A zen garden with a sunken hot tub awaits at this $2.5M Greenwich Village co-op

A luxurious penthouse at 94 Thompson Street in Soho, listed for $10.9 million, distinguishes itself with a unique open-air lightwell transformed into a zen garden, complete with a mature cherry tree, acting as the central feature of the residence. Designed by architects Nico Rensch and Victoria Blau, this three-bedroom co-op spans multiple levels and boasts extensive outdoor spaces, including two terraces on the second floor and a large roof deck equipped with an outdoor kitchen. Upon entering, a custom built-in bookcase serves as a subtle divider between the dining area and the stairway. The dining space features a built-in, banquet-style table, extending over 15 feet, which can be discreetly hidden. The focal point of the interior is the sunken great room, characterized by its impressive 23-foot ceilings and double-height windows. This grand living area is strategically positioned adjacent to the zen garden, offering a seamless connection to nature. It includes a linear gas fireplace, custom built-in seating, integrated lighting, and a home theater system. The kitchen, designed as a "hideaway" space, features hand-rubbed Larch wood millwork cabinetry, honed volcanic basalt stone slab floors, and stainless steel countertops. It is outfitted with high-end appliances, including a Kuppersbusch stovetop and additional appliances from Bosch and Dacor. The private quarters, comprising three bedrooms, are situated on the opposite side of the lightwell, ensuring tranquility and separation from the main living areas. The master bedroom is notable for its sunken bed design and a full wall of glass that provides views of the zen garden. This suite also includes a spacious walk-in closet with a custom storage system and an en-suite bathroom. The master bathroom is appointed with a step-down tub/shower, a rain shower head, radiant heated floors, and a modern trough sink, offering a spa-like experience. The second floor of the penthouse is dedicated to a large home office, which overlooks the great room below, maintaining a connection to the primary living space. This level is flanked by two landscaped terraces, providing additional private outdoor retreats. The roof deck represents the pinnacle of outdoor living, offering expansive views and a convenient overhead cover. It is fully equipped with an outdoor kitchen, featuring a gas-powered grill, refrigerator, and sink, making it ideal for entertaining. The building itself, formerly a loft, is known as the Soho Gallery Building. Constructed in 1900, it was converted into nine co-op residences in 2002, blending historical architecture with modern luxury living. #SohoPenthouse #LuxuryRealEstate #ZenGarden #OutdoorSpace #ArchitecturalDesign #NewYorkCity #CoopApartment #ModernLiving #CustomInteriors

This blog post highlights a third-floor co-op located at 291 Garfield Place in the Park Slope Historic District, which is currently on the market for $1.145 million. The unit is situated within a neo-Classical townhouse built in 1899 by William Flanagan. The building is part of a series of five townhouses featuring alternating brownstone and limestone facades, showcasing an eclectic mix of architectural details. The co-op unit boasts distinctive architectural features that contribute to its appeal. These include plaster garlands in the parlor, original interior wood shutters, restored window trim, and French doors in the bedroom. A notable element is a stained glass window found in the bathroom, adding a unique aesthetic touch. The interior design incorporates dark stained woodwork and oak parquet floors throughout, providing a classic and sophisticated feel. Functionally, the apartment is well-equipped with dedicated spaces. An office nook, featuring built-in bookshelves, is strategically placed within the front living room alcove, making efficient use of the space. Additionally, a well-appointed library serves a dual purpose, acting as both a reading area and a passage connecting the bedroom to the kitchen and subsequently to the bathroom. This thoughtful layout enhances the flow and utility of the apartment. The kitchen is designed with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. It features white cabinetry and modern appliances, including a steel dishwasher, which offer a contrast to the darker wood finishes found in other parts of the apartment. While currently advertised as a large two-bedroom, the listing notes that it is essentially a one-bedroom unit, with a suggestion that the living room could be divided to create an additional bedroom, a conversion seen in other units within the building. Exterior details of the building at 291 Garfield Place are also emphasized. The entrance is marked by a grand arched portico adorned with fluted Corinthian columns. The facade further exhibits a row of egg and dart molding topping the first-story lintels, followed by foliate friezes, more Corinthian columns around the window bays, and a cornice embellished with square brackets and acanthus leaves. These details reflect the neo-Classical style and the craftsmanship of the period. The property has a monthly maintenance fee of $1,080. An open house was scheduled for Sunday, January 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The listing agent is Eve Scott of Corcoran. The historical context of the building is briefly mentioned, noting that an owner in 1902 appeared eager to sell the property, possibly indicating a speculative purchase from that era. The article does not speculate on whether the asking price of $1.145 million is likely to be met but provides essential information for potential buyers. #ParkSlope #CoopApartment #HistoricDistrict #RealEstate #BrooklynHomes #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LimestoneFacade

