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IT is the Brooklyn Riad, named by property owners/MTV set designers/artists/entrepreneurs/owners of Bembe restaurant & bar on South 4th Street in Williamsburg.  The Greenpoint home is BEYOND an amazing find.  When my coworker told me that I HAD to IMMEDIATELY see his new 2 bedroom fully furnished apartment rental that he had just moved into, I had no idea what I was about to see.  When I stepped into the entryway of the Riad, I instantaneously noticed the attention to detail and refinish work that the gutted 4 story home had undergone.  Everything from rustic plank flooring, tasteful wall art, and carefully lit hallways created a fantasy; as if I was no longer in Brooklyn, but somewhere in Spain or Morocco.  And so began the week long love affair, and desire to oust my coworker so that I could some how reside in the Greenpoint Apartment Rental.

The Riad is nothing short of perfection.   The owners of the 2-5 family home have traveled the world and brought their love for Moraccan art into each apartment, paying extremely close attention to every detail.  All cabinetry and hardware have been hand made, kitchen & bathroom tiles colored, and wall plaster mixed and colored from SCRATCH.  The contrast of colors throughout the apartment bring about a sense of warmth and comfort.

The kitchen showcases high end stainless appliances, Moroccan & French cement tiles, kitchen floor drain, and mahogany cabinets.  The bathroom offers a large turquoise pantry, spacious open stand up shower, and Moroccan tiles.  Both bedrooms are quite spacious and boast hand built exposed raw wood shelving and custom built 10ft closets with sliding restored wood doors.  During daylight hours the floor through apartment gets tons of sunlight and a nice cross breeze.  After hours the custom lighting illuminates the space perfectly, spotlighting certain notable features.  As if all of these details were not enough, the fully furnished 2 bedroom rental(and I mean FULLY FURNISHED as in EVERY single item that you see in each photo) also includes free WiFi, Cable, Gas, Air Conditioning, all for $2,300!!!!!!!  I could go on and on and on ranting and raving about this home…..xoxo Brooklyn Riad.

One of Williamsburg’s newest locales opened up just weeks ago on the corner of Bedford Avenue and North 11th Street.  Initially the restaurant/bar was named ‘Cream’, which was quickly changed to ‘The Bedford’…..a very necessary quick fix.  Imagine telling friends that you are going to get a drink at Cream lol.  The space has been carefully decorated and designed by local interior designer Crystal Taylor, with rustic wide plank floors, custom made benches and chairs, dim back lighting, and decorative tin wall & ceiling in the backroom, which is filled with tables and button leather seats.  The constantly changing menu offers American Comfort food with a French twist, and incorporates fresh farm veggies brought in daily to accompany fish and meats from local butcheries and purveyors.  The food is delicious and portion sizes are ideal for anyone interested in eating just the right amount. The menu’s maker, Blake, recently worked at Tom Colicchio’s Craft, and has gained experience working worldwide.  Drinks at The Bedford are just as impressive.  A short but focused beverage list includes refreshing cocktails, an impressive, very carefully chosen list of wine, and rare beers on tap.  From decor to drinks, and great food, The Bedford is a locale worth multiple visits.

The Bedford -  111 Bedford Avenue -  (718)302.1002

These Greenpoint Condo Rentals are located at 267 Kingsland Avenue, just 1 block from McGrolick Park and steps away from many restaurants and shops found on Nassau Avenue.  The petite building, named Locale, features 2 separate entryways, each offering elevator access to 8 units(2 per floor).  Each condo has been tastefully finished with quality materials and floor to ceiling windows.

14 out of the 16 units at Locale have private outdoor space, of which 4 condos showcase impressive views of the Manhattan skyline and McGrolick Park.  Seeing so much green out of your rental is very desirable in the concrete jungle where many of us reside.  While all of the units have tasteful finishes, top Bosch appliances, and simple box floor plan layouts, it would have been a big plus if more square footage was added to some units, where 592sqft may feel a bit tight.  The West facing units boast about 700sqft, which feels roomy.  I found one thing odd about the property during my initial walk through;  The 4 top floor units have private terraces, accessible via extra rooms which are essentially attics, accessible by very intimidating, steep accordion stairs to ladders.  These should be 2 bedroom apartments….. but I bet the developer cut costs somehow by hiding the extra rooms.  The building should be ready for occupancy between July 1st - August 1st.

