Description

11 West 121st Street is a beautifully restored 20 ft. single-family townhouse built by Cleverdon and Putzel in 1889. Rich in original pre-war details and shaped by the creative vision of its current owners, longtime local artists, the home offers a rare combination of historic character and thoughtful stewardship. Spanning five floors plus a cellar, it presents an exceptional opportunity to own a distinctive Harlem townhouse.

Original woodwork has been carefully restored throughout, preserving the home's warmth and architectural integrity. Distinctive hourglass mantels, original moldings, light fixtures, decorative wallpapers, and period hardware remain intact, reflecting the building's history and craftsmanship. Located in Harlem's Mount Morris Park Historic District, just steps from Marcus Garvey Park, the home is surrounded by acclaimed restaurants, neighborhood cafés, and a vibrant arts community, with convenient access to multiple subway lines nearby.

Garden Level
The garden floor is a warm and inviting space defined by rich materials and a distinctly homestyle, French-inspired sensibility. At its heart is the back kitchen, intimate yet beautifully appointed, with a marble bar island, built-in glass-door cabinets with wood drawers, ample storage, and a vintage Garland wrought iron stove and oven as the focal point. Antique transom pieces and decorative Farrell & Larson latch cabinetry add a sense of history and craftsmanship throughout.
A central room connects the kitchen to the front of the floor and can serve as a walk-in pantry, breakfast room, or casual dining area. At the front, a generous living and dining room provides ample space for gathering and everyday living. Direct access opens to a private garden with mature trees, established plantings, and a spacious stone patio.

Parlor Floor
The parlor floor makes an immediate and lasting impression. A grand entrance up the stoop leads you into a vestibule framed by meticulously cared for full height wooden doors. Inside, the original newel post and exquisitely detailed staircase sets the tone upon arrival. Moving into the living space you see decorative wallpapers, ornate mantels, and original woodwork enrich the space with period detail and elegance.
At the front of the floor is a gracious formal sitting room, while the rear opens to a generous living and music room, creating a layout well suited to both entertaining and everyday living. A discreet bar with a refrigerator and sink is tucked into an alcove, and a powder room completes the level.

Third Floor
The entire third floor is devoted to a primary suite of exceptional scale. The rear primary bedroom is overlooking the lush gardens increasing the sense of a quiet oasis. The suite is accompanied by a full bathroom with a clawfoot tub and laundry on your floor for your modern convenience. A set of walk-through original closets fitted with wash basins, an extraordinary survival of the building's original infrastructure, lead you to your private living space. At the front of the floor, a full-width library and sitting room extends the primary suite into a true retreat. Custom wallpaper and original built-in closets frame the space, while the architecturally significant mantel, with its striking hourglass profile, serves as the room's focal point. A beautiful recessed window surround, naturally forming a window seat with a step up, captures exceptional light and provides a distinctive architectural detail rarely found in homes of any era.
Fourth Floor
The fourth floor offers three bedrooms, retaining the original detail and proportion that define this home. Two large, equally scaled bedrooms anchor the floor, each appointed with its own original wash basin, a charming and historically significant feature of the building's original layout, and connected by pocket doors. A third, smaller bedroom adjoins the front bedroom via a connecting door off the hallway, offering flexible use as a nursery, dressing room, or private study. Large windows throughout ensure an abundance of natural light, complimented by the floor's architecturally significant original mantels with their distinctive wrought iron detailing. Original millwork and moldings complete a floor of quiet elegance and enduring character.
Fifth Floor
Perched at the top of the townhouse, the fifth floor can function as a self-contained guest or nanny suite. It includes two well-proportioned bedrooms, along with a European-style full bathroom where the toilet and sink are separated from the main bath area for added convenience and privacy. A kitchenette with a stovetop completes the space.
The fifth floor sits above the surrounding roofline, allowing for open views and good natural light. An additional small office, hall closet, and direct ladder access to the roof complete this level.
Cellar
The full-depth cellar offers two washer and dryer units and substantial storage. Listing courtesy of Vandenberg Inc ...
More