Photos by Allyson Lubow and Corcoran’s Dean DeCarlo, courtesy of The Corcoran Group
If you follow the NYC streetscape Instagram circuit, the historic 1822 home at 17 Grove Street in the West Village will certainly look familiar. Its adorable facade, corner location, and the fact that it’s one of the oldest standing wood-frame houses in the Village, all make this property photo-ready. But looks alone don’t seem to be doing the trick, as the Post tells us that the home has lowered its asking price to $8.75 million from the $12 million it listed for in April.
The home was constructed nearly two centuries ago by its original owner, window sash maker William Hyde. As Village Preservation explained, it was originally just two stories, but the third floor was added in 1870. In addition to the main house, there is a two-story wooden backhouse that was originally Hyde’s workshop (this has since been converted to a guest house). Due to fires, wood-frame construction was banned in NYC in 1849, making 17 Grove a rare survivor. It’s also one of the few remaining that hasn’t had its facade bricked over but instead boasts clapboard siding, shuttered windows, and an intact cornice.
Listing agent Jane Beal of Corcoran told the Post that there’s a trapdoor inside that may have been used as part of the Underground Railroad. But the listing does confirm that the tunnel was used in the 1920s as a connection to the nearby speakeasy Chumley’s, which still operates today as a restaurant/bar. The property was renovated in the 1980s by Ken Handler, who the Post explains is the son of Mattel co-founders Elliot and Ruth Handler and the inspiration behind their famous Ken doll.
The main house is chock full of historic details, like original woodwork, rough-hewn beams, and wide pine floorboards. The living room has a wood-burning fireplace, and the eat-in kitchen boasts original brick floors, a massive hearth above a Viking range, country-chic open shelving, and a walk-in pantry.
On the second floor is the master suite, which comes complete with an en-suite bathroom and a large sitting room with another wood-burning fireplace. The other two bedrooms are on the top floor and both have their own walk-in closet and bathroom. There’s also a finished basement level that has been configured as a rec room, library, and laundry room. This lower level has more closet space and another bathroom.
The backhouse has a living room, dining room, and kitchen on its first floor, and a bedroom and office on the second. This house has its own entrance and even its own address (100 Bedford Street).
17 Grove Street last sold in 1999 for $2,975,000.
[Listing: 17 Grove Street by Jane Beal for The Corcoran Group]
[Via NY Post]
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Photos by Allyson Lubow and Corcoran’s Dean DeCarlo, courtesy of The Corcoran Group
Tags : 17 Grove Street, townhouses, wooden house
Neighborhoods : West Village
