A family-sized Central Harlem apartment in a landmark building -- for $4,300

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | December 16, 2015 - 3:59PM
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We're all for non-cookie cutter apartments, and this $4,300 three-bedroom in a Harlem brownstone certainly has a unique layout. Some might call it confusing and less-than-efficient, but it's definitely not boring.

The apartment looks to have decently sized bedrooms (though one is smaller than the other two), two full bathrooms, and interesting touches like a decorative fireplace, a true walk-in closet, and a washer and dryer. It's also close to the subway.

So is it worth a move to to Harlem?  We asked our experts (and veteran renters), BrickUnderground editor Virginia Smith, and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.​

Size: Three-bedroom, two-bath
Location: 240 Lenox Avenue  (between 122nd and 123rd streets)
Cost: $4,300 (or $4,100 with broker's fee)
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 36
Subway: 2,3 at 125th Street 

"I'm having a little bit of a tough time understanding the layout here (for example, that dining table looks strangely placed). But I think I get the gist: It's a well-sized apartment with three full bedrooms and a brownstone-charm-meets-modern-renovation vibe. It's  walk-up sure, but as it's a pretty, landmarked one at that. And it's super close to the 2 and 3 trains, making it very convenient." —Lucy

"The location is fairly unbeatable, and the new renovation means perks like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, and in-building gym. But the layout is questionable (and has the looks of a somewhat slapdash renovation, making me wonder how quickly all these shiny new touches will start to fall apart). And the "dining area" in the kitchen is too small for any use besides as a glorified breakfast nook. It seems too small for a family to fit into, but at more than $1,400 per person, too expensive for most sets of young roommates willing to put up with its 'quirks'." -Virginia

"There’s a railroad-feel to this three-bedroom located in a 23-foot-wide corner house (that recently sold for $3.2 million), but I can’t find any other flaws with this high-ceilinged top-floor brownstone pad. Love that it retains the old-world feel while adding a bunch of modern twists." —Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

 "A couple with older kids (especially a boy and girl who need separate bedrooms) who've outgrown the stroller stage and can walk up themselves." —Lucy

"Roommates who've got extra cash on hand, and want to experience Harlem's booming arts, restaurant, and nightlife scene. Or a young family looking for a temporary stay while they hunt for a place to buy." —Virginia

"A small family ready to give Harlem a go. This place is perfectly situated, located just two blocks from the subway." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "Just make sure you're okay with the walk-up and the unusual layout." —Lucy

LEAVE IT "The location is great, but even with the waived broker fee, you can find a lot of other apartments in the neighborhood for the not much more than the price of a single room in this place." -Virginia

TAKE IT "Just think of the bragging rights that could come with saying that you live in a converted Romanesque Mansion." —Lambeth

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