A Restoration Masterpiece in Ditmas Park’s Historic District
1000 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn

Whoever said there are no true palaces in Brooklyn has never seen 1000 Ocean Avenue.

Designed in 1899 by the renowned architect George Palliser for Wall Street magnate George Van Ness and his family, this monumental Ditmas Park residence stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s Gilded Age grandeur. Nearly 6,000 square feet of living space and a fully detached carriage house rest on an expansive lot with a private drive accommodating multiple cars—an extraordinary offering in any era.

The home’s monumental temple front, Corinthian pilasters, and Palladian window evoke timeless architectural elegance. Inside, soaring ceilings, four fireplaces (two wood-burning and two gas), and the original grand staircase with three distinct spindle patterns reveal the artistry of a bygone age. leaded-glass windows illuminate the landing with light, while generous parlors, a library, and a formal dining room recall the home’s distinguished social life. Upstairs, large bedrooms and a billiard room await restoration, all beneath a slate roof with copper valleys.

Set within the Ditmas Park Historic Landmark District, this property is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a visionary buyer to return one of Brooklyn’s most important residences to its former glory. Though in need of comprehensive restoration—inside and out—the structure’s integrity and provenance offer an unparalleled foundation for revival.


This is an historic landmarked property needing full interior and exterior restoration. Cash buyers only.