South End condo unique work of art
The last place you’d expect to see tomato plants and herb gardens and kids cruising on Big Wheels is a penthouse condo in Boston’s South End.
But that’s what you would’ve seen if you’d visited 735 Harrison Ave. — a luxury condo with an expansive roof deck — over the last few years.
“When the snow comes, we actually make forts out there with the kids,” owner Cindy Tung said. “We don’t have to go far for some outdoor time.”
The top-floor condo was built a decade ago at the socalled ArtBlock building — a condo complex marketed for artists — and converted to the modern dwelling it is today when the first owner, an artist, snapped up two units and combined them into a big two-bedroom home. The second owners, Tung and her husband, who both work at Boston Children’s Hospital, are now moving out after seven years there, selling the place for nearly $1.8 million.
Their story shows that one person’s art studio can become another’s family home.
During a tour early this week, there were all the clues you’d expect of kids and parents living there: a Big Wheel was set out near the roof deck, a piano was in the corner of the big, open living room, and children’s DVDs were stacked up in the small office that was once a painter’s studio.
While the home could never be mistaken for a house, it is as spacious as some, at 2,350 square feet. And it’s bright, with more than two dozen glass panes that extend almost from floor to ceiling throughout. The master bedroom, for example, has eight windows counting the glass door to a small deck. Most of the windows are stretched side by side in ribbons across entire walls, such as in the master and living room.
“We really liked the open layout,” Tung said, “the kitchen flowing into the dining area and the dining area flowing into the living area. Our style is more modern, and it fit our lifestyle.”
One of the most pleasant rooms is the master, and its best offering is outside: The gorgeous views down East and West Newton streets, including the mythical “St. Elsewhere hospital,” a massive 19th century building with its handsome mansard roof, brick facade and quoin stone corners that were a television icon of the 1980s.
“We have a nice view of the Prudential and the Hancock building” Tung said. “And on the Fourth we have views of various fireworks.”
The rest of the place is slick and contemporary, with maple floors and high ceilings throughout, burl wood cabinetry and stone countertops and island in the kitchen, a blindingly white-tile master bathroom with double vanity, a huge walk-in master closet and a second bedroom with floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves.
“This turned out to be a great place to live for 7 years,” said Tung.
The sale of the condo is being handled by Joe DeAngelo and John Ranco at 617-6807371 and 617-699-8130.