House: 347 West 21st Street

This sun-filled, five-story Italianate townhouse is nestled on a quiet, tree-lined landmarked block in prime Chelsea. Originally built in 1859 on a 21-foot-wide lot, the sun-filled, five-story townhouse features a deep garden with a unique through-block exposure to the north and strong light from the south and west. With seven bedrooms in the main house, this home also includes a semi-attached guest apartment with two additional bedrooms and a media room. The floor plan was reimagined for a modern to create expansive entertaining spaces, two kitchens to provide separation for catered events, privacy for the bright bedrooms and ample additional room to play.

Upon arrival at the handsome structure one is greeted by the original 19th century brick facade that has been cleaned and repointed, rebuilt front roof dormers of Vermont slate that were angled toward vertical to create a feeling of additional airiness, a restored roof cornice, and new brownstone resurfacing of the lower level, stoop and arched entry entablature. Interior finishes were carefully curated to preserve original details and framed with modern counterparts. Custom fabricated mahogany windows and rear facade doors are paired with custom-stained oak flooring throughout that seamlessly meets the restored original staircase and balustrades. The home also features four custom-built and restored fireplaces and corresponding mantles, three of them gas and one woodburning. It is crowned by a landscaped roof deck with picture-perfect views of the landmarked block.

Building Description Provided By Julia Hoagland