This townhouse on the most desirable street in all of Chelsea is centered on Chelsea’s premier “Seminary Block,” which was rated as the No. 3 best residential street in all of New York by Time Out magazine. This timeless home overlooks the stunning historic architecture and lush tranquil gardens of the General Theological Seminary.
Just beyond your front door you are surrounded by the beauty of centuries’ old trees, rose bushes, and fragrant wisterias. Nourish the romantic within you and listen for the church bell’s ring and the sound of birds in this peaceful oasis. Just to your west, you will find your neighbors’ ageless brownstones and classic buildings, plus the Highline and Hudson riverfront parks just a block or two away.
This fabled “Cushman Row” 21.5-foot townhouse is one of seven houses built in 1839-40 by Don Alonzo Cushman for his daughters. The Greek Revival era home has grand proportions, beautiful classic features, a deep south-facing garden and two terraces. The Landmark Preservation Commission described the Cushman houses in the Chelsea Historic District report as one of the most splendid and best-preserved uniform rows of townhouses in New York City, ranking with the Greek Revival row on the northeast corner of Washington Square. The brick and brownstone facade retains the distinctive features of the style, including the prominent front entry stoop, a 10-foot front garden patio enriched by cast-iron railings with a Greek fret pattern, lyre-shaped panels and palmetto crests. The attic windows, set in a wide fascia board ornamented with dentils and reel moldings, are encircled with laurel wreaths.
The interiors retain most of their original architectural features with Greek Revival pilaster columns and capitals, intricate crown moldings and parquet floors with figured borders on the parlor level; original marble mantelpieces throughout; pocket window shutters; and classic high-ceilinged layouts and gracious proportions.
The spacious sunlit parlor solarium/kitchen, a 12-foot deep set-back terrace on the next level, and the roof terrace are more recent additions.
This property is currently a five-family, owner-occupied house, with four market rentals but can be converted to a spectacular single residence. This property is listed for $8.5 million with Stribling & Associates, an affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International®.
