Frelaine in the empty house on the night of closing!

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ABOUT THE HOUSE
The house (AKA Frelaine Manor) was built in 1899. It's a three story brownstone. 

The ground floor will be used as the main living space. It's an open layout with a fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and entrance to the backyard. It was renovated so it doesn't have much original detail. The fireplace has a custom built mantel and an electric fireplace. 

The second (parlour) floor has the highest ceilings and most original detail. There are dark wood moldings, large doors and two fireplaces. The tops of the front windows have original stained glass that has been covered over (restoration is future project) and original shutters. An original main door is the inner door at the entryway. We will use the front of the house as a sitting area. A middle area without windows we'll have an office. There is a bathroom with shower and two bedrooms. 

The third floor will be a rental unit. There are two bedrooms, bathroom, living space and kitchen. There are two fireplaces on this floor. 

The house also has a lovely backyard patio space and an unfinished cellar. 

ABOUT US
Fred and Elaine started dating on Halloween 2008. They got married in New York in 2011. 

They have always had a love for New York City brownstones and prewar homes. Their first apartment was a pre-war ground floor duplex on the Upper West Side with an original fireplace and brick wall. 

After moving to another pre-war ground floor apartment on Strivers Row in Harlem, they started to really dream about buying a home of their own. They fell in love with original details like fireplaces, moldings, and brick.

The search for a brownstone began in February 2017. After only a few days out looking, Elaine found their future home. It was a fluke showing - the brokers were showing it to an inspector for another potential buyer and Elaine was able to go alone to see the house. She knew immediately this was the one and called Fred eagerly on the way home and sent him a thousand pictures. They ended up going back soon after, fell in love, put an offer and was it was accepted! This began the (long) process of closing. 

After months of waiting, loads of stress, wondering if it would actually happen and waves of emotions, it finally happened! They closed on September 1, 2017 and started the journey of homeownership. 

Frelaine plans to do much of the work themselves, with the help of family, especially Fred's father (also named Fred). 

There's a lot to be done, but they are ready to begin this journey. Here is our story - we hope you enjoy and that we can be helpful to other potential homebuyers and brownstone owners. 
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