Shortly after their 2020 nuptials in Las Vegas, Stranger Things actor David Harbour and British pop star Lily Allen doled out $3.35 million for a “very lived-in” 19th-century Italianate brownstone in Brooklyn’s leafy Carroll Gardens enclave.
The couple subsequently enlisted the services of architect Ben Bischoff of MADE and designer Billy Cotton and embarked on an extensive renovation that was featured in an Architectural Digest video tour. Now, four years later, they’ve broken up and have decided to sell the eclectic five-bedroom, four-bath abode for nearly double what they paid, asking a speck under $8 million. Carl Gambino of Compass holds the listing.
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Drawing on three distinct design themes—traditional English, modern Brooklyn townhouse, and layered Italian in a nod to the neighborhood’s Italian/American roots—Cotton’s goal was to preserve the original details and character. He also wanted to create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The result? Eccentric yet inviting interiors that boast chintz balloon shades, crystal chandeliers, pink silk, tiger-patterned textiles, Mylar wallpaper, and some whimsical swan-shaped fixtures thrown in for good measure.
381 Union Lily Allen David Harbour Townhouse NYC
The first order of business was coming up with a warm and functional kitchen, complete with Plain English cabinetry, an Ann Sacks-tiled backsplash, a fancy Officine Gullo range, a custom dining table big enough for dropping off shopping bags and completing homework, and a coffee station with a hot/cold water tap. From there, a green-hued living/garden room is anchored by a boxy fireplace, Zuber wallpaper, and a custom double-sided green sofa enveloped in tufted emerald velvet.
Other highlights include a primary bath/sitting room sporting carpet and shades from Pierre Frey, yet more Zuber wallpaper, Ralph Lauren Home sconces, a pink soaking tub, and a fireplace bookended by vanities crafted from gilt bronze and parquetry commodes. A separate space holds the toilet and a combination tub and shower, while pocketing doors open to reveal an intimate and windowless “bed womb.” There are also dual walk-in closets, one a dressing area with bespoke Florense shelving and the other a black-clad space with a desk.
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A narrow staircase descends to a more modern lower level spotlighted by a powder room flaunting an ebony sink and toilet set against bold geometric wallpaper, plus a media room warmed by a stone fireplace and a carpet and sectional sofa dressed in tiger print. A door opens to the enclosed and gated backyard, which hosts two structures housing a Finnish sauna and a cold plunge.
At the time of the AD home tour, Harbour stated that the townhouse’s style is a big change from that of his former New York City loft in Nolita. “I’m a suburban boy from Westchester, so I’m accustomed to a more middle-of-the-road aesthetic,” he said. Allen, armed with her own vision, instead leaned into her overall desire for something truly “weird and wonderful.”
Click here for more photos of the Brooklyn residence.
381 Union Lily Allen David Harbour Townhouse NYC
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