A magnificent 19th-century carriage house and stable in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, has been transformed into a breathtaking 4,000-square-foot family residence that seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary design. The remarkable renovation was completed over 18 months by architect owners Colin Faber and Leni Niemegeers-Faber, who turned what was once a rundown property divided into four separate apartments into a sophisticated live-work compound that feels both modern and timeless.
The husband-and-wife team behind this extraordinary transformation are the founding partners of SHED Studio, a multi-disciplinary design firm established in 2003. Colin, who received his architectural training at Pratt Institute, and Leni, who studied architecture at the Technical University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands, purchased the property in 2009. They personally oversaw the entire renovation process, living on-site while managing a crew of 12 workers throughout the extensive construction period.
The property, which recently hit the market for just under $6 million through Corcoran agents Linda Peng, Dwayne Powell, and Christian T. Powers, sits on an impressive 131-foot-deep lot. The sprawling compound includes a 25-foot-wide main house, a two-car garage, and a 25-foot-wide guesthouse and spa nestled in the rear garden, creating the feeling of a private Brooklyn estate rather than a typical city residence.
Inside the main house, extraordinary attention to detail is evident throughout every room. The architects incorporated premium materials including radiant-heated walnut floors, yellow-leaf heart pine beams, reclaimed sequoia wood, exposed brick walls, hot-rolled steel elements, and Venetian plaster finishes. The centerpiece of the interior design is a stunning floating staircase crafted using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, which appears to suspend dramatically between the masonry walls and exposed structural studs.
The ground floor features an open, flowing layout with honed concrete floors that lead visitors through various living spaces. A cozy den area is anchored by a cast-iron wood-burning stove, while expansive glass walls open directly onto the lush private garden, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. The interior is brightened by natural light and warmed by three wood-burning fireplaces strategically placed throughout the home.
The second floor showcases a chef's kitchen that serves as the heart of the open-plan living area. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinetry and is equipped with a distinctive wood-fired pizza oven, making it perfect for both everyday cooking and entertaining. The rustic yet refined design of the kitchen reflects the overall aesthetic of blending historical elements with modern functionality.
The bedrooms and bathrooms throughout the home feature numerous thoughtful design touches that elevate the living experience. Vintage copper bathtubs provide a luxurious soaking experience, while innovative hidden slot drains maintain clean visual lines. Full-height glass panels in the bathrooms create a spa-like atmosphere that makes daily routines feel like retreat experiences.
The property's outdoor spaces are equally impressive, with the private garden leading to a remarkable two-wing guesthouse that serves multiple functions. One wing houses a sunlit studio space with large sliding doors that open directly onto the garden, providing flexible space for work or relaxation. The second wing contains a Japanese-inspired spa facility complete with a traditional hinoki wood soaking tub, a steam room, a slate-lined shower, and radiant-heated floors throughout.
The architects' decision to relocate to Vancouver has made this extraordinary Brooklyn property available to new owners who will appreciate the careful balance of historical preservation and modern innovation. The transformation of this 19th-century carriage house stands as a testament to thoughtful adaptive reuse, creating a unique urban oasis that honors its historical roots while meeting the needs of contemporary family life.