This blog post highlights a charming one-bedroom co-op apartment located at 7 Gay Street in Greenwich Village, New York City. The unit, spanning 1,000 square feet, is characterized by its rustic appeal, achieved through exposed brick walls and four wood-burning fireplaces, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a miniature mountain chateau. Despite being a one-bedroom, the co-op has been thoughtfully renovated to include a second apartment space, contributing to its generous size. It also benefits from being a corner unit, offering both southern and western exposures, which ensures ample natural light. The apartment is currently available for rent, with an asking price of $6,250 per month unfurnished or $7,000 per month furnished, catering to both short- and long-term tenants. Upon entry, residents find themselves in a spacious living room that can accommodate a dining area. The galley kitchen serves as a central point, connecting the living room to the master bedroom. The kitchen maintains some of the apartment's rustic details, such as exposed brick and a fireplace, while incorporating modern upgrades like granite countertops, a dishwasher, a Thermador gas range, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The master bedroom is a notable feature, boasting two wood-burning fireplaces and two large south-facing windows. It also includes two closets, an en-suite bathroom, and a built-in bookshelf, providing comfort and functionality. Both bathrooms in the co-op have been renovated, with one featuring extensive marble tiling, adding a touch of modern luxury. A significant amenity of this co-op is the exclusive access to a 300-square-foot private roof deck. While the interior offers a retreat-like ambiance, the roof deck serves as a reminder of the apartment's prime urban location, providing outdoor space within the city. The listing is managed by Damon Kinard for Douglas Elliman, with additional details available via CityRealty. The article emphasizes the apartment's unique blend of rustic charm and urban living, making it an appealing option for those seeking a distinctive rental experience in Greenwich Village. #GreenwichVillage #CoOp #RentalProperty #ExposedBrick #WoodBurningFireplace #NYCRealEstate #RusticCharm #LuxuryApartment #RoofDeck #DouglasElliman

This article highlights the fashionable Soho loft of renowned jewelry designer, Aurora Lopez Mejia, which is currently on the market for $4.95 million. The property is described as an “oasis in Soho,” a fitting epithet for its unique and luxurious features. The loft boasts impressive 11-foot ceilings and custom wood beams, distinguishing it from conventional living spaces. It is configured as a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom residence, offering both comfort and style. A standout feature of the loft is its expansive open kitchen, designed to cater to modern living and entertaining. The integration of sliding glass doors provides a versatile solution for spatial organization, allowing the living room to be completely separated from the office or library area. This adaptability makes the loft suitable for a work/live arrangement, appealing to individuals who require a dedicated workspace within their home. The design elements emphasize both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, creating a harmonious environment. Further enhancing the luxurious appeal of the loft is the en-suite master bedroom. This private sanctuary is outfitted with custom cabinetry and additional wooden beams, contributing to the overall sophisticated ambiance. The master bathroom is particularly noteworthy, featuring an expansive layout with a freestanding soaking tub and elegant Carrera marble finishes. These details underscore the high-end nature of the property and its meticulous design. Storage is another practical aspect addressed in the loft's design. The sunny residence offers ample closet space, with at least seven closets indicated on the floorplan. This generous provision ensures that residents have sufficient storage solutions, maintaining the uncluttered and spacious feel of the loft. The combination of elegant design, practical features, and a prime Soho location positions this loft as a desirable property for discerning buyers. #SohoLoft #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign #NewYorkCity #InteriorDesign #WorkLiveSpace #AuroraLopezMejia #ManhattanApartment

