Riverside penthouse enjoys fabulous views
A breathtakingly beautiful duplex penthouse at 196 Beacon St. near the corner of Clarendon Street with panoramic views not only of the Back Bay but also of the Charles River has recently come on the market.
Jeanine Cort of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has listed this spectacular home for $3.275 million.
The entire building was recently renovated, inside and out, and converted into three condos by the current owner of the penthouse, who has spared no expense in this elegant renovation.
Handsome wrought iron railings flanking the steps to the entrance door signal the kind of detail that is everywhere part of this building.
The common foyer has marble floors and includes a valet closet for dry cleaning delivery, mailboxes, the visual intercom security system and an elevator with mahogany paneling and a marble floor, which provides direct keyed access to all levels except the roof.
Ascending to the top floor, the elevator opens into the main living space of the penthouse and is full of light, creating a sense of free-flowing spaciousness.
Classic architectural elements and design lend elegance to the space.
Wide arched openings and moldings, column-supported lintels, raised painted woodwork, chair rails and cornices, coffered ceilings and museum-quality lighting are beautifully integrated here and throughout the residence.
Natural light streams down through the four skylights.
Two skylights have been placed in the living room, and a third skylight – the largest - arches above the dramatic curving stairwell.
These are all outfitted with retractable shades, electrically controlled, as are the largeglass French doors in the living room that open onto a private balcony overlooking the Charles.
Allowing an abundance of daylight when open, the shades enable the owner to transform the living room space into a home theatre by closing them.
One entire wall of the living room is devoted to media built-ins with room for a 60-inch television, audio equipment and storage, which includes space for more than 100 wine bottles.
A dramatic fireplace with an ornately carved black marble mantelpiece dominates the other wall here.
This fireplace uses gas logs, while its white marble twin in the master bedroom, is wood-burning.
The large room on the Beacon Street side ofthe upper level is currently being used as a billiardroom but could certainly serve as a formal dining room.
It too has a skylight.
The handsome mahogany paneling here lends an intimate feeling to the space, and the adjoining alcove is equipped with a fabulous wet bar.
Its lighted, glass-front mahogany cabinets provide a sparkling display of glassware used for entertaining.
Conveniently, there is aSub-Zero wine cooler and refrigerator tucked below the bar sink.
Central to the floor plan of this level is the gleaming gourmet kitchen.
Custom Neff cabinetry in an attractive light color provides ease of use with its pullout/sliding storage design.
A streamlined spotlight system projecting from the cabinets adds to the plentiful recessed lighting that is present.
The countertops and full backsplash are polished black granite, as is the island, which has its own sink and garbage disposal.
A Thermador four-burner gas range is fully equipped for indoor grilling, and other quality appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher.
Downstairs, the lower level has a master bedroom, two smaller bedrooms with access to another full bath in the hall and the laundry room.
The spacious master bedroom suite has lovely Charles River views from its large bay windows, a wood-burning fireplace and an abundance of closet space.
The dressing room between the bedroom and the master bath contains four closet storage spaces with a bench.
The beautifully en suite marble bath is the essence of luxury with its huge whirlpool tub, double vanity with waterfall fixtures and wall mirror, heated towel rack, radiant heated floorsand glass-enclosed eight-head Hans Grohe steam shower.
The crowning glory of this beautiful penthouse is its landscaped 200-square-foot private roof deck, a glorious spot for al fresco dining, casual entertaining and very soon, the Fourth of July fireworks!
The roof deck also includes a six-person Jacuzzi, an outdoor shower and hookups for a gas grill. This home most certainly lends itself to the good life in the Back Bay.
DETAILS
Address: 196 Beacon St., Unit 3 Penthouse, Back Bay
BR/BA: Three bedrooms, three baths
Size: 2,600 square feet
Age: 1863; 1936; 1999; recent renovations
Price: $3.275 million
Taxes: $22,834
Condo fee: $1499 per month
Features of building: Waterside Beacon Street building with spectacular river views completely renovated in 1999 and converted to three owner-occupied units; resident parking spaces provided in heated garage and public Alley outside; high-tech video intercom/security system; marble foyer; keyed elevator; professionally managed by Mediate Management.
Features of unit: Spacious, meticulously renovated duplex penthouse with huge living room with gas fireplace, wall of built-ins and balcony overlooking the Charles; gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances and granite counters; mahogany-paneled dining room and alcove with wet bar; four large skylights with retractable shades; beautiful inlaid wood floors; private terraced roof deck with landscaping and six-person Jacuzzi; three bedrooms, including master suite with wood-burning fireplace, on lower level; in-unit laundry; dramatic, wide stairwell between levels; wired for audio system throughout; updated mechanical systems with central air conditioning, individual gas heating system and gas steam humidifier; two deeded parking spaces, including one in heated garage.
Close by: Back Bay shops, restaurants, cultural attractions; Boston Public Library, Public Garden, Copley Place; easy access to MBTA Green Line at Copley Square and Orange Line, commuter rail and Amtrak at Back Bay MBTA station; easy access to Mass. Pike, Storrow Drive, Route 93.
Contact: Jeanine Cort, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 137 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116. Phones: 617-266-4430 (office); 617-335-2818 (cell); 617-796-7449 (voice mail). Web site: www.nemoves.com.
An open house will be held Sunday, June 14, from 11:30 to 1 p.m.
