On the Market: A Gothic Revival Penthouse in the North End

Once used by a congregation of Methodist sailors, this 19th century building is now home to a sophisticated and loft-like condo.


Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

287-295 Hanover St. Unit 5-2, North End
Price: $1,995,000
Size: 2,139 square feet
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2.5

“Despite ecclesiastical details in the architecture,” says listing agent Antonia Monarski, “this building was never a church.” But, in 1872, it was built as a multi-purpose religious building for a Methodist congregation of sailors. Today, the 12-unit complex, aptly dubbed Seamans House Condominium, maintains a bit of the history of its original tenants, and a lot of the Gothic architecture.

An arched doorway leads into the building, and upon entering the unit, the first thing you’ll notice is the vastness of the space: White cathedral ceilings and stained mahogany floors emphasize the loft-like open floor plan. Modern features such as a kitchen with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances and 3-inch thick Carrera marble countertops, work with Gothic accents, such as a banister made up of narrow lancet arches. But it’s not all harsh lines: A breakfast nook with an upholstered bench is made even cozier by an exposed brick accent wall, and the living room forges a playful creative space, with a giant chalkboard mounted next to the television that can be slid aside to make room for a white board.

In addition to the recessed lighting, unique light fixtures illuminate the space in interesting ways. Above the dining table, a pendant light hangs dramatically from the second floor—walk upstairs and you’ll see that the chains suspend from a skylight in the vaulted ceiling. Also on this level, the bedrooms keep up with the rustic-sleek appearance with steel and textured glass doors that slide and swivel open.

But in Boston, the most desirable piece of any property is the ever-coveted roof deck. As you make your way up the metal ship-like ladder, take note of the original 19th century beams that still support the ceiling. Then, step up onto the terrace and take in the expansive skyline views.

For information, contact Antonia Monarski, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, coldwellbankerhomes.com.

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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