A Historic Brooklyn Heights Landmark Reborn: The Masterful Restoration of 24 Middagh Street

In the heart of Brooklyn Heights stands a remarkable testament to preservation and innovation. At 24 Middagh Street, one of the neighborhood’s oldest residences has been reborn — honoring its Federal-style heritage while embracing modern living. Built between 1790 and 1829, the home strikes a balance between historic integrity and contemporary luxury that defines today’s Brooklyn Heights market.

“The property dates to the early 1800s, but after a two-year restoration it’s essentially a brand-new house behind its original Federal-style façade,” says listing agent Daniel Kramp of Christie’s International Real Estate Group. He explains that century-old archival photos helped guide the design of the new garden-level extension and the handcrafted cedar gate, ensuring that every addition felt authentic to the home’s history.

Architect Côme Ménage, founder and lead designer at RE.A.D, describes the process as restorative rather than purely aesthetic. “We found in the prior-to-1925 archives evidence of an enclosed porch facing the courtyard. We thought this original design articulated nicely the main house with the courtyard and worked on reinstating those aspects,” he says. The concept, reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Brooklyn Historical Association, was met with unanimous approval for its historical sensitivity.

Located at the corner of Middagh and Willow Streets, the property blends privacy, parking, and timeless charm just steps from the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park. “Inside, the main residence has been fully reimagined for contemporary living with a sculptural staircase and a chef’s kitchen outfitted with JennAir, Miele, and Bosch appliances,” notes Kramp. Zoned HVAC and an ERV system bring modern comfort while preserving the home’s Federal character.

According to Ménage, the nearly 250-year-old structure required a complete reinforcement of its framework to ensure stability for another century. The interiors, redesigned in collaboration with the homeowner, balance warmth and modernity with shaker cabinetry, classic wood railings, and restrained materials that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

Spanning roughly 3,357 square feet across four levels, the main residence was tailored for modern lifestyles with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, two offices, a playroom, and a music room. “The main house has a contemporary feel and offers expansive living space,” Kramp says. A 900-square-foot carriage house sits behind the main home, connected through a peaceful courtyard that doubles as a rare private parking area. “The courtyard has a curb cut and an EV charger — a rarity in landmarked Brooklyn Heights,” he adds.

One of the most striking design elements is the 162-square-foot garden-level extension, which replaced a former terrace to create open flow between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Custom cabinetry, Calacatta Viola marble, and a generous prep island reflect the project’s ethos of enhancement rather than alteration. “I love the kitchen facing the courtyard,” says Ménage. “It has this larger gridded glass portion that’s barely visible from the street and offers a wide look into the courtyard open space — you even see the front of the carriage house from inside.”

Throughout the home, bespoke finishes — “handmade tile, custom millwork, and a handcrafted cedar gate,” as Kramp notes — reinforce its custom craftsmanship. Behind the scenes, a seven-zone HVAC with Google Nest, discreet split systems, and an Energy Recovery Ventilation unit ensure comfort and efficiency without disrupting the aesthetic.

The carriage house serves as a flexible guest suite, studio, or office with its own HVAC system and a wood-burning fireplace, maintaining its prewar charm. The previously unusable cellar has been transformed into a finished level with a concrete slab and micro-topping finish, adaptable as a gym, media room, or storage space.

“Brooklyn Heights is New York’s first suburb and still one of its most coveted,” Kramp says. “It’s a protected historic district, so cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and pre-Civil War homes are preserved. One subway stop to Manhattan, yet life here feels like a small town — tree-lined streets, the Promenade with skyline views, and local favorites like Inga’s Bar and L’Appartement 4F.”

The restoration of 24 Middagh Street exemplifies the art of honoring history while shaping it for modern life — a Federal-style landmark renewed for the next century. The property is currently listed for $9,995,000.