The $29,000/Month Secret: 7 Shocking Facts About 11 Cranberry Street, Brooklyn's Historic Mott Bedell House
Dating back to the 1840s, 11 Cranberry Street in Brooklyn Heights is far more than just a beautiful brownstone; it is a meticulously preserved piece of New York City history, known formally as the Mott Bedell House. As of late December 2025, this historic address continues to capture the imagination of luxury real estate enthusiasts and history buffs alike, thanks to its stunning renovations and occasional high-profile listings that reveal the opulent interiors of one of the neighborhood's most significant homes.
The house sits on a picturesque, tree-lined block, a quintessential example of Brooklyn Heights brownstone beauty. While the entire street is steeped in cinematic fame, 11 Cranberry Street holds a unique, deep-rooted historical significance that sets it apart from its more pop-culture-famous neighbors, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a 19th-century New York merchant.
The True Identity: Biography of a Historic Landmark (The Mott Bedell House)
The house at 11 Cranberry Street is officially commemorated with a historic plaque, identifying it as the Mott Bedell House. Its history is tied directly to the early development of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.
- Formal Name: Mott Bedell House (also sometimes referred to as the Lay House).
- Original Construction Date: Circa 1840. (Note: Some records incorrectly list 1899, but the 1840 date is confirmed by the historic plaque and original owner records).
- Original Owner: Mott Bedell.
- Owner's Profession: Ship's Chandlers, with offices located on Wall Street in Manhattan.
- Architectural Style: Flemish-bond brick rowhouse, a distinct and elegant style common in early Brooklyn Heights.
- Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights, one of New York City's most desirable and historically preserved districts.
- Current Configuration: A multi-family townhouse (two units) or a single-family mansion, often configured as a luxurious 6-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom residence after extensive renovations.
The structure is a stunning, 25.5-foot-wide mansion, a rarity even in a neighborhood known for its grand homes. Its location is steps away from the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Myth vs. Reality: Why 11 Cranberry Street is NOT the Moonstruck House
A persistent and common misconception surrounds the Cranberry Street addresses, often confusing 11 Cranberry Street with its more famous neighbor. This is a crucial distinction for anyone visiting the area or researching its history.
The Real Star of the Show
The exterior of the house used as the home of the Castorini family in the 1987 romantic comedy classic *Moonstruck*, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage, is located at 19 Cranberry Street. It is this Federal-style, corner townhouse that draws tourists and movie buffs to the block, not the Mott Bedell House at number 11.
The *Moonstruck* house, built in 1829, is also the former home of comedian and actress Amy Schumer and her husband, Chris Fischer. Schumer sold the four-story, five-bedroom home in a high-profile transaction for $11 million. The confusion stems from the entire street's association with the film, but 11 Cranberry Street stands on its own historical merit.
The Historical Significance of the Mott Bedell House
While 19 Cranberry Street has cinematic fame, 11 Cranberry Street boasts a deeper historical lineage. The Flemish-bond brick facade is a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship, a feature that architects and preservationists highly value. The house's original owner, Mott Bedell, was a prominent ship's chandler, a profession vital to New York's maritime economy in the 1840s, connecting the home directly to the city's commercial past.
The Modern Marvel: Luxury Renovations and Record-Breaking Rentals
In recent years, the Mott Bedell House has undergone a transformation, blending its historic elegance with dynamic modernism to become one of the most luxurious rental properties in Brooklyn Heights. These updates ensure the property remains a pinnacle of historic Brooklyn architecture and a key player in the high-end real estate market.
The $29,000/Month Luxury Amenities
The renovations have turned the historic townhouse into a five-floor, 6,300-square-foot mansion with state-of-the-art amenities. When listed for rent—at one point for a staggering $29,000 a month—the details of the interior were revealed, showcasing its modern luxury.
Key features of the redesigned townhouse include:
- Private Wellness Center: A luxurious spa, a full gym, and a large sauna, creating a private health retreat within the home.
- Gourmet Kitchen: A chef's kitchen featuring custom millwork, cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliances.
- Outdoor Spaces: Multiple private outdoor areas, including a landscaped garden, five separate terraces, and a roof deck that provides incredible views of the surrounding neighborhood and, likely, the Manhattan skyline.
- Historic Details: Despite the modern updates, the home retains period charm, such as original marble fireplaces and a wine cellar, maintaining the integrity of the Greek Revival and Italianate influences found throughout Brooklyn Heights.
The Architectural Oversight
In May 2020, HS2 Architecture revealed proposals to renovate the historic townhouse, a process that requires careful navigation of the neighborhood's landmark status. The goal is always to respect the building's street-facing facade while integrating contemporary living standards, a common challenge for architects working with historic brownstones in the area.
The Mott Bedell House at 11 Cranberry Street is a perfect example of how topical authority and historical preservation can meet modern opulence. It stands as a magnificent landmark, not because of a movie, but because of its deep roots in the history of New York City and its successful transformation into a modern, mint-condition mansion.
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