About this property
Serenely located on the most charming tree-lined block in the heart of West Chelsea, this exceptional 21’ wide architecturally significant townhouse is noteworthy for its warmth, style and sophistication. The versatile layout and open spaces render it ideal for art collectors and grand entertaining yet captures the true essence of home.
The interior of No. 453 features 5 fireplaces, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and encompasses approximately 4,404 interior square feet and over 1,250 exterior square feet plus offers a coveted full basement. The exterior is distinguished by its elegant high stoop and paneled front doorway, tall parlor-floor windows, and the fine ironwork of hand railings, fence and front gate.
The original entry vestibule, defined by french doors with transom, leads into the spacious foyer and public spaces. The home is subtly infused with artistic flair that captures the imagination upon entry. The architectural details are well preserved throughout this fine home.
The parlor floor showcases an enormous, light-filled living room and dining room nearly 40’ in length with 10’ ceiling heights, stunning custom herringbone, premium rift-cut oak and maple floors, and two woodburning fireplaces. The space is characterized by its ability to accommodate vast art collections. The living room is punctuated on the south side by two elegant, handmade, six-over-nine, Landmarked approved, floor-to-ceiling period windows. The dining room seats twenty-four for festive entertaining with an extensive butler’s pantry that flows into the chef’s kitchen. Distinguished by copious custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances, and comfortable dining for friends and family, this grand eat-in kitchen is the heart of the home. The entire expanse of the kitchen’s north façade is framed in glass doors allowing the owner to enjoy coffee on the nearly 15’ wide terrace while overlooking the lush gardens of the neighboring townhouses.
The entertaining spaces continue on the garden level featuring a cozy, romantic den capable of accommodating an impressive book collection, and a gas fireplace perfect for more intimate gatherings. A library with french doors leads to the private 521sf garden with patio, complete with gas grill and access to water for future irrigation. The garden level also boasts a large bedroom or home office with a full bathroom and a spacious laundry room that could easily become a full working kitchen. With its own entrance/exit to the front gated courtyard, this garden level could transform into a separate, private in-law, au-pair, or guest suite.
The 3rd level is comprised of 3 bedrooms and a full marble bathroom. Two of the bright southern facing bedrooms overlook the quiet tree-lined street and front courtyard. The huge third bedroom has a woodburning fireplace and a glass door that leads to a 292sf setback terrace that enjoys sweeping views of the trees, sky and of the surrounding gardens. The reflected sunshine from glass buildings blocks away is a true delight!
The top level of the home reveals an immense full-floor Primary Bedroom Suite and includes a pin-drop quiet bedroom that benefits from the glorious morning light and features a wood-burning fireplace as well. There is a very large white marble bathroom with separate tub and shower accented by two sky-lights. A separate south-facing home office could also be used as a 6th bedroom or a luxurious dressing room with more than 95 linear feet of closet space.
The full basement level includes a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, tremendous storage including a large cedar closet, loads of shelving for organized storage, a mechanical room and bulkhead.
453 is always in demand with the entertainment studios who have featured the home in 7 television series and 2 movies. There is easy parking directly across the street in the London Terrace parking garage. 453 is in close proximity to AVENUES school.
