Brooklyn Heights is famous for its brownstone row houses, churches and religious institutions, many of which were built before the civil war. But amid this swathe of low-rise architecture nestles a small but important cache of modernist homes designed by husband-and-wife architects Joseph and Mary Merz.

The Merzes designed just three modernist-style townhouses in the highly protected historic district in 1965, and 44 Willow Place is arguably the best, built for Ron and Hortense Clyne, a prominent graphic designer whose work adorned over 500 album covers for Folkways Records. This ‘graphic’ curb appeal is evident in the house’s facade, which features windows stacked vertically through the centre in a tall ribbon formation.

Now owned by a design industry couple, the three-bedroom Brooklyn property has undergone meticulous modernisation with a new roof, new marble floors, and new Sonos sound and HVAC systems. The kitchen’s also been made over as a sleek minimalist space outfitted in ash cabinetry.

Garages and gardens are highly coveted in the city, and this townhouse has both, with the dining room peeking out over the walled garden and deck.

Agents James Cornell and Leslie Marshall of the Corcoran Group are listing the 3,036 sq ft property for $5.85m. Take a look at the gallery above.

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