Take It Or Leave It

This $2,400 Windsor Terrace walk-up's got covetable old-fashioned details

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | May 13, 2015 - 1:59PM
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Check out the tin ceiling and decorative fireplace in this $2,400 Windsor Terrace brownstone apartment. Can you say brownstone charm? While it's not quite clear from the listing whether it's a true two-bedroom or more of a one-and-a-half bed, judging from the photos, one of the rooms appears to be somewhat oddly shaped and small, which means it might be better suited as an office.

Located between Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery, Windsor Terrace is a small residential neighborhood that's less expensive than nearby Park Slope and Prospect Heights, but has a lot of the same charm. And this building's a few blocks from Prospect Park.

Plus, the price seems about right -- the median price for a one-bedroom in the neighborhood is $2,100, and for a two-bedroom it's $2,900 -- this is somewhere in between those two. 

The B and Q trains are a bit of a hike, but if you can rely on the F and the G, it's merely steps away.

Pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis.

So, is it worth applying for? I asked our experts (and veteran renters), RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.​

Size: One-and-a-half bedroom, one-bath
Location:  113 East Fourth Street  (between Greenwood and Ocean Parkway)
Cost: $2,400
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market:  3 days
Subway: L to Graham: F, G to Fort Hamilton Parkway

Pros and Cons:

"Pre-war details are great, and it looks like there's a window in every room. But we're wondering why there aren't any photos of the kitchen. Maybe it's really dated? Plus, I'm not seeing many closets." — Lucy

"This is a classic Brooklyn apartment in an old building near Prospect Park, refinished nicely. But it's a solid 40 minutes to 14th Street in  Manhattan with only local trains nearby." — Zeb

"This Windsor Terrace two-bedroom is going to go fast, I have a feeling, thanks to the distressed tin ceilings and subway tile in the bathroom, though you'll want to check out whether it's a real two-bed or a 1.5 and definitely get a feel for the kitchen before signing on any dotted line." — Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A couple or single person who wants to be near Prospect Park and appreciates the charm of living in a 19th Century brownstone (even one that requires a one-flight climb)." — Lucy

"Families dominate this neighborhood and big chain stores haven't invaded yet. This spot is best for renters who don't need a hipster cafe/bar or a Starbucks down the street, and who will frequent Prospect Park. Pet lovers may appreciate it." —Zeb

"A fan of the F or G train who wants to get to know Windsor Terrace."— Lambeth

The Verdict(s):

TAKE IT "As long as you can afford to use the extra bedroom as an office or extra bedroom. I would not try and do the roommate thing here." — Lucy

TAKE IT "If the neighborhood suits your vibe and the commute isn't a painful one for you, this is a good time to stake out a spot in this rising neighborhood. " — Zeb

LEAVE IT "Sure this place has pizzazz, but if this isn't a true two-bed, you're spending way more than you should for even the quaintest walk-up (don't forget to factor in the broker's fee)."— Lambeth

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