The configuration is especially attractive because it provides the scale and privacy of a substantial owner's residence while still offering the benefit of a separate garden-level apartment. Whether used for rental income, guests, extended family, or a home office, the additional space provides options that many buyers are actively seeking.
The owner's triplex begins on the parlor floor, where a beautifully renovated eat-in kitchen serves as the heart of the home. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, it flows effortlessly into a gracious living room overlooking the garden while retaining the warmth and craftsmanship of a classic Manhattan townhouse. Original fireplaces, detailed millwork, soaring ceilings, and oversized windows create a sense of character that cannot be replicated.
The third floor is dedicated to the primary suite. The rear-facing bedroom enjoys peaceful views over the gardens below and is complemented by a substantial dressing room and walk-through closet. Connected to the suite is an oversized front room, currently used as a home office, that can easily function as an additional bedroom, nursery, library, or private sitting room.
The top floor continues the home's charm with two spacious bedrooms, each featuring decorative fireplaces and excellent natural light. A skylit study nook creates the perfect space for reading, working from home, or homework, while a full bath and laundry complete the level.
Below, the garden-level apartment features its own private entrance, a spacious eat-in kitchen, direct garden access, and a finished recreation space on the lower level. Whether utilized as an income-producing rental, guest suite, au pair quarters, or incorporated into the main residence, it offers tremendous versatility.
There is access to the partially finished cellar from the rental unit and separately from the outside.
Quick Profile
The neighborhood called West Harlem by the locals is known as Manhattanville to neighborhood newcomers. The area is culturally diverse and might be considered a microcosm of the city as a whole.
Columbia University has recently expanded into the area, which is attracting student residents from all over the world. Together with students from the City College of New York and young professionals fleeing higher prices in other neighborhoods, this influx of younger residents has brought with it more restaurants and bars on W 125th Street to serve this clientele. There are also new ventures, like a rock-climbing gym, to cater to the interests of these students and young professionals. At the same time, there are many small, family-owned shops and restaurants that have been anchors of the neighborhood for multiple generations.
The area has been through a housing upgrade, as older properties have been renovated and abandoned properties have been razed to make room for new development. There are still reasonably priced apartments available. Young professionals are finding that there is a certain cachet to living in West Harlem. It provides a convenient commute to the city and all of its amenities, while providing a sense of escape at the end of a long work day.
While rentals are popular with the student population, the young professionals are delighted to find pre-war brownstones, pre-war co-ops (including some income-capped HDFCs for lower- and middle-income buyers), and post-war condos that they can afford, although prices are rising. Some new low-rise developments, sporting virtual doormen and desired amenities, are cropping up.