Granite Mansion in Steinway, Queens The New York Times 8.10.08

Granite Mansion in Steinway, Queens
The New York Times 8.10.08

The New York Times shows us a massive granite house that was built in 1858 on 80 acres with views of Long Island Sound. When the first owner, Benjamin Pike Jr. passed away, the estate was purchased by William Steinway when he moved his piano manufacturing business to Astoria, Queens. "Granite forgives neglect very gracefully," and the overall structure is in good shape — especially all the original interior details including Italianate plasterwork, carved wood and marble...

The original owner, Benjamin Pike Jr., was a Manhattan optician who had instruments and scientific symbols etched in many of the glass doors in the house...

"The basement includes a billiard room, a bar and a Roman bath for parties."

In need of more care and investment than its current owner Michael Halberian has the funds or energy for, the house is for sale. For more on the history of the house and additional pictures, see A Hilltop Idyll, With Grace Notes of the Past and the slideshow.

Pics: Laguardia and Wagner Archives, Laguardia Community College; Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times

Comments (8)

Is that a teeny rooster on the lawn?

posted by medusa12120 on August 11th 2008 at 5:17am
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i hope it gets the attention it deserves! it's a very fine house. my friend lives not far from it and she drove me by it a few times...it's in a very strange lot off some very industrial blocks...but it's so tucked away, up on a hill and out of sight. i'd love to see the view from its tower.

posted by kdkaboom on August 11th 2008 at 5:26am
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Dude! I want a Roman bath for parties!

posted by whytephoenix on August 11th 2008 at 5:30am
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yes medusa, there are chickens in the yard as well as dogs and five or more sunbeam tigers (cars) i various states. i used to live a few blocks from there. awesome place, so private.

posted by chaudy on August 11th 2008 at 5:37am
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a roman bath for parties...haha, but of course!

posted by Tiffany on August 11th 2008 at 5:40am
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I love that. So nice that wildlife congregates on the lawn!

posted by medusa12120 on August 11th 2008 at 5:41am
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Are those Tigers in good shape?

posted by AlexNYC on August 11th 2008 at 6:22am
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thats awesome! now if i only had a couple million laying around...... hummm....

posted by E.M.H on August 11th 2008 at 7:30am
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