Contemporary barn built from iconic Manhattan brewery
Take 65 tons of reclaimed timber from a legendary Manhattan brewery, add flooring and roofing from a New Haven factory building, place it on top of a foundation of granite walls three feet thick in places, add beautiful modern updates, and the result is a truly one-ofa-kind contemporary barn offering rustic elegance and storied history at every turn. “‘Wow!' That is what everyone says when they see this home and the land,” says listing agent Dawn Kaam. “There is nothing else like it. It is way beyond on the 'cool' factor. In addition to being updated and renovated with connection to city water, it also has history and style.”
According to Kaam, most of the home was assembled from timbers which came from the old Ruppert Brewery in Manhattan, producer of Knickerbocker lager, the bestselling beer in America in the early 20th century. In its heyday in the early 1900s, the brewery comprised 35 buildings between 90th and 94th Streets, and 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Owner Colonel Jacob Ruppert was famous not only for his Knickerbocker lager, but as a legend in New York sports history as the owner of the New York Yankees who built Yankee Stadium and helped bring Babe Ruth to town.
Built in 1983, this unique residence affords a total 4,798 square feet, showcasing a proud display of massive timbers and exposed brick. Some of the original timbers were 55 feet long and onefoot by one-foot thick, weighing more than a ton. The weightiness of the timbers is beautifully contrasted by wide spans of glass that add light and airiness to the space. The updated and renovated interior features an open living area with a floor-toceiling brick fireplace,
exposed beams, and timbers and walls of glass looking onto the dining room.
The current owners enjoy the beautifully updated chef’s kitchen where many friends and family have gathered for wonderfully prepared meals. The kitchen features a large island with bar seating, stainless steel appliances, stylish tile backsplash, and a spacious breakfast area with walls of glass overlooking both the dining room and the deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Beautiful wrought iron doors open to a study with exposed stone wall.
Five bedrooms, four full and one-half baths offer ample space for family and guests. On the upper level, the primary suite is graced with a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams. A stone knee wall topped with glass creates a seamless opening into the primary bath, whose ceiling is also accented in stone. On the ground level is a gym and a brick wine vault, complete with a curved brick ceiling. There is also a two-bedroom, two-bath guest or in-law suite with its own kitchen, family room, laundry, and separate entrance.
The home sits on 1.19 acres with a flat, level yard big enough to play soccer, a half basketball court, and an organic garden. It is conveniently located with short distances to nature trails and the town center.