Text by Lisa Cavanaugh
It’s midsummer, and outdoors is where many of us are doing a big portion of our socializing. Exterior spaces let us keep safe distances while still enjoying the company of friends and family that we have been longing to see. Finding a home with functional exterior space has become all the more critical, especially for city dwellers.
Two recently listed Boston properties with spectacular outside areas highlight the advantages of exterior living, both now during the pandemic and into the future when our lives return to a more normal routine.
14 Walnut Street, a stunning Beacon Hill home located at the corner of Walnut and Mount Vernon Streets, boasts an extraordinary private garden offering nearly 5000 square feet of green space, terraces, landscaped foliage and mature trees.
“It truly is one of kind for the city to have a space this large that is private,” says Coldwell Banker Senior Associate Rebecca Davis Tulman, who works out of the Beacon Hill office. “I’m not aware of another like it at this scale anywhere in downtown Boston.”
The circa 1803 home, previously a featured listing on this site (https://newenglandliving.tv/luxury-living-in-bostons-beacon-hill/) was added onto, expanding both the interior living space and creating an incredible lower level suite that sits beneath the magnificent and beautifully landscaped fenced-in garden. Four pairs of french doors lead to wrought iron detailed juliet balconies which overlook the herringbone brick terrace, complete with smoked glass skylights, which provide natural light to the rooms below. “It is truly breathtaking and dramatic, especially at night,” says Tulman. “The space is great for entertaining, large enough to accommodate different seating areas, and with plenty of room for people to spread out. It is wonderful for pet owners and families with children as well.”
With one additional outdoor space, a brick patio off the formal dining room, 14 Walnut provides for unlimited opportunities to experience fresh air and serenity, in the middle of Beacon Hill.
Less than two miles away, in Back Bay, another Coldwell Banker property offers panoramic views on charming terraces of its own. The penthouse at 341 Beacon Street has both a private roof deck and a terrace directly accessible from the living room. Ellen Meyers, who is the listing agent for the home, notes how having your own outdoor space is a must these days. “ So many people are working from home, so to have the ability to relax outside, on your own terrace or deck, is incredibly valuable, “ she says.
The roof deck of 341 Beacon #PH 6D is generously sized at about 350 square feet and features views in all directions. “People could use it for a variety of purposes,” says Meyers, “It’s perfect either for Sunday morning coffee and paper, as well as a cocktail at the end of the day.”
Reached from an interior staircase, the roof deck is made from maintenance-free red balau hardwood and outfitted with both a water source and electric outlet, making it ready for any kind of outdoor socializing or relaxing.
Also equipped with water and power sources is the terrace off the living room, which is finished in IPE hardwood tiling, another no-maintenance exterior flooring product. “Glass doors open directly onto the terrace,” says Meyers, “so you can just take a step outside with your coffee or glass of wine, and there is enough room for outdoor dining on the terrace as well.”
This totally renovated and reconfigured three bedroom, two bath penthouse duplex has direct elevator access and two garage spaces that come with the unit. It features a high-end kitchen, new baths with mosaic tiling and the property is pet-friendly. Meaning your furry friends, could also take advantage of the great outdoors without leaving home!
