It might seem fanciful to live in a charming old-world home on a former wagon driveway located just steps away from the squash of a bustling Manhattan neighborhood — and it has been for years.
But the Sylvain Terrace in Washington Heights, long known as “The Secret Street,” has gradually opened its arms to potential residents.
This week, another wooden house painted yellow with emerald green shutters — one of 20 three-story homes that share the exact facade design — arrived on the market, asking for $1.75 million, The Post has learned. Located in 16 Sylvan Terrace, it joins No. 7 Sylvan Terrace, which was listed in March as rent for $6,500 per month.
Those opportunities, for those who can afford them, continue in a series of larger listings along the cobbled driveway, which was developed in 1882 for working-class housing and leads to Maurice Jumel’s mansion built in 1765 – the oldest house in Manhattan. Around this time last year, one house was up for sale and two for rent.
Moreover, they also come at a time of increased sales. Between 2018 and 2021, only four Sylvan Terrace homes were sold, according to city records. But from 2021 so far in 2022, records also show that four more homes were traded into hands – doubling the number of sales in a fraction of the time.
Reasons for the sale vary, according to Douglas Elleman’s Egyptian Asad, who represents 16 Sylvan Terraces along with Adam Solomon and has struck several deals along the track. Some residents have moved away from town, while the owner of this home—whose records show he bought it for $1.56 million in 2017—is an empty nest looking for her next place.
“Sometimes things happen in groups,” he told The Post. “There is no rhyme or reason for that.”
But this does not mean that residents are eager to flee. For decades, Sylvan Terrace has seen generations of kids play together outside, and residents still participate in beautifying efforts—and has even hosted group parties.
“There is a community out there of people who really care,” added Al-Masry.
But the new sales slate at No. 16 has its charms, too. Configured as a three-bedroom property, with the possibility of a fourth house, the house features double entry doors that lead to a parlour with Brazilian cherry wood floors, crown moldings, fireplace and double height windows overlooking the street. There is another fireplace in a large room off the kitchen at garden level, leading onto a patio with barbecue and sitting room.
The basic bedroom, converted from a formal dining room, has oak French doors—and can be converted back to its original use, if needed. A winding staircase leads upstairs to the other bedrooms, as well as a guest room that can also be used as an office or a nursery.
There are two bathrooms, three gas stoves total surrounded by exposed brick, 11-foot ceilings in the saloon and second floors and a vented washer/dryer.
More than just a rare menu, it’s a rare atmosphere.
“It feels like you’ve been transported to a different time and a different place,” said the Egyptian from Sylvain Terrace. “It’s a very imaginative story, it’s very Disney, and I think it has its appeal.”