The article showcases a custom-built home by Marmol Radziner in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, listed for $5.89 million. This residence, spanning over 3,110 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, was constructed in 2010 and recently underwent refinishing. Its design exemplifies California modernism, with a strong emphasis on integrating nature into the living space. A key feature of the property is its surrounding lush botanical gardens, which include towering palms and exotic plants. These natural elements provide privacy and create a serene, secluded atmosphere, making residents feel distanced from the bustling city environment. The house is characterized by its sunlit, open-floor plan and extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows, designed to maximize views of the surrounding greenery from almost every room. The dining room is strategically placed between two glass walls, offering views of a jetted ozone pool on one side and an outdoor kitchen on the other. The living area features high ceilings with recessed lighting, further enhancing the connection to the outdoors. The chef's kitchen is both spacious and functional, equipped with a Wolf built-in cooktop, ample storage, an oversized island, and custom copper-hued cabinetry. It also offers views of the botanical gardens and includes a leather built-in breakfast nook. The primary suite, located upstairs, presents a moody, minimalist aesthetic. It boasts a wood-paneled, spa-like bathroom with a sunken tub and an expansive walk-in closet. Sliding glass doors in the primary suite open onto an outdoor patio, ensuring continuous visual access to the lush gardens. The outdoor areas are designed for entertaining, featuring an onsen-like bespoke wood hot tub, multiple alfresco lounge spaces, an outdoor kitchen with a wood-fire grill, and weaving garden pathways. Listing agent Desyana Willis of Amalfi Estates highlights that the home's design blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, a hallmark of true California indoor-outdoor living. The property's unique custom design is described as a work of art, seamlessly connecting the backyard with the living room. The home's location is also a notable advantage, being steps away from Abbot Kinney Boulevard, known for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops. Marmol Radziner, the award-winning architecture firm behind this property, is recognized for its expertise in California modernism and its ability to link homes with nature. The firm's impressive client roster includes public figures such as Tom Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, and Anthony Kiedis. They are also known for their respectful restorations of iconic homes by architects like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, including Neutra’s Kaufmann House and Buff & Hensman’s Harvey House in Palm Springs. #LuxuryRealEstate #MarmolRadziner #CaliforniaModernism #VeniceBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #BotanicalGardens #LosAngelesHomes

A well-preserved Neo-Grec brownstone, located at 427a 8th Street in the Park Slope Historic District, is currently listed for $2.45 million. This circa 1884 townhouse, part of a block designed by Jefferson F. Wood, is 17 feet wide and configured as a one-family home over three stories, although it is legally a two-family residence. The exterior of the brownstone showcases typical Neo-Grec architectural elements, including incised door and window surrounds, a bracketed wooden cornice, and original cast ironwork, featuring substantial railings and newel posts. The property also boasts modern amenities such as a hot tub in the flagstone-covered backyard and energy-efficient windows, which were installed prior to the 2012 extension of the landmark district. Inside, the residence retains a wealth of original details that contribute to its historic character. Notable features include five incised white marble mantels, a grand wood staircase with carved newel posts and a curving railing, extensive original hardwood floors, and intricate plasterwork, such as crown molding and medallions. The house also features period-appropriate elements like pocket doors and a stained-glass skylight. The double parlors and the garden-floor dining room are largely intact, preserving their original charm. The rear parlor is enhanced by a fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases and cupboards, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The kitchen, situated in its traditional location at the rear of the garden level, maintains wood floors and a tin ceiling. It has been updated with modern conveniences, including a large stainless steel stove and contemporary cabinets lining two walls. The upper floor of the brownstone accommodates three bedrooms and a versatile office-slash-laundry room. The front master bedroom has been reconfigured into two smaller bedrooms and a walk-in closet, utilizing colorful modern shelving as a divider. While these shelves offer an attractive modern touch, a prospective buyer might consider reverting the space to its original master bedroom layout and converting the office/laundry room back into a small third bedroom or storage area. Functionality is further enhanced by two updated bathrooms, one on the parlor floor and another on the bedroom floor. These spacious bathrooms feature bathtubs and classic decor. One bathroom is designed with vintage-style black and white tile floors, while the other incorporates gray and white tiles, a marble-topped vanity, built-in cabinets, and a skylight, providing ample natural light. The property appears to be in move-in condition based on available photographs. Mechanical systems have also been updated, with a new gas furnace, electrical wiring, and plumbing, according to the listing. Public records indicate that the property has been under the ownership of the same family since at least 1977. The listing is managed by Aran Scott, Anthony Robles, and James Vallejos of Douglas Elliman. #ParkSlope #Brownstone #NeoGrecArchitecture #HistoricDistrict #RealEstateBrooklyn #LuxuryHome #HomeDetails #RenovatedHome

