A
piece of Harlem's history is up for sale on East 128th Street, with a pre-Civil War clapboard townhouse hitting the market for $3.25 million.

    Built in 1864, this charming home is one of the oldest occupied single-family dwellings in Harlem and has been lovingly maintained despite the neighborhood's evolution. The exterior, adorned with ornamental flourishes, remains largely unchanged since its construction.

    Inside, however, a radical makeover has transformed the space into a modern oasis. A 1981 landmark report recognized the property as one of Harlem's few surviving frame houses, calling it "remarkably intact."

    The home's eclectic French Second Empire style is defined by mansard roofs, dormer windows, and ornamental details. Original features like molding, fireplaces, and ceramic ceiling medallions remain, but with a fresh coat of paint.

    Over the years, its neighbors were demolished and replaced, but this stalwart survivor stood the test of time. The four-story structure has been aggressively updated over the past decade, including new plumbing and electrical systems, modern amenities like walk-in closets, and an open-concept kitchen.

    While some period-accurate touches have been lost – such as a subzero refrigerator – many original details remain, including restored fireplaces and molding. The home's exterior received a fresh coat of paint, and the backyard's cedar siding was replaced.

    Despite massive renovations, the current sale marks a $350,000 discount from its 2015 price tag of $3.6 million. Listing agent Matthew Langer notes that today's price is based on an independent appraisal, suggesting that the previous sale may have been driven by one buyer's enthusiasm for the property's history rather than its market value.

    This clapboard abode stands out among Harlem's single-family homes, with Langer remarking, "There's a couple of brownstones, but this is the last wood-framed house I've seen."