6 Common Brooklyn Townhouse Façades

Here in Brooklyn, “townhouse” and “townhome” are generally used interchangeably to describe single- or multi-family homes that share at least one wall with a neighboring property. You’ll also likely come across the term “rowhouse,” which refers to the classic setup where these homes are lined up in uniform rows. What unites them all? No common charges or HOA fees like you’d find in a condo. Just you, your stoop and your slice of NYC.

But not all townhomes are built alike. Brooklyn’s streets are lined with a surprising variety of architectural styles—some with ornate historic details, some more modern and others with a bit of DIY spirit.

Here are six of the most common types you’ll spot.

1. Brownstone

What is a brownstone? The classic. When many people picture a Brooklyn townhouse, they’re imagining a brownstone: that warm, reddish-brown sandstone façade, a stately stoop and high ceilings inside. Brownstones were built in the late 1800s and are especially common in neighborhoods like Park Slope, Fort Greene and Bedford-Stuyvesant. Inside, you’ll often find original moldings, intricate woodwork, high parlor-floor ceilings, fireplaces and parquet floors—unless they’ve been removed in a recent renovation.

2. Limestone

Sometimes mistaken for brownstones, limestones have a lighter, more grayish or buff-toned exterior. The stone is a bit harder than brownstone, and the details tend to be more finely carved and refined. Like brownstones, they’re typically found in the same neighborhoods and built in the same area, with similar interior layouts—garden level, parlor floor and so on. Stroll down a tree-lined street in Prospect Heights, Crown Heights and Park Slope, and you’re bound to spot a few. Some limestone townhouses stretch to 25 feet wide—especially on the grander blocks developed in the early 1900s.

3. Brick

Brick townhouses can be found all over Brooklyn, from early 20th-century rowhouses in Sunset Park to post-war two-family homes in Midwood or East Flatbush. Some are modest and boxy, while others have charming arched windows or ironwork. If you’re less focused on period detail and more interested in layout or budget, brick homes can offer excellent value and flexibility.

4. Clapboard

These wood-sided homes are a throwback to Brooklyn’s pre-brownstone era, when the borough was still dotted with small villages. You’ll see them in pockets of Williamsburg, Red Hook and Greenpoint—sometimes beautifully restored, sometimes proudly quirky and layered in history. They tend to be narrower than other townhomes, and maintenance can be a consideration. But there’s no denying the distinct, old-world charm they bring to the block.

5. Vinyl, Alumimum or Fiber Cement Siding

Vinyl- and aluminum-sided townhomes are often older frame houses that were re-sided for practical reasons—usually to avoid repainting every few years. While vinyl sometimes gets a bad rap for aesthetics, it’s affordable and low-maintenance. You’ll find it in outer-borough neighborhoods like Bushwick, Greenpoint, Kensington and Flatbush. Fiber cement siding (like Hardie board) mimics the look of wood but is more durable and fire-resistant. It’s become popular in recent high-end renovations of frame houses and offers a great balance of aesthetics and performance.

6. Carriage House

A bit of a unicorn in Brooklyn, carriage houses were originally built to house horses and carriages—often tucked behind larger homes or down private alleys. They’re typically freestanding, with arched entrances or big double doors, and may be one or two stories tall.

Some have been beautifully converted into unique residences with lofted ceilings, open-plan living spaces or artist studios. If you come across one, you’ve found something truly special. Look for them in Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights (especially on Grace Court Alley), Clinton Hill, Park Slope and Prospect Heights.

Every Façade Has a Story

Whether it’s a stoop-front brownstone or a wood-sided cottage tucked between warehouses, Brooklyn townhomes come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Part of the fun of house hunting here is spotting these differences and discovering the story each home tells. If you’re wondering which style fits your lifestyle—or what you might uncover behind that siding—we’re always happy to talk.

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