Esteemed architect Adam Kushner transformed an early-19th-century Greenwich Village townhouse into a unique modern residence that pays tribute to its landmark location. Indoors and out, sunlight, Hudson Valley wood, thriving greenery, and the fresh air surrounding a multistory climbing wall are integral to its serene contemporary milieu.
Centuries ago, a two-mile creek known as Minetta Brook was one of Manhattan’s largest flowing bodies of water, where ducks and geese flocked, the waters were revered for their abundant fish, and even until the 18th century, wildlife gathered on its banks. The current landscape of these environs, a landmarked area of today’s bustling Greenwich Village, bears little resemblance to that once-leafy milieu, but this one-of-a-kind residence—transformed by esteemed and prolific architect Adam Kushner—pays appropriate homage with eye-catching upper-level latticework woven with greenery and prevalent windows that blur the line between indoors and out.
New York, New York | Diane Wildowsky, Lonni Levy, Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage
At street level, an early-19th-century façade serves as a reminder of the home’s past and its historic setting, as do two ornate arched Italian iron gates that frame a peaceful courtyard with an enviable outdoor shower. The interiors, however, display a disciplined dedication to contemporary simplicity, with copious use of honey-hued wood, a serene minimalist palette, and floods of natural light. Artfully chopped Hudson Valley firewood plays an integral role in the home’s aesthetic and is a veritable necessity in a haven that boasts a half-dozen fireplaces, all carefully and creatively placed. Numerous terraces and courtyards allow for effortless enjoyment of fresh air, sunshine, and stars.
Inside the entry courtyard’s second gate, the kitchen and dining area is swathed in hand-hewn wood and marble, providing a warm and welcoming introduction. Among the distinctive features here are an island topped with a striking slab of live-edged red oak and an alcove dedicated to wood-fired cooking. A floor above is a living area with a ceiling that soars to staggering heights, two fireplaces, a wall of windows, and a tower of firewood that doubles as a dynamic work of art. Hidden on the lowest level—amid rugged wood ceiling beams and stone from the home’s original foundation—is a handsome lounge with an expertly equipped cocktail bar, a full bath, and a sauna. An elevator with three glass walls links each level while offering a unique view that includes an interior courtyard and a one-of-a-kind multistory climbing wall.
A tranquil buffer between the public and private spaces, the third floor offers a meditation room adjoined by a verdant planted balcony. Office, study, playroom space can be created on many of the stairway’s versatile landings. Two bedrooms joined by a disappearing wall and sharing a bath comprise the fourth floor, while a primary suite with a warming fireplace, a retractable projector screen, a spa-like bath, and a private balcony occupies the fifth. Atop a carriage house with a versatile multi-use space and a guest bedroom is a light-filled glass-enclosed gym.
Crowning the residence is a covetable rooftop deck with an open-air kitchen and a panoramic view. From nearly every vantage point here and within the home, vistas of emerald treetops, brick-clad buildings, the copper dome of Our Lady of Pompeii, and the spire of One World Trade Center in the distance encapsulate much of the history and enduring allure of Manhattan.
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