Back Bay condos reflect fine craftsmanship
At 185 Marlborough St. in the Back Bay, two lovely new condominiums, each with a distinctive style, have been created in a building designed by the celebrated 19th century architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns.
Unit 2, priced at $2.7 million, is a two-plus-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath floor-through unit that incorporates the wonderful bow front and bow back of the building.
The penthouse occupies the fourth floor, which has a classical flat façade. It also has two-plus bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, as well as a large private roof deck. It is priced at $3.1 million.
Michael Moran of Otis & Ahearn Real Estate is marketing these homes.
For about a decade beginning in the 1870s, Peabody and Stearns designed beautiful homes on Marlborough Street, ultimately creating more than a dozen of them.
This brick and sandstone home was built in 1884 for Edward S. Grew for $35,000. It has now been totally renovated from top to bottom, a project of DL Development LLC.
From the beautifully restored vestibule and lobby, the elevator provides direct, keyed access to each unit. The elevator opens to a good-sized hall with a half bath at one end and excellent closet space.
The building’s exceptional 30-foot width has allowed the rooms to have very generous proportions.
In Unit 2, the living and dining rooms are distinct spaces. The living room is a grand space with high ceilings and a bow front.
On one wall is a gas fireplace with a simple white wood mantel. The millwork is elegant and unique to this unit.
The large kitchen in Unit 2 features handsome cabinets, granite counters and antique subway tile backsplash as well as high-end appliances.
Through pocket doors is a library with walls of custom bookcases and a second gas fireplace. This could serve double duty as a home office or guest room. The floors throughout the home are quarter-sawn white oak with a rich stain.
Adjacent to the dining room is a large chef’s kitchen with excellent workspace. There is abundant cabinetry, some of it glass-fronted, all painted wood with a maple glaze that gives it an antique look. The counters are sand-colored granite, and the backsplash is subway tile in a complementary putty color.
Appliances here include a six-burner Wolf gas range and microwave, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler and an Asko dishwasher. Just outside the kitchen is the laundry with a stackable washer and dryer.
Double closets line a short hallway that leads to the master bedroom, which also has a bow window at treetop level and a handsome chair rail.
There are graceful bow windows in both the front and rear of Unit 2.
The en suite master bath is large with honey-colored granite on the counter and Travertine on the floor.
The vanity has double sinks and features a huge custom cabinet. A walk-in shower is in one corner, and there is a nice whirlpool tub.
Next door is a second bedroom suite. Here, the bedroom has a tray ceiling, the bath has a tub/shower combination, and there is a large walk-in closet with organizers.
Up two floors, the penthouse has quite a different feel. With its flat façade, this story creates a kind of parapet at the top of the building. Inside, the space has cathedral ceilings.
Although the floor plan in many respects is the same as that of Unit 2, the living space is much more open, fluid and contemporary. The flat front wall and the vertical detailing above the gas fireplace in the living/dining area accentuate the height of the room.
As a contrast, the detail in the adjoining library is horizontal and also feels crisp and modern. Some shelves in this room have been enclosed to provide a hidden storage space for media, and there is a small office area at one end of the room.
The vertical pattern of the fireplace surround emphasizes the height of the open plan living and dining area in the penthouse.
The appliances in the kitchen are identical to those in Unit 2, but the honed granite counters offer a sharp contrast to the white cabinets and backsplash.
The placement of the bedrooms is the same as that downstairs, but the bathrooms are white marble.
Up a private rear stair is the door to a wonderful mahogany roof deck. Built-in planters contain attractive greenery, and the views in all directions are terrific. There is electricity, water and a gas line for a grill.
Both units have high-efficiency forced air heat and air conditioning. Each has one deeded parking space at the rear of the building, which is also pet-friendly.
DETAILS
Address: 185 Marlborough St., Back Bay
Age: 1884; 2009
Unit 2: Two-plus bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths; 2,078 square feet; $2.7 million; condo fee, $497 per month.
Penthouse: Two-plus bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths; 2,223 square feet; $3.1 million; condo fee, $571 per month.
Taxes: To be determined
Features of units: Two new condominiums in five-unit bow front building; keyed elevator access; chefs’ gas kitchens with painted wood cabinets, granite counters and high-end appliances; separate library/guest room with custom built-ins and custom detail; hardwood floors throughout; master bedrooms with large marble master bath en suite; second bedroom and bath; excellent closets with organizers; laundry in unit; high efficiency forced air heat and air conditioning; one deeded parking space for each unit; pet friendly. Unit 2 is a floor-through residence with classic detail; penthouse has a more contemporary layout and private roof deck.
Close by: Back Bay shops and restaurants; Boston Public Library, pleasant walk to Downtown, Financial District, Theater District and Esplanade; MBTA Red, Green and Orange Line stops within walking distance; easy access to Storrow Drive, Routes 90 and 93.
Contact: Michael Moran, Otis & Ahearn Real Estate, 200 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116. Phones: 617-267-3500 (office) or 617-733-7660 (cell).
Web site: www.otisahearn.com
An open house will be held at this property Sunday, Nov. 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
