Fantasizing about what’s behind the front doors of unique buildings and townhouses is a favorite New York pastime, and sometimes the reality is just as interesting as the fantasy. Here’s your chance to get a peek inside three incredibly unique properties currently on the market.

Where: 141 Clermont Avenue
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $875,000
Listed by: Win Brown and Doug Bowen

This rare detached house in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, dates back to the Civil War, which makes it ancient even for historic brownstone Brooklyn. What’s remarkable is that a lot of the character of this old home has survived — original entrance enframements and denticulated and bracketed cornices are in place, as well as the original wide-plank wood floors. Now the property ready for its next chapter, with expansion possibilities an alluring option in the house-crazy Brooklyn real estate market.

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A sampling of last week’s press coverage of CORE and CORE properties.

“Gimme Shelter”
New York Post
The Post’s resident real estate gossip, Jennifer Gould Keil, reports on Serafina Group restaurateur Vittorio Assaf listing his huge apartment in the Leonori building on the Upper East Side for $35,000 a month. The four-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom home (above) has a 40-foot-long living room, 12-foot ceilings and elaborate Venetian-plastered walls, among other luxurious touches.

“Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick to buy townhomes in Brooklyn Heights”
New York Daily News
CORE’s Doug Bowen commented on the appeal of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, where Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are reportedly buying two neighboring houses. Said Bowen: “The price difference between the West Village and Brooklyn Heights is sometimes two, three, four times the amount. That’s why even big names are deciding to live here.”

“Celebrity House Hunting”
Biography
The Biography channel’s “Celebrity House Hunting” followed ’80s pop queen Debbie Gibson’s search for a new New York home in a recent episode. Watch the full episode online to see her get blown away by Stuart Sussman’s Yves penthouse listing in Chelsea.

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The neighborhood of Wallabout doesn’t have the same name recognition as nearby Brooklyn ‘hoods like Fort Greene, DUMBO or Park Slope, but it has plenty of history — thanks to its location near the 200-year-old Brooklyn Navy Yard — and now, a fledgling real estate boom of its own. That’s according to the New York Times, which highlighted the developing neighborhood and its charms over the weekend. One property featured by the Times is 141 Clermont Avenue (above), on the Fort Greene/Wallabout border, which is a pre-Civil War house that unbelievably still has its original wide plank wood floors in place. It’s listed by CORE’s Doug Bowen, who lives in the neighborhood. Have a peek inside below.

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“Halal and hipsters on West 29th Street”
The Real Deal (11/1)
West 29th Street is in the midst of transforming from gritty to glam in the wake of the success of the Ace Hotel, and The Real Deal spoke to CORE Senior Vice President Lawrence Rich (right) about the changes in the neighborhood, and what’s to come.

“3 residential brokerages shift into drive”
Crain’s (11/8)
Crain’s on CORE’s growth, including the recent relocation of CORE’s main corporate office to a 5,000-square-foot space in the Flatiron District at 104 Fifth Avenue. Said CORE CEO Shaun Osher: “There was an opportunity to move to this new space, that truly reflects our brand, in the most exciting office market in New York City.” Check out photos from CORE’s housewarming party on Facebook.

“Osher’s Core acquires residential firm R.P. Miller & Associates”
The Real Deal (11/8)
Residential real estate firm R.P. Miller & Associates, helmed by industry veteran Reba Miller, was acquired by CORE last week. The Real Deal got comments from Miller (who has sold over $1 billion in property during her long career) and CORE CEO Shaun Osher about the deal. Miller will take over the role of managing director of sales at CORE.

“Less Than $1M For a Pre-Civil War House in Fort Greene”
Curbed (11/9)
Doug Bowen’s and Win Brown’s listing for a historic townhouse at 141 Clermont Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, caught the eye of real estate blog Curbed, which remarked: “It’s currently configured as two one-bedroom apartments (squeezed into 1,324 square feet!) but would be easy enough to renovate into a single-family residence. Side bonus: the lot is 25′x100′ and it’s got a driveway.” This is the same Fort Greene charmer that was featured in CORE’s Three of a Kind last week.

Where: 141 Clermont Avenue
Size: 1,324 square feet
Asking: $849,000
Listed by: Doug Bowen & Win Brown

Looking to think outside the (apartment) box? How about a pre-Civil War detached house sporting Greek Revival and Italianate architectural details? The historic house at 141 Clermont Avenue is tucked away in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on a quiet block that feels like a nice break from the city. The money saved from buying across the river can certainly put you in the mood to splurge on the decor, and this old beauty has amazing potential — just don’t touch those original wide-plank floors. And fear not, Manhattan shoppers, we haven’t overlooked you.

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