In the heart of Brooklyn, Julian Ehrhardt has carved a niche that marries his rich background in digital design with his deep appreciation for local culture. As the founder of BrooklynBrownstone.nyc, Jules has transformed a classic 1931 brownstone into a sought-after guest house, offering travelers a unique and immersive Brooklyn experience.
“It's our guest house in Brooklyn,” he says. “Our main goal is to offer guests an experience that truly feels like a 'home away from home,' with all the thoughtful comforts and touches that people invest in their own spaces, and to experience Brooklyn and New York 'live like a local.'”
The serial entrepreneur also noticed that his Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood lacked hotel options, and he believed his guest house could address this white space. In fact, Ehrhardt's career spans two decades at the intersection of digital startups and creative leadership. His journey began in East London, where he co-founded ustwo, a design studio that redefined digital product development. Under his stewardship, ustwo grew into an international powerhouse of over 300 employees, known for serving high-profile clients like Nike, Facebook, and Google.
In 2017, Ehrhardt launched FKTRY, a hybrid studio model that integrates creative expertise with venture capital, making him a key player in New York’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Ehrhardt says he and his family owned the Bedford-Stuyvesant guest house for many years and relied on third-party booking websites, which had several shortcomings. “We decided to build our own website so we could tell the story of the home in the way we wanted, as the third-party platforms were quite restrictive,” he explains.
When creating a dedicated website for his brownstone, he opted for a .NYC domain. “The .NYC domain makes it unmistakably New York. The stipulation that the domain is only for New Yorkers to own makes it unique and very New York,” he tells GoDaddy Registry.
In addition to a robust about page that shares the historical significance of the townhouse, BrooklynBrownstone.nyc allows guests to take a virtual tour through high-resolution photography of the space. The thorough site also lists all its amenities, from its Ring alarm safety system to an outdoor Japanese-inspired garden designed by a local floral designer.
“We wanted to create a space where guests can ‘live like a local,’” Julian explains. The guest house features designer furnishings, top-of-the-line appliances, and luxurious amenities, all thoughtfully curated to provide a home-like atmosphere for visitors.
The Brownstone’s booking website aligns with this mission, featuring a final tab dedicated to NYC sightseeing. However, the travel tips don’t focus solely on Manhattan; instead, they highlight local and cultural gems in Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. The webpage states: “New York is a fantastic and friendly city to explore for families, including those with smaller children. We know, as our children grew up here! Here we share from our family to yours a selection of recommended evergreen experiences for children and families of all ages.”
Ehrhardt emphasizes that he is very intentional in his website’s tone and messaging–which he believes is a key pillar of successful marketing. “Keep it real. It's all too easy to fall into corporate jargon and positioning when writing your copy. Making the website personal allows you to create a real connection with potential customers, as well as attract and filter the kinds of guests you want to host.”
This authentic, customer-centric approach has been instrumental in building mutual trust and confidence with potential guests, helping to secure bookings.
The birth of BrooklynBrownstone.nyc represents a fusion of Julian' entrepreneurial spirit and passion for community. After extensively restoring the property in 2017, he preserved the intricate details that characterize a traditional Brooklyn brownstone, ensuring that the building remains a testament to its historical significance.
Julian' vision extends beyond hospitality. In light of developments in 2023 regarding Local Law 18, which impacts short-term rentals in New York City, he remains committed to balancing support for local regulations with fostering a vibrant tourism economy. A Yahoo article titled Did NYC Just Kneecap Airbnb? highlights the challenges faced by platforms like Airbnb, reflecting the broader conversation about responsible tourism. Julian emphasizes his dedication to providing a legal and sustainable lodging option that respects both guests and the community.
According to the article: “He restored the derelict property 'with a lot of pride,' Ehrhardt tells Reason, and started renting out one of the units while living in the other. Having hosted over 200 guests from all over the world, Ehrhardt talks warmly about watching foreigners experience his neighborhood. 'The origins of the housing crisis are far more nuanced,' he says, 'than people renting out spare rooms.'”
Julian Ehrhardt’s BrooklynBrownstone.nyc is more than just a guest house; it embodies a philosophy of creative living and local engagement. By blending his extensive experience in digital innovation with his love for Brooklyn's rich heritage, Julian has created a space where travelers can experience the warmth and vibrancy of this iconic neighborhood.