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach features an inspiring outdoor wellness sanctuary envisioned by Helen Lambrakis and Erik Moraillon of Garden 26. This serene space, centered around a magnificent banyan tree, was designed to provide a multifaceted destination for relaxation and restoration. The transformation began with the removal of all existing concrete, replaced by lush, verdant grasses, aligning with the designers' philosophy of building around a location's natural offerings. The garden's design prioritizes visual intrigue from every angle due to its multiple entrances, necessitating the creation of distinct "rooms" to ensure a seamless flow and cater to various forms of relaxation. These dedicated zones include a fire pit area, outdoor dining spaces furnished with sculptural woven pieces by Bonacina, a dedicated wellness area complete with custom meditation cushions, a tranquil reading nook, and a traditional pool deck. Plantings were meticulously selected to create layers of textures and varying shades of green, contributing not only to visual appeal but also to the overall sense of calm. The designers also considered the air-purifying qualities of the vegetation, aiming to foster a deeper sense of wellness for visitors. Key plant species featured in the design include lipstick, lady, and Christmas palms, philodendron, giant bird of paradise, agave, and several varieties of ferns. Lambrakis articulated the intention behind the design, stating a desire to foster a sense of exploration that leads to self-discovery. The core elements of serenity, meditation, and the majestic banyan tree are central to the garden's conceptual framework, inviting guests to connect with these aspects for a rejuvenating experience. This thoughtful approach to landscape design emphasizes holistic well-being, transforming an outdoor area into a haven for winter escape and personal renewal. #OutdoorSpace #WellnessSanctuary #KipsBayDecoratorShowHouse #PalmBeach #GardenDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #MeditationSpace #TropicalGarden #DesignerShowhouse

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

This blog post highlights a unique studio apartment located at 400 West 12th Street in the Superior Ink condo building, West Village, New York City, currently listed for $2.3 million. The 943-square-foot residence, described as a “zen suite,” features an interior meticulously designed with a focus on luxury, custom elements, and smart home technology. The apartment's aesthetic is characterized by a blend of natural materials and contemporary finishes, creating a tranquil and sophisticated living space. The entrance to the home features a narrow hallway adorned with leather walls, artistic displays, and subtle light coves. This hallway provides access to essential amenities including a full bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a washer/dryer closet. A smaller closet ingeniously houses a Savant smart home system, allowing for integrated control of the apartment's various functions. The bathroom itself is a showcase of modern design, featuring heated travertine floors, a limed oak vanity topped with white Quartzite, a spacious walk-in shower with a teak floor, and a separate water closet, emphasizing both comfort and style. The kitchen area is equipped with white Quartzite counters, a distinctive blue-vein Cipolino marble backsplash, a Sub-zero refrigerator, and stainless-steel Viking appliances, indicating a high-end culinary setup. Adjacent to the kitchen is a bedroom alcove, which has been reconfigured into a custom dressing room surrounded by built-in closets, catering specifically to individuals with a significant wardrobe. Both the kitchen and the dressing room can be privately enclosed using hand-carved sliding doors imported from Bali, adding an exotic touch to the interior. The main living space is accessed via a hallway lined with architectural mirrors. The bed area is distinguished by a white leather headboard and a coordinating footboard that cleverly conceals a custom television lift. The room offers ample space for a separate sitting area and features Shagreen counters, grasscloth walls, and large south-facing windows that fill the space with natural light. The apartment boasts 10-foot ceilings throughout, Morado wood floors, custom light fixtures, a built-in audio system, and electronic drapes, sheers, and shades, enhancing the luxurious feel. The Superior Ink condo, built in 2010 and designed by Robert A.M. Stern, is LEED-certified, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability. Its prime location offers residents convenient access to Hudson River Park, the High Line, the Whitney Museum, and other cultural attractions within the West Village. The building also provides a range of amenities, including a residents’ lounge, a screening room, a fitness center with a pilates/yoga room, a playroom, and 24-hour concierge and doorman services, ensuring a comprehensive luxury living experience. #WestVillage #StudioApartment #LuxuryRealEstate #SuperiorInkCondo #InteriorDesign #SmartHome #Fashionista #NewYorkCity #RobertAMStern

