This blog is typically filled with spectacular apartments that defy even the wildest imagination of how one might define city living.  Enormous spaces with bone-chilling views designed by the world’s most famous designers.  But occasionally, we come across a home that’s a bit different from our norm and deserves equal recognition as a special residence.

Today, we take a look at a divine one-bedroom loft at 250 West 27th Street, the latest edition to our “Apartments We Love” series.

Apartment 3-E offers a flawless balance of modern and industrial architecture with a mix of vintage decor. No different than previous apartments that have been featured in this column, this 900 square foot home has the “wow” factor as soon as you cross its threshold.

Located on a gated block in Chelsea (Yes, you read that correctly.), this turn-of-the-century structure sits across from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  The co-op, which once operated as a fur factory, is comprised of three six-story buildings containing a total of 51 apartments. There is a rather distinctive exterior fire escape which appears to connect the properties. 

We love the gated block.  A true New York City perk if there ever was one.  Vehicular traffic and street noise is at a minimum when the street is closed during weekdays.  Residents also benefit from the 24/7 campus security provided by FIT.

Enter this unique home and you are immediately drawn to the rough-hewn beams that transverse the apartment.  Supported by three wooden columns of similar appearance,  the beams transport you back to the building’s origins.  But there’s more.  Floor-to-ceiling exposed brick covers the apartment’s long wall, from the entry foyer to the street-facing windows.   Industrial-style lighting runs the length of the wall, adding a cool factor to the design.  The wide plank floors, while not original, tie right in with the home’s rustic appearance.  

Northern light streams through three oversized windows further highlighting the architectural elements of this unique residence. 

Essentially there are three areas to this loft, the primary space (21’x6” x 22’2), the dining area and the kitchen.  Within the context of the space, the columns nicely define multiple areas within the loft including a sleeping area.

The modern chef’s kitchen, much like the rest of the apartment, is designed with a certain joie de livre.  The first thing that you might notice is that there are no upper cabinets.  Instead there are two floating shelves over the sink that are primarily used for display.  There is a suite of high-end stainless steel appliances, matched in form by the stainless steel base cabinets.  Thick lightly tinted concrete countertops complete the look.  Just outside the kitchen is a high top counter which provides seating for two.

The dining area, which is set next to the kitchen, (17’9” x 12’8”) offers something a little more formal.  Dine for two or party for ten.   The space can easily accommodate any need.

The bath’s décor is a bit more eclectic than the rest of the apartment.  Natural slate tiles and stones line the floor and shower walls. Contemporary Duravit fixtures and dramatic overhead lighting complete the room.

While apartment 3-E is currently configured as an open loft (And we love this apartment just the way it is.) It’s worth mentioning that the loft can easily be converted to a more traditional one-bedroom layout.  Board approval would be required.

The current asking price for this loft residence at 250 West 27th Street is $1,098,000, about $1220 per square foot.

The listing is being represented by Christopher Clowdus and Goura Rivera  of Cooper and Cooper Real Estate. For more information about this fabulous home please visit Linecity.com