Back Bay riverside penthouse duplex has views
An elegant Back Bay duplex penthouse at 484 Beacon St. offers a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary styles with spacious rooms, beautiful finishes and two wonderful private outdoor spaces, each with a different and stunning urban view.
Karen Tedeman of Hammond Residential GMAC Real Estate is marketing the property, Unit 4, which she has listed at $2.699 million.
The building which houses Unit 4 is one of a block of five handsome bow front homes designed by architect E.N. Boyden and constructed in 1892.
For several years, it was an M.I.T. fraternity house in the “Animal House” vein until the university closed it for rules violations. As if to erase that shameful history, it was totally gutted in 2002 and completely transformed as four luxury condominiums.
In 2008, the current owners added finishing touches that are both attractive and practical.
Unit 4, a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home, occupies the top two floors of the building, incorporating both bow front and mansard styles.
The primary living spaces are on the top floor, and the bedrooms, each of which has an en suite bath, are on the lower level. Like the other units in the building, there is direct-keyed elevator access to each floor in this home.
Unit 4 is filled with elegant detail and finishes including the living room mantel and wall of built-in bookcases.
The living room is a really beautiful space with a large bay window offering spectacular views of the Charles River. A gas fireplace with a classic white painted mantel is on one wall. Opposite is a wall of built-ins that provide both display space and storage.
The room is large enough, and the space flexible enough, that a different owner might choose to incorporate a dining area here. The floors throughout the home are Brazilian cherry, and there is both recessed lighting and interesting custom lighting fixtures.
The current dining room is at the front of this floor and adjoins the terrific kitchen. The space is big and bright with French doors that open to a charming landscaped terrace with views of the Back Bay.
There is a second gas fireplace in the dining room that is flanked by custom built-ins that feature graceful bow front lower cabinets that mirror the curved stone balustrade of the terrace.
The dining room is spacious with a gas fireplace, built-ins and doors to a lovely balcony.
The kitchen is compact but beautifully arranged with good granite counter space and very generous storage in the simple painted wood cabinets. A delightful porthole window looks out to the terrace and neighborhood rooftops. The stainless steel appliances include a Thermador gas cooktop and convection oven and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. There is also a powder room on this floor.
A door next to the living room opens to a full interior stair to the huge roof deck with expansive views of the river. There is a lot of room to lounge and enjoy the panorama, and there is also room for al fresco dining. A gas line to the grill helps make that possible. (There is also a gas grill on the terrace.)
The master bedroom is at the rear of the lower level, and it is a beautifully serene retreat, also with the lovely views of the Charles.
The walk-in closet is the size of a small room and is completed fitted out. It has its own window with river views!
The white marble master bath features both a soaking tub and a walk-in shower.
The master bedroom suite is a serene retreat. It has an en suite white marble bath and a huge walk-in closet.
At the front of this floor are two more bedrooms, one with a gas fireplace. Each has its own marble bath. Off the hallway leading to the bedrooms is a laundry room with a full-sized side-by-side washer and dryer.
It should be noted that the closet space throughout this home is really exceptional, with a large additional storage closet in the basement. The space is very smartly designed to maximize natural light and create easy circulation. The home has forced air heat and central air conditioning.
At the rear of the building, just beyond a nicely landscaped garden area, there are three deeded parking spaces that belong to Unit 4.
DETAILS
Address: 484 Beacon St., Unit 4, Back Bay
Age: 1892; 2002; 2008
BR/BA: Three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths
Size: 2,320+/- square feet
Price: $2.699 million
Taxes: $18,640 (FY 2009 with residential exemption)
Condo fee: $1,077 per month
Features of the property: Exquisite duplex penthouse in four-unit, owner-occupied building with keyed elevator access; upper level living room with bay window overlooking Charles River, gas fireplace and wall of built-ins; spacious dining area/family room with gas fireplace and doors to private balcony; chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and granite counters; powder room; lower level master bedroom with river views,and marble bath; two additional bedrooms, each with marble bath en suite; internal stair to huge roof deck; Brazilian cherry floors throughout; forced air heat and central air conditioning; three deeded parking spaces.
Close by: Back Bay shops and restaurants; Charles River, Symphony Hall, Huntington Theater, New England Conservatory; easy access to MBTA Green Line at Hynes Station, Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, Route 90.
Contact: Karen Tedeman, Hammond Residential GMAC Real Estate, 29 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02116. Phone: 617-904-2033 (direct) or 617-821-3369 (cell).
Website: www.hammondre.com
This property may be seen by appointment.