The top floor duplex loft near the corner of Conselyea and Lorimer Street is a great bargain @ $2,600 with No Fee.  I stepped into this nicely finished 1.5 bedroom Williamsburg Loft rental a few days ago, and aside from the 4 floor walk up(ouch) I was pleasantly surprised.  The views from all rooms and both private balconies are spectacular and the tall ceiling height makes the 900sqft space feel larger then it is.  While the layout does seem like it would suit a couple best, it can be easily converted to a 2 bedroom, each with it’s own bathroom and private balcony.  The condo styled loft also includes an in-unit washer/dryer, which is a must considering the walk up, dishwasher, stainless appliances, and very tasteful finishes.  As the building is located just one and a half blocks from the Lorimer L Train I think the space is a great find, especially for a couple or individual looking for extra space for a home office or guest room.

Lucent offers some of the best designed Williamsburg Condos with top of the line tasteful finishes and a great location, between Bedford and Driggs Avenue on North 11th Street, just steps from McCarren Park and the Bedford L Train.  I have entered this property on many occasions and am consistently impressed by the developer’s selection of Brazilian walnut flooring and kitchen/bathroom decor.   The large 1 and 2 bedroom homes easily accommodate any family interested in a luxury north side boutique residence.

This 1,200 square foot floor through home sits on the corner of the 5th floor facing McCarren Park.  The condo offers a huge bedroom, living room, second bedroom, and 2 bathrooms; all with large windows allowing for great views and tons of sunlight, for around $3,800 monthly rent.  Unfortunately, for all North facing Lucent residents, a massive 400+ unit complex is being erected directly across the Street, which will block any views of McCarren Park or Manhattan within 12-16 months.

This Firehouse, located on Frost Street off of the Graham L Train,  is by far my most favorite Williamsburg home.  The historic firehouse was completely remodeled years ago and is currently occupied by a well known artist.  As can be clearly seen in the above photo, the space is just massive and houses over 4,000 square feet of interior space, and a very large terrace.  Stone flooring, exposed brick, large skylight, recessed lighting, double Viking stove tops, 2 working fireplaces, garage parking, are just few features that are offered in this residence.

The home is made up of 2 floors.  The top floor is one large open space with a lofted room that can be used as office space or an additional bedroom for guest, and a large private terrace.  The first floor is made up of 3 large rooms and private garage.  Expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000 for this home or another historic property with such quality finishes and over 4,000sqft.

The Property located on the corner of Grand Street and Havemeyer is where I found myself standing, with a grin stretched across my face, after viewing a 1,100 square foot fantastic loft space with very attractive features.  When I first approached the building I expected to see nothing more then a typical trashed Williamsburg Loft Rental, overrun by previous tenants who think living in squalor has become a fad.  On the contrary, I was nicely surprised by what I saw.  The loft, which just rented for around $2,700, is huge and well lit from windows wrapping around the corner of the property.  Exposed brick with 2 fireplaces, exposed piping, and a dark stained hardwood ceiling bring out the unit’s charm.  With an elevator, roof top deck, and laundry, what more could any artist or creative ask for?

If you reside by the Grand Street/ Havemeyer location take a short walk to Fatty Cue, located at 91 South 6th Street, for some taste bud activating, lip smacking, finger licking goodness.  At Fatty Cue you will find some ofWilliamsburg’s most delicious BBQ with an Asian touch.  The owners of Manhattan’s Fatty Crab opened up the sister restaurant just weeks ago and tables have been very hard to come by(expect a 30min wait if you show up after 7pm Thurs - Sun).

Some of my favorite menu items include the juicing Pork Spare Ribs(seen above), Brandt Farm Beef Brisket(served with bun), and Fazio Farm Red Curry Duck.  The specialty cocktails at Fatty Cue are equally as special, my fav being the ‘Foreplay Cock Tail’(yes they do have a space between Cock & Tail on the menu), which is mixed with Aperol, Yuzu, Prosecco, Mezcal, and Smoked Grapefruit.  Dive into Fatty Cue when you get a chance and be prepared for some heavy eating.

