34 West 11th Street

Perfectly located at the center of this coveted Greenwich Village “Gold Coast” block, this historic 22’-wide townhouse is beautifully scaled, and the ideal size for the discerning townhome buyer. Replete with original details, the home has been modernized and updated, including central A/C, to offer both the classic charm and elegance of a 19th century townhouse with modern comforts and convenience. With up to 6 bedrooms, 4 full and 3 half-baths, the layout is ideal. At the geographic center of Manhattan, the Gold Coast blocks between 5th and 6th Avenues are among the most desirable in the city, convenient to all that downtown has to offer.

Parlor floor:

From the beautiful front stoop with its original iron handrail, an elegant entry hall opens to the spectacular double-parlor featuring 11’+ ceilings and floor-to-ceiling light-filled sash windows. Ideal for entertaining, the parlor spans nearly 40’, with ample space for seating and dining areas, each with a fireplace with original marble mantels and brass nail-head detailing. A 3-story addition was added to the house in the late 19th century, offering a perfect layout for modern living, with a stunning eat-in-kitchen at the rear of the parlor floor adjacent to the dining room, overlooking the lush gardens.

The kitchen juxtaposes modern Poggenpohl cabinetry with rustic terracotta floor tiles, and an informal dining area with a beautiful 19th century fireplace mantel. French doors open onto a wide terrace with a stair leading to the south-facing 38’ deep garden. The kitchen is well-designed and will delight even the most accomplished chefs, with a 48” La Cornue stove, polished concrete counters, extensive storage, an under-counter wine cooler, Miele appliances including a dishwasher, and in the large pantry area, just out of sight, a microwave/convection oven, built-in espresso/cappuccino machine and 48” Sub-zero refrigerator. An elegant powder room completes this perfect parlor floor.

Second floor:

A spacious and very private master suite features a large bedchamber spanning the full width of the house, overlooking the quiet rear gardens, and huge dressing room with two full baths. Both baths have tumbled limestone tiling and hand-carved stone vessel sinks. At the front is a beautiful sitting room or study, which can also be used as a sixth bedroom. All three rooms feature original marble fireplaces.

Third floor:

With three bedchambers surrounding a sky-lit, sun-flooded, central sitting room or playroom, a large bathroom with concealed built-in laundry, and an additional half-bath, this floor functions perfectly as a guest or children’s wing.

Garden floor:

A service entrance under the stoop leads to a large hall perfectly situated to function as a mud-room, off of which are a spacious guest or staff suite with a full bath, a kitchenette, and an office. A large multi-purpose room at the rear of the house opens onto the garden. A convenient powder room in the hall completes this flexible layout.

History:

Prime examples of the Greek Revival style then popular for Greenwich Village townhomes, numbers 30, 32 and 34 West 11th Street were built by the team of Harriot, Lockwood & Freeman, who were responsible for many of the homes on the block, including the longer row of similar houses to the west. Completed in 1841 for Edward Nicoll, the Secretary of the New York Life Insurance & Trust Company, who lived at no. 30, he quickly sold off the neighboring two homes as Greenwich Village’s popularity with New York City’s wealthy merchant class was already well established. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s historic district designation describes these three as “exceptionally fine” homes, of which number 34 is the closest to its original facade detailing. “Nos. 32 and 34 are united by a handsome detailed cornice... Both houses retain their original pilastered doorways… Attractive wrought iron railings of the Greek Revival period adorn the stoops of both houses. They have foliate design cast iron rosettes at mid-height of their spindles.” Number 34 served as the official residence of the Chancellor of New York University from 1966 to 1973.