418 West 20th Street

A rare opportunity to own an extraordinary Townhouse on the most desirable street in all of Chelsea. Here is your chance to create the idyllic New York City lifestyle and fulfill your fantasy of elegant townhouse living in one of the most picturesque settings downtown. Centered on Chelsea's premier "Seminary Block," which was rated as the No. 3 best residential street in all of New York by Time Out magazine, this timeless home overlooks the stunning historic architecture and lush tranquil gardens of the General Theological Seminary. Just beyond your front door you are surrounded by the beauty of centuries' old trees, magnificent rose bushes, and fragrant wisterias. Nourish the romantic within you and listen for the church bell's ring and the sound of birds in this peaceful oasis. Just to your west, you will find your neighbors' ageless brownstones and classic buildings, plus the glorious Highline and Hudson riverfront parks just a block or two away, as well as some of downtown's finest restaurants: Cookshop, Del Posto, Morimoto, and Red Cat to name a few. An incomparable location, you are within minutes of the finest amenities the area offers, such as the Chelsea Market, Chelsea Sports Pier's state-of-the-art facilities, the lively art gallery scene, and the Meatpacking District's upscale shops and restaurants. This fabled "Cushman Row" 21.5-foot townhouse is one of seven houses built in 1839-40 by Don Alonzo Cushman for his daughters. It exudes all the grace and charm of the Greek Revival era with grand proportions, beautiful classic features, a deep south-facing garden and two terraces. The Landmark Preservation Commission described the Cushman houses in the Chelsea Historic District report as one of the most splendid and best-preserved uniform rows of townhouses in New York City, ranking with the Greek Revival row on the northeast corner of Washington Square. The handsome brick and brownstone facade retains the distinctive features of the style, including the prominent front entry stoop, a 10-foot front garden patio enriched by cast iron railings with a Greek fret pattern, lyre-shaped panels and palmetto crests. The attic windows, set in a wide fascia board ornamented with dentils and reel moldings, are encircled with laurel wreaths. Other typical elements are the six-over-six casement windows, molded lintels, well-proportioned entablatures on Doric pilasters over the door, and the single-paneled front door with glass transom and side-windows trimmed with egg and dart and bead and reel moldings. The interiors retain most of their original architectural features with stunning Greek Revival pilaster columns and capitals, intricate crown moldings and beautiful parquet floors with figured borders on the parlor level; original marble mantelpieces throughout; pocket window shutters; and classic high-ceilinged layouts and gracious proportions. The spacious sunlit parlor solarium/kitchen, a 12-foot deep set-back terrace on the next level, and the roof terrace are more recent additions. This house is an ideal candidate for re-conversion to single-family. Currently a five-family, owner-occupied house, with four market rentals, it will be delivered vacant.