In the market
This 2.5-story Queen Anne house built in 1885 is an extravagant and dramatic display of late Victorian architecture.
The home has a unique corner front entrance. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
On a plot of land in the corner 269 Kent Street in BrooklynLongwood’s Longwood neighborhood is home to a house beloved by students of historic architecture, lovers of Victorian homes, and passers-by.
known as Weber Buff PalaceThis 2.5-story Queen Anne house built in 1885 is an extravagant and dramatic display of late Victorian architecture. It features large arches, irregular massing, bays, gables, a stone portal, stone plinth-like porches, and an unusual corner entry tower.
The first floor is made of granite blocks and the upper floor is plastered, all featuring carved terracotta details. A steep red slate roof crowns the fantasy composition.
“The house has more stained glass than you could find in a museum,” said Ethan Fellman, agent with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, who is listing the house for $4,350,000.
It was designed by Boston architect S. Edwin Tobey for local real estate magnate John Prescott Weber, who sold the house to George F. Bove, a prominent shoemaker, according to New England buildings. Since it was owned by these prominent Victorians, the house has been fortunate in that none of its extensive interior woodwork, which includes paneled wood paneling, parquet flooring, built-ins and carved fireplace surrounds, has been removed, painted or altered. This is a rare, high-style Victorian home that retains its original architectural elements while making room for modern amenities that include central air conditioning, a central vacuum system, an updated kitchen, and luxury bathrooms.
The 6,227-square-foot home has seven bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. The stately entry hall leads to the spacious living and dining rooms in the tradition of entryways that serve as great entertainment centers. There are fireplaces in a number of the bedrooms as well as in the living, dining and sitting rooms – the house has seven in total.
As Villemin points out, the numerous stained glass windows add cheerfulness and color to the interior.
The land is 0.33 acres in size, which is undoubtedly a small portion of the original lands. In 1995, the stable was demolished in exchange for preservation restrictions on the main house.
“The house directly behind it was originally the carriage house,” Villemin said.
The current owners have made the most of their U-shaped plot by creating a lush series of outdoor areas planted with roses and other flowering perennials. There are lawns for children to play, private and relaxing areas to enjoy the view, and just outside the kitchen door, a cut garden that also grows herbs and vegetables.
Roses climb up many of the house’s stone architectural elements, including the portal’s massive columns. The path leading to the front door features a circular focal point surrounded by stone and grass checkerboards. The gardens provide a screen from the street while leading the eye to long, satisfying vistas interspersed with sculptures and outdoor seating.
Through clever design, the garden appears much larger than it actually is, and the house has a feature that keen gardeners will appreciate: a greenhouse. There is also parking for up to eight vehicles.
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