Beaux Arts

The character of a historical Society Hill townhouse has been beautifully recreated at this 2,300-square-foot penthouse at The Lanesborough. With architect Spence Kass overseeing the design, the former billiards parlor of the c. 1929 University Club has been transformed into a superbly finished, very livable center-hall apartment with outdoor space on three sides. The elevator delivers you directly to a reception foyer with a mirrored tray ceiling with cove lighting and sparkling, classic, checkerboard marble floor. Rich millwork trims a sequence of arched doorways that lead to the main living spaces. At the southern end is the grand living room with a deep tray ceiling, French doors opening to a terrace with long-distance views and distinct sitting areas with windows on three sides. Well suited to entertaining, the floor plan features a formal dining room with a tray ceiling and built-in storage on two walls. The smartly designed cook’s kitchen provides pro-grade appliances (six-burner Wolf gas range; separate electric wall oven; two paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezers), a tile backsplash and timeless white cabinetry. One special feature is the bar seating in the kitchen with a pass-through to the living room that can be closed off for formal entertaining or serve as the bar for a party. There are other clever features like this designed into the apartment. Spoking off the gallery-style center hall are the main suite bedroom and a guest bedroom/office, each with access to terraces. Enjoy the view while you soak in the jetted tub in the onyx main suite bath, which also has an underlit double vanity and marble stall shower. A walk-in closet with built-ins completes the main suite. The marble hall bath is finished with an oversized, seamless glass shower and marble-topped vanity. To add to its appeal, this apartment also has a full-sized laundry and utility room with access to a terrace plus an additional walk-in hall closet. There are hardwood floors in all of the main rooms, plenty of recessed lighting, pocket doors, central vacuum connections throughout, a wealth of storage in the apartment plus extra storage room in the basement measuring approximately 12x18 with 12ft ceiling, hot-water heat and high-velocity central air. The Lanesborough is a 24/7 doorman building, dog friendly, with fitness center for residents. This is a must-see for the buyer looking for 180-degree views, outdoor space and a supremely comfortable floor plan in the heart of Rittenhouse Square.