Charlestown Navy Yard penthouse has million-dollar views
When Constellation Wharf was built in 1987, it was designed to be reminiscent of a naval ship. It is located at the end of Ninth Street on Pier 7 in the Charlestown Navy Yard. There, a guard monitors the security gate that is the entrance to the complex.
Tommy Corbett of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has listed one of the six penthouses in this complex, 35 Constellation Wharf, at $1.449 million.
It is difficult to decide whether the condo or the view is more beautiful. The 2,793- square-foot unit has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a spacious kitchen with top appliances, a family room, a living room, a dining room, a study, two side decks and a roof deck. It also comes with two deeded parking spaces.
The unit was recently renovated and looks brand new. Windows on the east, west and south flood the home with light.
The approach to Constellation Wharf feels like the approach to a security gate at a resort. Shrubs and flowers surround the entrance.
Inside the gate there are a series of six buildings, three on the east and three on the west.
Thirty-five Constellation is a townhouse in an eastern building. Parking is at street level under the building.
The living room has a wood-burning fireplace and glass sliders that open onto a deck.
Stairs lead to a second level sidewalk. The doors to the units are in separate alcoves up several steps from that sidewalk.
Inside the unit is a large foyer, and a staircase is to the left. A coat closet, a full bath and a utility closet are to the right.
Near the front door is a bedroom that has been used as an office or a study. At the other end of the foyer, double doors paneled with single panes of glass open to a family room that is several steps below the foyer, making the view through the exterior wall of glass enjoyable from both the foyer and the family room.
Outside that wall is a comfortable deck that has the feel of being on a ship without the rocking from the waves.
The family room, with its hardwood flooring and fireplace with a traditional mantelpiece, is adaptable for any style of furnishings. The view through the glass wall is of the deck and the marina beyond.
Large boats are in their slips nearby, and at the far side are a few houseboats that look like cottages floating in the water.
A study has been configured in this bedroom, which includes a wood-burning fireplace and sliding glass doors to a covered deck.
The next level of the home has the kitchen on the west, the dining room and a half bath in the middle, and the living room and its deck on the marina side of the unit.
The living room is several steps below the dining room, so again the view from both rooms is outstanding.
The living room has glass sliders to the deck, and glass transoms above the sliders provide even more light and views.
The dining room chandelier hangs above the table. A built-in buffet that looks like a piece of furniture topped by granite lies between there and the living room.
The views from both rooms are spectacular.
The spacious kitchen at west side of this floor has many outstanding features.
The chef’s kitchen is spacious and includes top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry and a center island.
A refrigerator-size wine cooler is paneled to match the cabinets and is part of a series of matching pantries and freezer drawers on the south wall.
Corner windows facing west and south provide a panoramic view of Boston. The Thermador cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, two Thermador conventional/convection wall ovens and large French-door Electrolux refrigerator/freezer are white. A large center island completes the room.
The next level has a master bath on the water side. Mirrors covering the closet doors expand the water views to the east. The en suite master bath includes an oval soaking tub, a separate shower, a double vanity, a commode and a bidet.
The bedroom on the west side of this level provides the amazing views of Boston. This bedroom also has its own full bath.
The top level of the home has a study and the roof deck. The study includes a wall of built-in cabinets with a sink and refrigerator. The large deck has spectacular views of the waterfront.
From 1800 until 1974 the U.S. Navy had a base in Charlestown. Then 30 acres were transferred to the National Park Service to be part of Boston Historic Park.
The top level has an entertainment center with custom-built cabinets and a roof deck with views of the waterfront.
Park Service employees are on duty at the visitor’s center, at the museum and at the destroyer USS Cassin Young.
Work aboard the USS Constitution is shared by active duty Navy personnel and the Park Service.
The remainder of the base is now residential, including Constellation Wharf, and commercial. There are many restaurants in the area.
On Third Avenue at the other end of Ninth Street, the Constitution Inn, part of the Boston YMCA, has one of the best workout facilities in downtown Boston area.
Its gym includes a heated indoor Olympic-sized pool, sauna, cardiovascular equipment, free weights, yoga, fitness classes and a full basketball court. Downtown Boston is easily reached by public bus, complimentary bus to Cambridge Street, by water shuttle or by water taxi.
DETAILS
Address: 35 Constellation Wharf, Ninth St., Pier 7, Charlestown Navy Yard
BR/BA: Three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths
Size: 2,793 +/- square feet
Age: 1987; recent updates
Price: $1.499 million
Size: 2793+/- square feet
Taxes: $12,289 (FY 2010 with residential exemption)
Condo fee: $1,056 per month
Features of building: A gated complex of six buildings with 64 units; buildings separated by landscaped areas with outstanding views; security personnel at gate.
Features of unit: Recently renovated, light-filled, spacious unit with four levels of living; spacious chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances; two wood-burning fireplaces; decks off living room and family room plus a roof deck; security system; forced air heat and air conditioning; stunning views of waterfront and Boston skyline.
Close by: A park and playground, a workout center and Olympic pool, restaurants in the Navy Yard, in Charlestown and in the North End; public bus and complimentary bus to downtown Boston, water shuttle and water taxi; easy access to Routes 93 and 90.
Contact: Tommy Corbett, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 2 Thompson Square, Charlestown, MA 02129. Phones: 617-242-0025 (office) or 617-515-9707 (cell).
Website: www.NewEnglandMoves.com
An open house at this property will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, from noon to 2 p.m.
