Inside a $1.2 Million Restored 1890s Jersey City Brownstone
A historic brick brownstone in Jersey City has recently undergone a multi-year transformation and now offers four stories of beautifully renovated space.
Originally built circa the 1890s, the 10-room residence, which underwent a restoration by interior designer Hope Misterek, is still full of charm and character while also providing some surprising design details.
“Many brownstone-style homes are not kept as original as this when they do a gut renovation,” said listing agent Judy Chin of RE/MAX Villa.
“A lot of the millwork was kept, and the original flooring remained, with the exception of the kitchen. The seller did a lot of repurposing as well. For example, it took her almost a year to find the 1800s wrought-iron fence from a Brooklyn brownstone.”
The “artfully curated and intentionally designed” five-bedroom estate, known as Maison Espoir, or “House of Hope,” also has a lower-level studio that could be used for multigenerational living or as a short-term rental.
“A lot of detail and a lot of love went into the home,” Chin notes. “There is custom-built shelving that was made from a salvaged beam from the house. The marble mantel was restored. She really thought of everything.”
The residence also has an all-glass sunroom overlooking the fenced-in patio in the private backyard, ideal for entertaining with an outdoor grill, stone counter, and refrigerator.
“What is really unique to this home is the sunroom extension that leads to the outdoor area from the kitchen,” she said. “It’s all enclosed and is even UV-treated.”
Located in Bergen Hill, the home also features Ann Sacks floor tile in the bathrooms, Kelly Wearstler lighting, repurposed antique doorknobs, and salvaged pocket doors.
The main living area has custom feathered tile treatments and French doors. The nearby dining room has restored pocket doors and a custom tambour fireplace mantel. Double-arched doorways and restored millwork frame an original staircase.
The sleek gourmet kitchen has high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and a breakfast bar.
Three “highly curated rooms” can be found on the second level, including an “unforgettable guest room incorporating 27 colors.”
A spacious primary sanctuary spans the entire top floor and features a refinished original fireplace mantel, built-in shelving, and a walk-in closet. The luxurious primary bathroom has a modern grid-glass shower, an original claw-foot tub, and radiant Arabescato Italian marble floors.
“The green room is so creative; it oozes Parisian chic,” Chin said. “I think the next buyer will be someone who appreciates luxury—not just refined, but also creative and high-design detail.”
A vibrant neighborhood offers independent cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and even an artist-designed skate park.
“If you are an entrepreneur-minded person, you will be a good fit here,” she noted. “You don’t need a car and can easily walk to everything. A very special client will love this home and neighborhood.”
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Kellie Speed is a contributor to Realtor.com. As a writer and editor, she has worked for a variety of online and print publications, including Inked magazine, Jetset, Westchester magazine, JustLuxe, The Boston Globe, and U.S. Veterans Magazine. A Massachusetts native, Kellie attended Northeastern University for journalism, was previously the Boston editor for Haute Living, and contributed to Avalon Publishing’s Moon Metro Boston guidebook. Kellie writes celebrity profiles and covers restaurants, travel, and lifestyle.
