One of Park Slope's most special houses, 946 President was designed by Charles T. Mott and constructed in 1886. While many Brooklyn townhouses boast fabulous details or a top location or lavish dimensions, 946 President alone can claim all of these and more.

At 25.8 feet wide, Mott's Romanesque Revival style home is an exciting building. The façade, of brick, terra cotta and rusticated brownstone, with its various window arrangements, wrought iron balcony, mansard roof, and peaked roof is a masterful composition. The interior plan is special in that the house has three exposures - north, south and west.

In describing the interior of 946 President, the two most outstanding aspects are an exuberance of decoration combined with fabulous modern upgrades. In the first category one finds parquet floors, working pocket doors with distinct wood on each side, period stained glass transoms, fireplace surrounds of stunning variety (bronze, mahogany, carved oak, tiled, and more), original window shutters, and gorgeous hardware and trim throughout the house. Chandeliers dating from the 1800's are the crowning glory.

In the second category, the modern upgrades are astounding. There are 9 working wood burning fireplaces with re-lined chimneys. There is three-zone central heating and air conditioning with brand new compressors on the roof. All baths (4 full and 2 half) have been renovated. The formal dining room has a butler's pantry with a wet bar, working dumbwaiter, and half bath. Perhaps best of all, the garden floor is one vast open space, encompassing a wonderful kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, a granite island, French doors leading to a light-filled south garden, an office area, and a large family room.

The layout of the home starts with the above-described garden level. The parlor floor has a dramatic entrance hall, a double parlor, and the dining room. One of the parlors is in use as a music room and it is worth noting that in the 1920's, Rachmaninoff actually played piano in this room. The next floor offers a master suite with bath and sitting room as well as a guest suite with private bath. The floor above has three full bedrooms and another full bath. Four of the house's five bedrooms have two exposures.

The basement has been completely renovated to include a wet bar, half bath, laundry room, excellent mechanicals and is large enough to accommodate a regulation-sized pool table and sizable living area.

In sum, 946 President is a polished gem ready to be lived in and marveled at by a new owner.