This blog post highlights a unique early 20th-century two-family residence located at 6322 5th Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, currently on the market for $1.488 million. Situated on a commercial stretch within sight of the Gowanus Expressway, the property is part of a row of two-story brick buildings constructed between 1916 and 1918. Historical records reveal a colorful past for the building, with its ground-floor commercial space serving various businesses over the decades. Early historic tax photos from around 1939 show the building as a grocery store, among other small businesses like a plumbing supply company and a furrier on the block. The property also had a connection to Marcel de Passy, a notorious confidence man known by multiple aliases. De Passy, who had a criminal record for bigamy, embezzlement, and swindling, briefly rented in the house in 1931 after his release from Sing Sing. During his short residency, he remarried and attempted to promote a new scheme involving a speedy ocean liner to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, despite the paper noting his extensive criminal history. His stay at 6322 5th Avenue lasted approximately one year, consistent with his frequent moves. In the 1950s, the commercial space transitioned into a branch of the Taffy ‘N Terry Dance Studio, founded by acrobatic dancers Walter and Barbara Wendelken, sometimes performing as the 'Flying Wendelkens.' The studio offered dance classes for children and adults from at least 1954 until 1959 before relocating. Despite the numerous occupants and uses, the building retains significant vintage architectural details. The first-floor unit, which previously housed the dance studio, features an intact tin ceiling in the street-facing space. It includes a full bath and a kitchen at the rear, with the bathroom showcasing earlier period features such as a pedestal tub and a wall-mounted sink. The kitchen, while lacking modern amenities, is spacious and provides access to a small rear yard. The larger upstairs unit offers a flexible layout comprising three bedrooms with closets and a potential fourth bedroom with French doors opening into the living room, suitable for use as a dining room or study. All flooring in the upstairs unit appears to be vintage marbled linoleum. While some photographs reveal cracks in the plaster walls, indicating potential need for mechanical upgrades, the overall vintage aesthetic is well-preserved. A notable highlight for enthusiasts of vintage design is the circa 1930s kitchen, boasting green wood cabinets with original hardware, curved shelves, and scalloped trim. The kitchen walls feature bright yellow tiles in pristine condition, accented with black triangular and border tiles. Vintage appliances, including a stove and a refrigerator, are still present. The upstairs bathroom provides a striking contrast to the downstairs' sanitary style, with burgundy wall tiles, thin accent wave border tiles, and pink fixtures and accessories. A medicine cabinet with original lighting further enhances its period charm. Burgundy tiles and fixtures were popular from the 1920s to the 1950s, with the sink and toilet closely resembling those shown in a 1950 American Standard catalog. The cellar offers usable space for storage or a workshop, and an aerial view shows a small rear yard with landscaping potential. The property has remained within the same family since at least 1950, with census records indicating their tenancy from 1940. The property is listed by Ali Tom of Bellmarc. #SunsetPark #BrooklynRealEstate #VintageHome #TwoFamilyHouse #HistoricProperty #ArchitecturalDetails #MidCenturyDesign #HomeRenovation #NewYorkHistory

A rare four-bedroom co-op apartment has been listed for $1.95 million in Brooklyn's Park Slope, specifically on the parlor level of a 1908-constructed Beaux Arts Style building at 86 Prospect Park West. This property is part of Brooklyn's "Gold Coast" and offers distinctive pre-war architectural features. The co-op maintains its original parquet floor and moldings, showcasing the craftsmanship of its early 20th-century construction. Bay windows are a prominent feature, allowing ample natural light into the living spaces and offering views of Prospect Park, located directly across the street. The apartment also includes numerous built-ins, providing both character and practical storage solutions. The layout of the co-op is generous, designed to accommodate various living arrangements. It features three bedrooms, a separate den, two bathrooms, and a formal dining room. The gracious foyer, which acts as the home's primary entrance, preserves its original moldings, mirrors, and flooring, along with additional storage space. The living room is particularly bright, illuminated by three bay windows that overlook Prospect Park. Adjacent to the living room, a cozy front room is equipped with a wall of built-in shelves, effectively transforming it into a library space. An notable feature of the apartment is the set of pocket doors that connect the living area to a versatile den. This den could serve multiple purposes, such as a windowed home office, an additional fourth bedroom, or could be integrated with the living room to create a larger, open living space. On the opposite side of the residence, the kitchen and formal dining room are situated. The dining room exhibits unique architectural details including a coffered ceiling, wainscoting, and a built-in niche featuring an arched bench and cabinets, adding to the historic charm. The kitchen, while potentially in need of updates, benefits from multiple windows that ensure it is well-lit. It also presents quirky shelving and a distinctive backsplash that contribute to its character. A small bathroom with a shower and a washer-dryer unit is conveniently located near the kitchen. The bedrooms are centrally located within the apartment, positioned between the living and dining areas. The primary suite includes two closets and grants access to a recently renovated bathroom, which is appointed with a marble vanity and a towel heater. The building itself offers a prime location with Prospect Park directly accessible from across the street. Additionally, Park Slope's 7th Avenue, known for its array of restaurants, cafes, and shops, is just one block away. The co-op is pet-friendly and provides residents with extra basement storage and a shared courtyard. This property offers a blend of historic elegance, spacious living, and a desirable location within one of Brooklyn’s sought-after neighborhoods. #ProspectParkWest #ParkSlope #CoopApartment #PreWarDetails #BeauxArtsStyle #BrooklynRealEstate #HistoricHome #BayWindows #BuiltIns

