The Story Behind
Historic Greek Revival Townhouse with Private Garden Sanctuary
A magnificent 1844 Greek Revival townhouse spanning five floors plus a rooftop deck, this 20-foot-wide residence epitomizes Greenwich Village's timeless elegance. Distinguished by its double parlor with soaring ceilings, original plasterwork, and antique glass pocket doors, the home seamlessly integrates historic charm with contemporary sophistication. The crown jewel is a deep, landscaped private garden that creates an urban oasis, complemented by multiple terraces and a skylit artist's studio with Empire State Building views.
Built in 1844 during the height of New York's Greek Revival movement, this extraordinary townhouse represents the architectural sophistication that defined Greenwich Village's golden era. The 20-foot width—a luxury in Manhattan's constrained landscape—allowed for gracious proportions rarely found in today's market. Upon entering through the classic brownstone stoop, visitors are greeted by original pocket doors inset with period antique glass, a testament to the era's attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The magnificent double parlor serves as the home's ceremonial heart, where soaring ceilings and intricate original plasterwork showcase the skill of 19th-century artisans. South-facing bay windows create a luminous backdrop throughout the day, while the seamless flow between formal and informal spaces reflects thoughtful architectural planning. The home's five full floors plus finished roof deck provide remarkable vertical living, with each level offering distinct character and purpose.
The kitchen exemplifies contemporary luxury with custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and professional-grade stainless steel appliances, yet maintains harmony with the home's historic character. Multiple marble fireplaces throughout create intimate gathering spaces, while the original hardwood floors provide continuity across the residence.
Perhaps most remarkable is the home's outdoor spaces—a rarity in Manhattan's dense urban fabric. The deep, landscaped garden feels like a secret park, mature trees and flowering shrubs creating seasonal beauty and natural privacy. Multiple terraces extend the living space outdoors, while the skylit artist's studio on the fifth floor opens to a rooftop deck with commanding views of the Empire State Building and Manhattan skyline.
This three-level extension seamlessly integrates with the original structure, providing modern functionality without compromising historic integrity. The home has served as a creative haven for international artists, filmmakers, and musicians, its generous proportions and inspiring spaces fostering both intimate retreats and vibrant social gatherings. Every detail reflects the rare combination of historic provenance and contemporary luxury that defines exceptional Manhattan real estate.
Greenwich Village stands as Manhattan's most storied neighborhood, where cobblestone streets and tree-lined blocks preserve the intimate scale of 19th-century New York. West 13th Street exemplifies the Village's residential charm, its Greek Revival and Federal-style townhouses creating an architectural tapestry that has attracted creative luminaries for generations.
The neighborhood's rich cultural heritage traces back to its origins as a bohemian enclave, where artists, writers, and intellectuals found affordable refuge from the city's commercial districts. Today, this legacy continues in the Village's numerous galleries, intimate theaters, and independent bookstores that line its winding streets. The nearby Whitney Museum of American Art and New York University add institutional gravitas, while Washington Square Park serves as the neighborhood's communal heart.
Daily life in Greenwich Village offers unparalleled urban sophistication. Bleecker Street provides world-class dining from intimate bistros to James Beard Award-winning establishments, while specialty food markets like Murray's Cheese and Ottomanelli & Sons have served discerning residents for decades. The neighborhood's walkable scale encourages serendipitous discoveries—hidden courtyards, historic churches, and independent boutiques that resist the homogenization found elsewhere in Manhattan.
The Village's transportation advantages include multiple subway lines converging at nearby stations, providing seamless access to Midtown, the Financial District, and Brooklyn. Yet the neighborhood maintains its village-like atmosphere, where residents recognize familiar faces and local establishments foster genuine community connections.
Cultural institutions abound, from the historic Cherry Lane Theatre—America's oldest continuously running Off-Broadway theater—to jazz clubs like the Village Vanguard that have hosted legendary performers for over eight decades. The neighborhood's literary heritage is preserved in places like the Stonewall Inn, now a National Historic Landmark, and numerous cafes where writers still gather.
For families, the Village offers excellent schools and child-friendly amenities within its safe, pedestrian-friendly environment. Dog owners particularly appreciate the neighborhood's numerous parks and the welcoming attitude toward four-legged residents. The combination of historic preservation and modern amenities creates a lifestyle that honors the past while embracing contemporary luxury—exactly what discerning buyers seek in Manhattan's most coveted residential neighborhood.
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Curated Content • Presented by Ian Slater













































