A 180-year-old Cobble Hill townhouse just hit the market for $14.3 million after a two-year transformation that blends historic charm with modern luxury. The property is the first release from ESTABLISHED BY ECKSTRØM, a collection of five residences reimagining 19th-century architecture in Brooklyn and the West Village. The 6,271-square-foot home, originally built between 1844 and 1845 by Jacob Frost, has been meticulously renovated by the husband-and-wife team Carlos Saavedra and Nicole Eckstrom. Their firm, ECKSTRØM, has carved a niche in the luxury townhouse market by preserving historic structures while integrating contemporary design, wellness features, and passive-house principles. "Everything in the house is custom from the top-of-the-line insulation to the ERV system that circulates air," says co-listing agent Marta Maletz of Compass. The renovation, completed just weeks ago, expanded the basement to include a wellness retreat with a gym, cold plunge, sauna, and family screening room. The home retains its classic townhouse hierarchy—parlor level for entertaining, lower level for daily life—but with an open, connected layout. The result is a property that feels both historic and thoroughly modern. The interior features flat-sawn white oak floors, limewashed walls, and marble, walnut, and quartzite countertops, all curated by interior design firm General Assembly. This level of customization is becoming a key differentiator in the ultra-luxury market.
The Big Picture
The 6,271-square-foot home, originally built between 1844 and 1845 by Jacob Frost, has been meticulously renovated by the husband-and-wife team Carlos Saavedra and Nicole Eckstrom. Their firm, ECKSTRØM, has carved a niche in the luxury townhouse market by preserving historic structures while integrating contemporary design, wellness features, and passive-house principles. "Everything in the house is custom from the top-of-the-line insulation to the ERV system that circulates air," says co-listing agent Marta Maletz of Compass. The renovation, completed just weeks ago, expanded the basement to include a wellness retreat with a gym, cold plunge, sauna, and family screening room. The home retains its classic townhouse hierarchy—parlor level for entertaining, lower level for daily life—but with an open, connected layout. The result is a property that feels both historic and thoroughly modern. The market for luxury townhouses in Brooklyn has shown consistent demand for properties that blend history with modern amenities. This home, with its five bedrooms and multiple entertaining spaces, represents a growing trend: buyers seeking architectural authenticity without sacrificing 21st-century comfort. The inclusion of passive-house principles—focused on energy efficiency and comfort—signals a growing trend among affluent buyers who prioritize sustainability alongside luxury. The project also highlights the premium buyers are willing to pay for custom craftsmanship. From flat-sawn white oak floors to limewashed walls and marble, walnut, and quartzite countertops, every detail was curated by interior design firm General Assembly. This level of personalization is becoming a key differentiator in the ultra-luxury market.
“"The house retains the hierarchy that defines classic townhouse living, while introducing a more open, connected layout."”
By the Numbers
- Asking price: $14.3 million, reflecting the premium for high-end renovations and prime Brooklyn location in Cobble Hill, one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
- Interior space: 6,271 square feet across five bedrooms, with multiple gathering areas including a parlor-level entertaining space and a lower-level family room.
- Outdoor space: 2,024 square feet of private garden and terraces for alfresco dining and relaxation.
- Original construction: 1844–1845; renovation completed in 2026 after two years of work.
- Collection: First of five residences in ESTABLISHED BY ECKSTRØM, spanning Brooklyn and West Village, with expected pricing in a similar range.
- Energy efficiency: The home incorporates passive-house principles, including top-of-the-line insulation and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system that circulates fresh air and reduces operating costs.
Why It Matters
This listing isn't just a luxury home sale; it's a bellwether for the demand for historically sensitive, high-end renovations in Brooklyn. With limited inventory of such properties, ECKSTRØM's approach could set a new standard for how developers balance preservation with modern amenities. The inclusion of passive-house principles—focused on energy efficiency and comfort—signals a growing trend among affluent buyers who prioritize sustainability alongside luxury. The project also highlights the premium buyers are willing to pay for custom craftsmanship. From flat-sawn white oak floors to limewashed walls and marble, walnut, and quartzite countertops, every detail was curated by interior design firm General Assembly. This level of personalization is becoming a key differentiator in the ultra-luxury market. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with passive technology creates a niche that attracts buyers seeking more than a home: a lifestyle statement. For developers, this project demonstrates that investing in high-quality renovations of historic properties can yield significant returns, especially in neighborhoods with strong demand and limited supply.
What This Means For You
For investors, developers, and buyers, this property offers actionable insights into the luxury renovation market.
- 1Investors: Target historic properties in high-demand neighborhoods like Cobble Hill or the West Village, but budget for significant renovation costs to achieve top-tier finishes. The payoff in resale value can be substantial—properties like this can command a 20-30% premium over standard renovations.
- 2Buyers: If you value authenticity and modern comfort, look for properties that retain original character while offering updated systems. Expect to pay a premium for turnkey luxury. Ensure that renovations include modern HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems to avoid future costs.
- 3Developers: Integrating passive-house features can attract eco-conscious buyers and reduce long-term operating costs. It's a competitive edge in a crowded market. Consider partnering with design firms like General Assembly to offer high-end finishes that justify premium pricing.
What To Watch Next
The remaining four residences in the ESTABLISHED BY ECKSTRØM collection are expected to launch in the coming months. Their pricing will reveal whether the $14.3 million ask is an outlier or the new norm for such projects. Additionally, the pace of sales in Brooklyn's luxury segment will indicate overall market health. Keep an eye on Compass's sales data for this property. A quick close (within 60 days) would signal strong demand; a prolonged listing might suggest pricing resistance. Also monitor interest rates and broader economic conditions, as they could affect buyers' willingness to pay premium prices. If this property sells quickly, it could spur more developers to pursue similar historic renovations in Brooklyn and beyond.
The Bottom Line
This Cobble Hill townhouse is more than a home—it's a blueprint for how historic properties can be reimagined for modern living. For buyers with the means, it offers a rare combination of heritage and innovation. The market will be watching closely to see if this $14.3 million bet pays off. Its success could pave the way for more high-end historic renovations, reshaping the luxury landscape in Brooklyn and setting new standards for the industry.