Patrick Blanc, a botanist renowned for over 30 years of creating vertical gardens, has transformed Parisian walls, most notably at the Jean Nouvel–designed Quai Branly museum. One family, the Dimanches, has the unique privilege of experiencing Blanc's vertical gardens within their own living space. Blanc, identifiable by his distinctive style, has cultivated a reputation as an urban garden guru, utilizing a trademark top-down irrigation system and three decades of botanical research across three continents. His portfolio includes creations for the Pershing Hall hotel, the Fondation Cartier in Paris, the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, various boutiques, and restaurants. Following the grand opening of the Jean Nouvel–designed Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, featuring an 8,600-square-foot facade with 15,000 plants, Blanc has seen an influx of large-scale commissions. Blanc's journey began with residential projects, starting with his own apartment in Créteil, on the outskirts of Paris, which he transformed into a tropical rainforest. While major commissions later became his focus, some homeowners successfully convinced him to create outdoor vertical gardens, aiming to introduce a 'rural' element into their urban environments. However, his expertise in indoor vertical gardens, particularly with low-light plants, remained largely untapped until 2004. This changed when Jean-Marc Dimanche contacted Blanc with an idea for a 20-by-23-foot interior wall in his 4,400-square-foot home, then under construction in the Left Bank’s 14th arrondissement. Dimanche recounts Blanc's enthusiastic response, signaling the start of their collaborative adventure. Two years later, the Dimanches' home now features a lush forest canopy, a living canvas comprising approximately 150 tropical, low-light plant species harmoniously arranged. The vertical garden transitions from a field of texture at the base to arcs of violet and amber flowers, culminating in an overhang of trees near the ceiling, creating a sheltering forest effect. This living element seamlessly integrates with the home's raw architectural features, such as concrete and metal beams, and a transparent glass elevator, as well as the family's personal belongings, including country-kitchen stools, orchids, and worn leather armchairs. Jean-Marc Dimanche finds the overall effect to be very calming. The Dimanches' move from a renovated longère outside Rambouillet to their new Parisian home represented a significant lifestyle shift. Vivette Dimanche emphasizes that their house is not merely conceptual but embodies 'le vivant, le vécu' — the living, the lived experience. Given Paris's high population density, Blanc's plant walls offer a solution to integrate nature into the urban fabric without negating the city's structure. Blanc aims to extend his work beyond homes and museums to less aesthetically pleasing urban locations like parking lots, public housing, and train stations, areas where living things are unexpected. He asserts that his plant walls are not a critique of urban life but an effort to reconcile it with nature, creating spaces that foster a connection between the urban environment and the natural world. #VerticalGarden #PatrickBlanc #IndoorGarden #UrbanGreenery #HomeDesign #ParisianLiving #BiophilicDesign #InteriorPlants #LivingWalls

Devocion, a farm-to-table coffee roaster and café, has opened its newest outpost in downtown Brooklyn, drawing inspiration from its Bogota roots. The design, a collaboration with New York-based LOT Office for Architecture, seamlessly blends Brooklyn and Colombian aesthetics to create a unique and calming space in a busy urban environment. The 1,700 sq ft cafe, located within a new building development, features 18 ft floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring an abundance of natural light throughout the day. A central highlight of the cafe's interior is an eye-catching coffee bar counter, finished with a sleek black marble top and elegant wood paneling. Adjacent to this, a raised central island provides ample seating and is adorned with a vibrant, jungle-like array of foliage, contributing to the indoor garden theme. The floor is covered in marigold tiles, featuring a simple yet dynamic black and white pattern, which complements the perforated concrete block partitions that define different areas within the space. According to Leo Trampoukis of LOT Architecture, the design concept translates abstract ideas related to Devocion's origins into a communal space. This approach allows for contextual uniqueness in each location, incorporating elements like lush nature, informal seating arrangements, and a prominent coffee counter. The material palette emphasizes warmth and raw textures, creating an inviting atmosphere. Attention to detail is evident throughout the cafe. Custom-designed furniture and cabinets were crafted by Colombian artisans using local wood, a deliberate choice to honor Devocion's heritage. The indoor garden is particularly impressive, featuring 35 different plant varieties, including mango, ficus, fish tail palm, and starfruit trees, carefully selected to evoke an indigenous, tropical feel. This extensive botanical integration creates a truly immersive and natural environment, offering patrons a momentary escape from the urban hustle. The combination of carefully chosen materials, bespoke furniture, and a rich plant selection collectively reinforces Devocion's brand identity and provides a distinctive experience for its customers. The project exemplifies a successful integration of cultural roots with contemporary architectural design to create a functional yet aesthetically rich commercial space. #BrooklynCoffeeShop #IndoorGarden #ArchitecturalDesign #CafeInterior #ColombianCulture #LOTOfficeForArchitecture #DevocionCoffee #UrbanOasis #SustainableDesign

