Description

A turn-of-the-century townhouse located on an idyllic Chelsea block, 348 West 20th Street is a 5-story home that offers high ceilings, historic details, and a lush south-facing garden. Flourishes like corinthian columns, 11' - 12' ceilings with graceful archways, French doors, restored railings and banisters, and ornate detailing imbue a soft timelessness. The many fireplaces and their marble mantels; the carefully restored window frames and wooden shutters; and most notably, the vaulted Parlor floor foyer ceiling, do the same. Configured as a two-family with a separate office level, the home is smartly laid out, creating an accessible canvas for a modern renovation that preserves these hard-to-replicate details.

The principal residence is comprised of the top three floors of the house, plus the ground level. The main floor consists of an open, south-facing kitchen that overlooks the garden; a central gallery space, and the living room. With 11-foot ceilings, and French doors that open to create an easy flow between rooms, it's a flexible space that works easily for hosting. Large exposures to the north and south let light cascade across the whole level. The island kitchen with counter seating offers ample room for cooking and casual dining. Or, sit in the dining area, where tall windowed doors open graciously to the outdoors.

Take the stairs from the parlor level directly to the rear garden. Mature plantings create a serene and private environment with plenty of room for multiple seating areas. The back yard can also be accessed from the ground level, a versatile floor currently laid out with two large offices plus a powder room and multiple closets.

The bedroom levels begin on the fourth floor, which has 10-foot ceilings and two additional fireplaces. The primary bedroom faces south, and includes two large closets. The second, a pass-through closet, leads to the primary bathroom, where chic floor and wall tiling add a touch of modernity. On the other end of the floor, a large library or den as large as the formal living room serves either as a standalone room, or a spacious annex to the primary suite.

The top floor has two oversized bedrooms, one over 21 feet in length, and the other nearly 20. Bright and quiet, each of these rooms includes pine floors, multiple closets, and plenty of room for seating areas or work-from-home stations. They share a full bathroom, and a full laundry room is located on this level as well.

The triplex is complete with central air conditioning and is serviced by a new gas boiler. The home has been immaculately maintained by the same owner for the past nearly 40 years.

The second unit comprises the entirety of the garden level. With a well appointed kitchen, fireplace, and laundry facilities, it functions easily as a one-bedroom rental unit, or a mother-in-law apartment. Alternatively, it could be easily incorporated with the other floors to create a majestic single-family home.

348 West 20th Street is on a special stretch of Chelsea, part of a unique enclave known for its historic townhouses, gracious seminaries, and green canopy of trees. The home itself is surrounded by 42 landmarked townhouses, guaranteeing the next owner decades of low scale sun and air. It is moments from the vibrant galleries of West Chelsea, yet also within easy proximity to major public transit. It's a short journey to Chelsea Market, the High Line, and the West Village without the din of tourists. And adjacent to many restaurants and art institutions - indeed, Atlantic Theater Company is only a few doors down - it's also close to the Google campus and major grocery stores. Listing courtesy of Compass ...
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