Fatty Cue - 91 South 6th Street - www.fattycue.com - (718)599-3090

Century Vintage, located on 100 Engert 1 block off of McCarren Park, is a rare find.  The 6 Story, 31 unit new development is very different from the surrounding Tahoe Group Properties that dominate the north side of McCarren Park in Greenpoint.  While the majority of developers hire designers to create a modern interior, the owners of Century Vintage, which I like to call Canyonarro for no good reason, opted to try something very risky.  As you can see, the concept was to create modern condo residencies with a strong old school Western feel.  The risk has been fruitful as more then half of the condos moved within 10 weeks from Grand Opening.

Bathrooms at Century Vintage are covered in textured & smooth subway tiles, timeless vanities, and brass finishing pieces.  Kitchens boasts vintage looking white wood cabinetry, over sized farm sinks, authentic reclaimed wood bar tops, and a really cool 50’s Big Chill refrigerator.  The lobby and common areas all reflect the classic Western look with details including satin-finished oak hardwood floors,  black & white framed photography, bull horns in the entrance, tasteful chandelier & lighting, etc.

Recently, a 1,010 square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom sold for $610,000, $603 per sqft.  Century Vintage is one of my favorite Greenpoint new developements and worth a visit.  If you attend an open house you can find a tasty brunch, and a great Bloody Mary, just around the corner at Enids on the corner of Manhattan Avenue and Driggs Avenue.

Century Vintage - 100 Engert Avenue - www.100engert.com

This petite mid-rise, named Soleil, sits by the corner of South 1st & Havemeyer Street in one of my favorite Williamsburg locations.  The 11 story building looks like a finger sticking above all surrounding property.  In 2009 Soleil units were released as condos for sale, but after some deliberation the owners decided to rent the property until the sales market becomes more profitable.  Each floor features direct elevator access to an East or West facing 1 bedroom condos that feature multiple balconies and floor to ceiling glass allowing for spectacular views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline.  The units have been tastefully designed and the layouts, which are all identical, maximize space.  The Grand Street & Havemeyer intersection is 1 block away where many quality restaurants and shops are plotted.  Some notable locales are Lodge, Bozu, Walter Foods, Fiore, NYC Bikes, M-Shanghai, etc.

The above local favorite can be found just past Billy’s C-Town on South 1st.  Rye serves delicious cocktails and quality New American Cuisine; Menu designed by Chef Cal Elliott(Dressler & Dumont).  The charming restaurant teeters between cocktail lounge and fine restaurant, not unlike Walter Foods on Grand Street & Roebling.  Some of my favorite menu items include a mouth watering Endive & Pear Salad, Braised Short Rib sandwich, Berkshire Pork Belly, Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish, and Baked Mac & Cheese.  Service at Rye is excellent and the decor is simple and charming.  If you are going to the locale for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night I suggest showing up a bit early, unless if you don’t mind waiting for a bit and enjoying cocktails before your meal.

Rye - 247 South 1st Street (718)218-8047 - www.ryerestaurant.com

This picturesque 19th Century Carriage House, located at the end of Grace Court Alley cul-de-sac in Brooklyn Heights Proper, is truly stunning.  The 3 level home is impeccably restored and ideal for any artist, actor, or professional looking for a private & serene escape from the fast paced life of New York City.  My initial visit to the home was unfortunately coincided with a recent Nor’easter.  However, as I pulled around the corner of Grace Court Alley, the clouds parted and lit up the ‘European like’ block.  Each home on this block are tastefully adorned with antique lighting, oil burning lanterns, and manicured greenery.

19 Grace Court Alley features a cozy library foyer, living room with wood burning fireplace, and formal dining table, beside 2 large french doors opening up to a 600sqft European walled garden with fountain, statues, and outdoor furniture.  The residence has been beautifully decorated with original artwork, antiques, window treatments, and is on the market for rent as a fully furnished home.  Some additional luxury features include a powder room, ceiling music speakers (separately controlled on each floor), wireless internet, laundry facilities, high-end designer kitchen, and balcony off of the second floor Master bedroom.  The Master bathroom has a separate shower and 24inch deep soaking tub with a LeFroy Brooks fixture and slab limestone decor.  I was fortunate to spend some time in this hope taking photographs, and was warmed by the owner’s kindness and charm.  I am happy to be the listing agent for this Brooklyn Heights Carriage House Rental, as living in this antique charming residence will become someone’s piece of heaven.