a stroll down 11th street

a favorite activity of mine is to stroll through my top new york neighborhoods spotting real estate and coming home to peak inside and find out how terribly ridiculously out of control expensive it is :) it is usually an interesting history lesson too!

let's start at number 12 east 11th street.

(apparently there is a contract signed on this one...darn :))

(excuse my iphone pic quality)

for sale for $7.75 million this rare, grand italianate brick townhouse, the first house going east from Fifth Avenue, is situated on one of the most beautiful and sought-after blocks in greenwich village. it was constructed in 1852 by james gallatin, the son of albert gallatin, the secretary of the treasury under both thomas jefferson and james madison, and the man who negotiated the treaty of ghent, which ended the war of 1812. The younger gallatin had grown up down the street at number 16, a greek revival home (and the first to be built on the block) built by his father in the 1830's.

number 12 reflects its prestigious history with a bounty of wonderful detail. the house offers plentiful historical features inside and out, such as an elegant brownstone stoop surrounded by elaborate iron work, ornate molding, high ceilings, decorative period mantels, and coffin corners.

currently configured as a five-unit structure with a rear extension, the house can be maintained as such or easily converted to an impressive single family dwelling. this understated treasure has been owned by the same family for almost 50 years, and presents an ideal opportunity for a visionary buyer or investor willing to undertake an extensive and responsible renovation of this great lady, maintaining historical value while bringing her into the 21st century. with incredible potential to generate income or for personal use, here is your chance to obtain a gorgeous structure and a significant piece of new york history.

{text and some images from brown harris stevens}

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stop number two: 42 west 11th street

this 3 bedroom 4 1/2 bath single family townhouse is for sale for $12.95 million (down from $15 mil). built in 1811, this classic new york brownstone is located on the most sought after streets in greenwich village. in 1993 renowned american architect paul rudolph renovated this early 19th century brownstone; adding an elevator and creating sun-flooded, sweeping open spaces and 4 stories of glass overlooking the secluded garden. the house is one of only two that rudolph designed– the other his own home on beekman place. read more here...

wow.

xoxo

elle