Designer's touch creates imperial Boston abode
In the mid 1800s the court of Napoleon III began to influence the world, and Boston became enamored of all things French.
Boston architects spent part of their schooling in Paris to study the architecture there.
So, it’s probably not surprising that the idea of apartment buildings traveled from Paris to Boston, and the first hotel apartment building in the United States was built in Boston in 1857.
That was before New York (1869) and only a few years after London. By the late 1800s, apartments became the residence of choice for many of those listed on Boston’s social register.
The Imperial at 308 Commonwealth Ave., designed by prolific builder Samuel D. Kelley, was constructed in 1889.
Its arched entrance is decorated with dentil molding, but the areas around the arch as well as the courses that run across the facade are reminiscent of Art Nouveau.
There are 13 units in the six-story building and an elevator as well as front and back staircases.
Laura Harris Paige, an interior designer known for her work in Maine, Vermont, Nantucket and Boston, has brought her special style to her own home, Penthouse K in the Imperial.
After perfecting this residence, she is ready to move to a new challenge, which gives a rare opportunity to a fortunate buyer.
Tracy Campion of Campion and Company Real Estate has listed this 1,940-square-foot home at $1.699 million. It has a formal living room, a study, library, a chef’s kitchen, a master suite, a guest room and two Waterworks full baths, all planned to perfection.
Stepping off the elevator into this unit, which comprises the entire east side of the sixth floor, a feeling of expectation greets a visitor as a result of the light from a huge skylight that floods the area. Unit K fills the entire east side of the sixth floor.
A wide bow at the front of the living room has three large windows that face northwest, north and northeast, but because the building is taller than the adjacent one, it has another window facing east.
The walls in the sitting /dining room are covered with a red wallpaper with a gold design of tropical birds and plants.
The views from the bow are spectacular, and much of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, including the curve toward Bay State Road, is visible. In the distance the Citgo sign is a reminder that the Red Sox are not far away.
A beautiful fireplace centers the east wall. Under the ledge of its white mantelpiece there are five panels with carved ornaments. In the center panel a Greek urn is placed between serpentine vines.
The panels on each side of the urn have della robbia swags fastened by ribbons. The final panels have stately heads of lions. The fireplace surround and the hearth comprise pale yellow European tiles that are original to the home.
As would be expected in such a room, there is white paneled wainscoting under the windows, wide molding and woodwork, and a beautiful light hanging from a center medallion. The floors are gorgeous hardwood.
A double doorway opposite the fireplace opens to a study that also could be used as a bedroom. Its large window overlooks Commonwealth Avenue. Handsome striped wallpaper goes beautifully with the white molding, woodwork and the built-in shelving and closet. Another door leads to the hallway and features a large clear glass transom.
The master bedroom is stunning. More wide white molding and woodwork emphasize the flowered wallpaper. Two large windows face east and south.
A huge walk-in closet is full of built-ins, with hanging rods at different heights, shelving for shoes, other shelving for sweaters and another for purses.
The chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances, stone counters and custom-built cabinetry.
A door leads to the new master bath which features a claw-footed soaking tub. Two sinks are set into a slab of white marble that rests on stainless steel legs. The floor comprises squares of white marble. A door at the end of the room opens to the hallway.
The next room off the hall is the new chef’s kitchen. The white paneled cabinets are custom and fit the room perfectly. High-end stainless steel appliances (Dacor, Sub-Zero) add to the striking stone countertops that look like Jade lava. The floor is of black and white squares. Light pours in through the large window.
A sitting room/dining room is next. The wainscoting here is oak in its natural color. The mantelpiece is also natural oak, with columns topped by carved capitals holding a high display shelf.
Between the high shelf and the more typical mantel ledge is a built-in mirror. The fireplace surround is the same type tile as the living room’s, but in a shade of mauve. The wall covering in the room is a luscious red with a subtle gold design of tropical plants and birds. A shallow bay at the end of the room has three large windows, and at the side an oak door hides a butler’s pantry.
The next room is another bedroom so large that two beds placed end to end fit comfortably. Off the room is another full bath. A beautiful curved hallway leads from the back of the home to the front.
There are 17 large windows in the home with some views in every direction of the compass. In addition, the mirrored John Hancock Tower reflects the clouds in the western sunset. Many of the doorways have oversized clear glass transoms.
DETAILS
Address: The Imperial, 308 Commonwealth Ave., Penthouse K, Back Bay
BR/BA: Two to three bedrooms, two baths
Age: 1889; recent updates
Price: $1.699 million
Size: 1,940 +/- square feet
Taxes: $13,149 (with residential exemption)
Condo fee: $713 per month (includes heat and hot water)
Features of the building: Six-story double bowfront building, built as luxury apartments; elevator as well as front and back stairs; basement storage; pet-friendly.
Features of the unit: Gorgeous, sun-drenched, recently renovated home with 17 large windows, two beautiful fireplaces, stunning wall coverings, hardwood floors; chef’s kitchen; marble baths, with Waterworks fixtures, custom closets, in-unit laundry; two zones of air conditioning.
Close by: Shops, restaurants and galleries on Newbury and Boylston streets, at Copley Place and Prudential Center; Boston Architectural College; MBTA Green Line at Hynes Auditorium and Orange Line, commuter rail and Amtrak at Back Bay Station; easy access to Massachusetts Avenue, Storrow Drive and Mass. Turnpike.
Contact: Tracy Campion, Campion and Company Real; Estate, 172 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116. Phone: 617-236-0711.
Website: www.campionre.com
This property may be seen by appointment.
