway which is closed but has its original cladding intact.

However a tenant chooses to use the dining room, it still retains typical early 20th century features, including wainscoting, a plate shelf, a coffered ceiling and a wooden mantel. The bay window overlooks what appears to be a stalled construction site, according to city records, but once contained another house in the row that was demolished in 2020.

The updated kitchen features a dishwasher, wood cabinets, recessed lighting, a subway tile backsplash and a tile floor. A breakfast nook, likely open to the kitchen, features a pendant light and shelves under the windows.

Photos show that both bedrooms have bay windows, a cupboard each and parquet flooring with inlaid edges. According to the listing, which does not include a floor plan, both bedrooms can accommodate king-size beds.

Neutral finishes in the bathroom include beige wall and floor tiles, an updated vanity, and a white tub. A room with narrow windows, perhaps near the bedrooms, is equipped with shelves and enclosed storage along one wall.

The listing also states that there is laundry room in the unit. No pets are allowed in the rental accommodation.

Carlos Arze of Brooklyn Properties has the listing and the apartment costs $3,900 per month. What do you think?

[Listing: 597 East 17th Street #1 | Broker: Brooklyn Properties] GMAP