This article highlights a one-bedroom apartment available for rent at $6,750 per month in a 25-foot-wide Greenwich Village townhouse located at 34 West 9th Street. The residence offers a spacious wood patio lined with greenery, providing views of tranquil backyard gardens while being steps away from the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood. The apartment retains original architectural details, including two decorative fireplaces, showcasing its historical charm within a modern living context. The interior of the apartment features a spacious foyer that opens into a living room adorned with high ceilings, moldings, and hardwood flooring, along with one of the decorative fireplaces. The kitchen is designed as a windowed, eat-in space, equipped with cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances, and is large enough to accommodate ample cabinetry and a washer and dryer. The master bedroom is described as wonderfully spacious, featuring two large windows that offer treetop views, additional moldings, a chandelier with a ceiling medallion, and a second decorative fireplace. The apartment benefits from exposures to both the south and north, ensuring good natural light. Additionally, there is a bonus room, which, while not a legal second bedroom due to the absence of windows, provides extra usable space. The location of the historic brick townhouse is just off Fifth Avenue, placing residents in the heart of the Village. The area is characterized by an abundance of bars and restaurants and is less than two blocks from Washington Square Park. The private outdoor patio is presented as an ideal spot to experience the neighborhood's atmosphere. This property offers a blend of historic elegance, practical amenities, and a prime location within one of New York City's most desirable neighborhoods, making it an appealing option for those seeking a charming urban dwelling with outdoor space. #GreenwichVillage #LuxuryRental #OutdoorSpace #Townhouse #HistoricHome #NewYorkCityRealEstate #ApartmentForRent #ArchitecturalDetails

This blog post highlights a penthouse apartment located at 217 2nd Avenue in the East Village, which was recently put on the market for $2.8 million. The apartment is a full-floor condo that blends old-world New York charm with rustic design elements. This blend is evident in features such as wide plank pine floors, vintage oak cabinets, and a 'lovingly worn' marble sink. The entrance leads into an industrial-chic commercial-grade kitchen, which features a skylight and a spiral staircase. This kitchen area seamlessly transitions into a spacious dining area. The dining area is characterized by exposed brick walls and aged built-in storage, adding to the apartment's rustic appeal. Pocket doors with etched glass separate the dining room from the living room, which is distinguished by oversized windows, crown molding, and a marble-clad fireplace. The penthouse includes two bedrooms, with a clear distinction in size and amenities between them. The master bedroom offers a wall of closets, abundant natural light, and a second wood-burning fireplace, emphasizing comfort and luxury. Conveniently located just outside the master bedroom are a spa bath and a laundry room, enhancing its functionality. In contrast, the second bedroom is described as small and is situated on the opposite side of the apartment, adjacent to the living room and away from the home's second bathroom, suggesting a less private or less comfortable arrangement compared to the master. A unique feature of this penthouse is its rooftop garden, accessed via the spiral staircase in the kitchen. This rooftop space is described as lush, filled with mature plants, and notably includes a vegetable garden. The presence of a private outdoor space, especially a vegetable garden, is a significant amenity for an urban dwelling. The apartment's location is also highlighted, being only blocks away from Union Square, which offers a vibrant city experience with convenient access to various amenities and activities. This combination of traditional design, functional living spaces, and unique outdoor features positions the penthouse as a desirable property in the East Village market, offering a balance of urban convenience and a tranquil, green retreat. #EastVillagePenthouse #RooftopGarden #VegetableGarden #LuxuryRealEstate #NYCArchitecture #IndustrialChic #VintageDesign #Stribling #UnionSquareProximity

