Renovated townhouse a blissful retreat

A three-storey extension is added to a compact Anglo-Italianate townhouse, expanding the living spaces and creating a restful, elegant place to come home to

The house’s signature arched doorway and front window

The third floor bathroom features an exotic wallpaper

A library and office with original mouldings and

The existing skylight was replaced with one in

The exotic look of marble features in the

Arched doorways are a feature of the interior,

This bedroom opens onto a balcony through steel

The rooms are high ceilinged and flooded with

The existing wood stair and handrail were restored.

Kallista brass tapware and other brass fittings pop

Designed by Barker Associates Architecture Office

From the renovating architects:

This project is a triplex for a young couple who travel extensively on business and wanted the feeling of a quiet sanctuary for their new home in Brooklyn.

They partnered with BDDW to provide furnishings throughout the house. The existing building is a relatively compact Anglo-Italianate townhouse circa 1860, and a three-storey extension was added to expand the living space.

It's all in the framing – panelled walls

The house’s signature arched doorway and front window were the inspiration for much of the detailing for the renovated spaces. Arched openings connect the dining space to the foyer as well as to the kitchen through a butler’s pantry.

The generous kitchen spans the entire width of the house and is designed for socialising while cooking, with a large central marble island and extensive countertop space. The ceilings were raised on the parlour floor to visually and spatially open out the space toward the rear yard. The latter is framed by a full wall of steel doors and accessed from a rear deck.

The centrepiece of the living room is a plaster fluted fireplace surround.

The existing wood stair and handrail were restored and the skylight above was replaced in the shape of an oval to match the geometry of the stairwell.

The master suite occupies the second floor. A library and office with original mouldings and fireplace overlook the street.

The bedroom, a plaster, and marble master bath are sequestered through more arched openings via a raised passageway toward the rear.

The bedroom opens onto a balcony through more steel doors. The third floor is configured as a level for children, guests, and caregivers.