Beautiful Brick: 4 Stately Brick Homes

Sturdy and stately, brick residences can trace their origins back to 3500 B.C., when the first fired brick allowed for the creation of permanent structures. Simultaneously durable and beautiful, brick homes have a special allure due to their environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, easy maintenance, and enduring style.

Cotswolds-Inspired Classicism

Inspired by the cottages of the English Cotswolds, this stately home in Los Gatos features such timeless elements as a thatched-shingle roof, dormer windows, wrought-iron fencing, a cobblestone-paved drive, and a handsome redbrick façade. These trappings belie the fact that the residence has been impeccably updated for contemporary comfort and convenience, with an alarm system, well-positioned lighting, a built-in sound system, a backyard fire pit, a cook’s kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and granite counters, and a water-filtration system.

A Handsome Manor in Houston

This five-bedroom Houston residence enjoys a prime location on a sizeable corner lot. Beyond its dignified brick exterior, it boasts formal living and dining rooms, a kitchen with top-tier stainless-steel appliances and a breakfast area, a family room with surround sound and a built-in projector and screen, a wet bar with a wine cellar, and a game or media room. In the private backyard, brick also surrounds the saltwater pool and spa and forms the arches of the covered outdoor dining area and summer kitchen.

Classical Los Angeles Oasis

A refined classicism pervades nearly every space of this singular home, which has been featured in numerous publications, including House Beautiful magazine. Among the many highlights are a paneled library with a bar, elegant living and dining rooms, a spacious kitchen, a family or great room, and five bedrooms—all with vintage-inspired architectural elements and detailing. A freestanding guesthouse affords additional privacy for visitors. The brick exterior contributes to a fittingly regal, commanding presence.

Timeless Manhattan Townhouse

On a tree-lined street in the heart of West Chelsea, this historic brick-clad townhouse is distinguished by its high stoop, paneled front doorway, tall windows, fine ironwork, other well-preserved period details, and a versatile floor plan that makes it ideal for entertaining. The home offers six bedrooms, three baths, light-filled living and dining rooms, an impressive eat-in kitchen, a den, a library, a peaceful terrace, and a basement with a 5,000-bottle wine cellar and ample storage.e

This article was originally published in Sotheby’s International Realty Extraordinary Blog in Mar 2023.