For $8.5 million, this Gramercy townhouse is a little piece of reclaimed history
Photo credit: Shannon Dupre and Francisco Rosario / DD-Reps
From seven working fireplaces to reclaimed pine floors, this Gramercy Park townhouse at 143 East 18th Street brings its 1854 origins into a 21st-century context for maximum value appreciation. The brick-fronted Anglo-Italian-style home, like many of its neighbors in the historic Manhattan neighborhood, was restored to its most graceful form for $8,499,000. Five stories of living space give the 14-foot-wide home a vertical space advantage, and a compact backyard provides an enviable urban outdoor oasis.
The five floors of the 4,000-square-foot townhouse offer four bedrooms and four bathrooms. A thoughtful renovation seamlessly incorporated 19th-century details into this modern living space, breathing new life into the original architecture, such as the aforementioned working fireplaces (converted from wood to gas) and hand-carved moldings.
Four skylights above the original mahogany staircase provide plenty of light; central air conditioning ensures comfort. On the ground floor, a front parlor serves as a bright office; a cozy living room offers views of the rear garden.
One floor up is a farmhouse-style eat-in kitchen that’s ready for the chef. A five-burner Wolf stove, two ovens, a large SubZero refrigerator with refrigerator drawers, and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers are framed by butter-yellow custom woodwork.
The dining room seats eight under a striking antique Murano chandelier, surrounded by Thibaut Château du Loire Toile de Jouy wallpaper. For added convenience, a bar connects the kitchen and dining room.
The third floor offers two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Flooring and finishes alternate beautifully between restored original details (such as exposed brickwork and restored floors) and luxurious new additions.
On the fourth floor, the elegant master suite is a self-contained sanctuary. Original wood floors and an original mantel continue the period style, and a hammered copper double soaking tub adds extra sparkle to the luxurious vintage feel. Additional details include Perrin & Rowe fixtures, Brunschwig & Fils Toile de Jouy wallpaper, and a bidet in the bathroom. A spacious walk-in closet is fitted with shelving, drawers, and designer lighting.
On the lowest level of the home, a cleverly designed “English basement” serves as a cozy and charming living space. A Swiss chalet-style media room features Dolby surround sound, barnwood paneling – and a cedar sauna; there are also laundry facilities and a bathroom on this floor. From this level you enter a landscaped patio and the backyard.
Surrounded by the gated green oasis of Gramercy Park, the neighborhood is a showcase for 19th-century architecture, surrounded by landmarks at Irving Place and Union Square. Nearby subway lines include the 4, 5, 6, N, L, R, and Q. Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park, and all of Downtown Manhattan and Chelsea are nearby.
(Offer details: 143 East 18th Street at CityRealty)
(At Compass by Amanda Young)
RELATED:
Photo credit: Shannon Dupre and Francisco Rosario / DD-Reps
