280 Washington Avenue

Welcome to “The Pfizer Mansion,” a commanding Queen Anne-style gem at 280 Washington Avenue in the heart of Clinton Hill. Set on a rare double lot, this grand 1887 residence blends deep historical roots with refined contemporary living.

Commissioned by Charles Erhart, cofounder of Pfizer, and designed by architect Marshall J. Morrill as part of a paired row of mansions, the home originally sheltered Erhart’s daughter and went on to host uses as a Brooklyn Public Library annex and Catholic girls’ school before its modern reinvention.

Over the past decade its current stewards have overseen a breathtaking restoration and renovation. Every floor was treated with artisan care: original plaster moldings, extensive woodwork, leaded and stained glass, inlaid floors, eight fireplaces, and even a working Otis elevator were preserved or meticulously replicated. Hidden delights include a sunken “speakeasy” entertainment level, a temperature controlled wine cellar, and bathing rooms finished in hand painted de Gournay and custom wallpapers.

Spanning roughly 10,000 square feet over five stories, the layout offers seven bedrooms and six full bathrooms (plus additional half baths) across its elegant wings. The parlor level, stretching about 105 feet deep, hosts formal living and dining salons, a generous sitting room, and a chef’s kitchen enlivened by a rear extension of curved glass and custom copper roofing. The upper floors accommodate the principal suite, multiple ensuite bedrooms, a library or study, and gracious secondary rooms.

Uncommonly for a mansion of this scale, the property provides private carport parking, a rare luxury in the city. Coupled with dual frontage thanks to the double lot, the outdoor areas are beautifully composed – mature plantings, formal gardens, and a gracious rear oasis contribute a private sanctuary feel despite its urban address.

Exceptional Features Include:

– 10,000+ interior SQFT

– 105 FT deep parlor floor with soaring ceilings, formal living room, sitting room, dining room and eat-in chefs’ kitchen complete with Subzero, Asko & Viking appliances

– Garden rear parlor kitchen extension with custom copper roof and curved glass windows

– Private garden designed by Rees Roberts + Partners replete with mature locusts and crape myrtle trees and a wisteria pergola

– 200-foot full block lot

– Private Parking

– 7 bedrooms/8 bathrooms

– 8 fireplaces

– All new copper plumbing and all new electrical

– Energy efficient hot water and heat system, air filtration system, and CAC

– Historic Otis elevator

– Temperature-controlled wine cellar

– Sunken ‘speakeasy’ party room

– Three exposures

– Preservation consulting by Robert Silman Associates

– Restored plaster moldings, paneling, immaculately reinstated stained-glass windows, and meticulously recreated and restored inlaid floors throughout

– Bathing room with floating tub and hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper