Condo in Boston's North End was built in schoolhouse

When an empty-nester couple was downsizing from their large colonial cape in the suburbs and seeking a smaller abode in the city six years ago, they found a stunning condo in the heart of the North End, between Hanover and Salem streets.

That three-bedroom, two-bath residence is Unit 2B at 61 Prince St. Now, Antonia Monarski of Otis & Ahearn Real Estate has listed it at $878,500.

This condo is one of 24 units in the old Paul Revere School, designed in 1897 by the prominent architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns. Walter S. Sampson and Son built the elementary school for the city at a cost of approximately $160,000.

In the 1920s, the Archdiocese of Boston acquired it and renamed it St. Anthony’s School. The parochial grammar school for boys continued to operate until the late 1970s, when it was converted to apartments. In 1985, 24 condominiums were created.

Today the building is simply known as 61 Prince St. Its Classical Revival style features tall windows with stone ornamentation of carved horns of plenty or wreaths, which encircle the letter “R.”

Beneath the bracketed cornice is chiseled “Paul Revere School MDCCCXCVII,” revealing the date when officials laid the cornerstone.

The chef’s kitchen is open to the living room and dining room and includes a granite-topped center island along with cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The first two floors are yellow brick, and the two upper floors are red brick.

An iron gate encloses concrete steps to a landscaped courtyard and the main entry. Inside is a generous sized lobby with a marble tiled floor and a barrel-vaulted ceiling of exposed brick. Metallic mosaics adorn one wall.

Off the lobby are the original, wide flight of stairs, a laundry shared by the residents and private storage for the units. An elevator with a new cherry cab transports a visitor to the second floor.

Opposite Unit 2B is a door that opens onto a private grassy courtyard, enclosed by a tall cast iron fence. It would be an ideal play yard for children, says Monarski.

Inside Unit 2B is a foyer, and on either side are coat closets. One of them instead holds the water tank and a water filtration system. To the right are the main living spaces; to the left are the bedrooms.

The living area has an open floor plan, and the 12-foot-plus vaulted ceiling with wood trim makes the area seem even more spacious. (The previous owners removed the dropped ceiling.)

The dining area features a vaulted ceiling with recessed lighting and a long wall covered with grass cloth. COURTESY PHOTOS / DENNIS SZABO

French doors with a wide transom open from the living/dining area to a private balcony that is framed by a hedge of yews. According to one of the owners, this doorway was an original entrance to the school.

One wall in the dining room is covered with grass cloth that adds texture to the space.

The living room boasts custom-made cherry built-ins that hold objets d’art, books and a flat-screen television. Cupboard doors conceal other items.

The custom-built cherry cabinetry in the kitchen occupies an entire wall that continues into the dining area; beyond the stainless steel refrigerator are two pantries and a cupboard that conceals a pullout desk.

The chef’s kitchen also has a stainless steel microwave/convection wall oven and a second convection oven that are next to the four-burner electric range.

The third bedroom has been converted to a home office. It is carpeted and has a floor-to-ceiling, custom-made built-in.

Behind the range is a stainless steel backsplash of 4-inch tiles. The counters and the top of the kidney-shaped island comprise granite. Its color of chocolate brown and black complement the cabinetry.

Newly refinished oak floors gleam, and the light-filled space is enhanced by recessed lighting and contemporary designer lighting.

Next to the living area is a hallway, off which are three bedrooms. The first has been transformed into a home office and has tall window and custom-made shelving similar to that in the living room. There is space for books and a television, with storage underneath. This room is carpeted.

The second bedroom features the original maple flooring of the school that has aged to a mellow gold color and a single window. All the windows have transoms and deep sills; in addition, all the windows – and the French doors – have exterior roll-up screens that include ventilation.

Three-blade Casablanca fans in the bedrooms and living room add a nice breeze in the air-conditioned condo.

On the other side of the hall is a full bath with a tile floor, a pedestal sink and a combination shower/tub. Nearby are two linen closets that serve both baths.

The master bedroom suite has a huge walk-in closet and an en suite bath opposite two large windows. In addition, the owners built another large closet that has overhead storage.

A balcony, which overlooks Prince Street, is large enough for a table and four chairs. A small hedge offers privacy.

The master bath has an oversized shower with a safety bar and a sink set into a vanity. Above the mirror is a row of dressing lights.

Rental parking is available, but the owners gave up their car when they moved into the city. Instead, they use a Zipcar when they want to get out of town. “We walk everywhere,” says the owner, “and we’re a lot healthier.”

This home offers a sophisticated lifestyle and is located to everything, says Monarski. That sounds like this home deserves an A plus.

DETAILS ­

Address: 61 Prince St., Unit 2B, North End

BR/BA: Three bedrooms, two baths

Size: 1,275 square feet

Age: 1897; 1985; 2005

Price: $878,500

Taxes: $4,860 (with residential exemption)

Condo fee: $465 per month

Features of building: Professionally managed, 24-unit building with 80 percent owner-occupancy; large lobby with metallic mosaics; first floor common laundry; central air conditioning; private outdoor courtyard; pet-friendly.

Features of unit: Soaring 12-foot ceilings with tall windows with transoms; open floor plan; living room with custom built-ins; dining room with French doors to private balcony; open chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinetry and granite counters; large bedrooms; gleaming hardwood floors; master bedroom with en suite bath; abundant storage in unit and in basement.

Close by: Restaurants, shops and bakeries, the Nazzaro Community Center, St. Leonard’s Church, the first Italian Church in New England, and historic Old North Church, the Paul Revere House and the Pierce Hichborn House and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground: MBTA Green, Blue and Orange Lines and commuter rail at North Station, Green and Orange Lines at Haymarket Square; easy access to Routes 93 and 90 and Logan Airport.

Contact: Antonia Monarski, Otis & Ahearn Real Estate, Commercial Wharf East, 84 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02110. Phones: 617-227-6070 (office) or 617-905-4588 (cell).

Website: www.OtisAhearn.com

This property may be seen by appointment.