This blog post highlights a two-bedroom cooperative apartment located at 242 West 104th Street in the Riverside Drive area of Manhattan's Upper West Side. The interior design of the apartment is characterized by a warm, library-like aesthetic, featuring design elements such as rich colors, exposed brick, and a functional rolling ladder extending across the main hallway. The primary living space, including the living room, is detailed with parquet floors, wainscoting, and a bay window, complemented by a dark blue accent wall and a decorative fireplace that enhance the cozy, studious atmosphere. The open-plan kitchen, adjacent to the living room, is equipped with dark wood cabinetry and exposed hanging lightbulbs, uniquely incorporating a cooking range into the eat-in island. The apartment's layout positions the two bedrooms on opposing sides, offering flexibility for one to serve as an office. The front bedroom maintains the exposed brick theme and provides ample wall space for art, while the rear bedroom, though smaller, benefits from double exposures and south-facing windows that offer views of the surrounding cityscape and treetops. The bathroom continues the apartment's design narrative with dark blue walls, contrasted by white subway tiles and exposed hanging lightbulbs, and features a classic clawfoot tub, reinforcing the overall warm and inviting ambiance. The property is presented through Keller Williams by Michael Shapot and Kelcey Otten, appealing to those who appreciate a home with a distinctive, literary-inspired character. #UpperWestSide #CooperativeApartment #InteriorDesign #LibraryInspired #ExposedBrick #RollingLadder #ManhattanRealEstate #NYCArchitecture #HomeDecoration

Mike Donohue, a Mill Valley resident, has cultivated a wabi-sabi inspired Zen garden in his home, a project that began in 2020 and spanned two years. Donohue's interest in Japanese aesthetics was sparked by a visit to a San Francisco tearoom and a subsequent trip to Japan in 2015, where he was particularly impressed by the gardens surrounding temples, fostering an understanding of Zen and gardening principles. His aspiration was to create a private, intimate space that offered a sense of calm and beauty upon returning home. The garden, which now covers approximately half of his 7,000-square-foot lot, is situated around the Mill Valley creek, a feature that came with the property he purchased in 2016. To realize his vision, Donohue collaborated with a team including San Francisco designer Eva Holbrook, who contributed to the wabi-sabi design of both his home and garden, and Diego González of Diego’s Gardens Inc., responsible for plant sourcing, irrigation, and ongoing garden maintenance. Both individuals helped procure elements from various global locations. Donohue's approach involved meticulously selecting each natural and man-made component, emphasizing simplicity, imperfection, and impermanence, which are core tenets of wabi-sabi. This process involved reviewing numerous plants, flowers, trees, lighting, statues, stones, bridges, and considering sounds and smells, all aimed at fostering peace and relaxation. The finished garden is characterized by a serene landscape. A cherry blossom tree overlooks an upper pond, described as being in an "imperfect, perfect place." An arched wooden bridge spans the babbling creek, while Japanese-style lanterns illuminate a path winding beneath a canopy of red maple trees. The garden features carefully chosen statuary and symbolic figurines of animals and objects, nestled among ferns, birds of paradise, cherry laurel, and loropetalum. Donohue notes that all elements harmonize in a unique and complementary manner, creating numerous detailed "moments" for observation. From inside his home, through walls of glass, Donohue can observe the garden's seasonal transformations. He witnesses the red maples' progression from full bloom to their winter wilt and fall, and in spring, the vibrant pink and white blooms of the cherry blossom tree, which eventually drift onto the pond. The garden is also a habitat for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife during summer. Autumn, particularly Halloween, is a favored time when Donohue welcomes over a thousand trick-or-treaters to the garden, which is enhanced with atmospheric music and dry-ice fog over the ponds (which are fish-free during this time). He appreciates the children's admiration for his home during this period. In line with the wabi-sabi philosophy, the garden is a dynamic, evolving space. Donohue plans to host his first hanami, a flower-viewing party, under the cherry tree in the spring. He also intends to create safe havens in the pond for future koi and goldfish and is considering adding a karesansui, a raked garden of sand, gravel, or stones. Donohue expresses profound satisfaction with the garden, stating that the joy and beauty it brings to his daily life are immeasurable, reflecting the considerable planning and thought invested in its creation. #ZenGarden #WabiSabi #JapaneseAesthetics #GardenDesign #MillValley #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeArchitecture #NatureInspired #HomeGarden