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Photo by Emily Green.
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How might one arrive at the swankiest penthouse loft in the Second Avenue Historic Preservation District? By first plunking down $6.95 million and then gliding upward in one’s private, 1940s brass-trimmed elevator that features vintage Art Deco air vents.
The private elevator is just one historic touch in this 110-year-old building at 227 Second Avenue North. A meticulous renovation by developer Jennifer Willoughby saw the four-story structure, which sits next to the 21c Museum Hotel, carved into three luxury lofts. Respecting its pedigree, the rehabilitation left untouched many details that breathe historic character into the space, including the original hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. This property—christened The Boho House—will appeal to anyone who speaks the international language of luxury. All 6,052 of its sumptuous feet are embroidered with signifiers of good taste, along with the amenities expected by a player of any stripe, from a Tennessee Titan to a tech titan. The two-level penthouse loft features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a slew of amenities that are shorthand for “the best of.” (Think Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, RTI and Lutron home automation systems, and high-tech automatic drapes and shades.)
But what really puts the “I” in VIP are the private four-car garage, the glass-enclosed rooftop media room, and a finished basement featuring a gym and office. Then there’s a two-level guest house at the street level that, thanks to flexible zoning, could even be used as a retail space, office, or small restaurant. Despite its current state of unmitigated luxury, the building first opened its doors in 1911 as a humble denim factory. Today, its past is as far from its present as a seamstress’s brown bag lunch is from scallops with pork belly at the Black Rabbit (which is located, conveniently, around the corner). But the building retains an aura of yesteryear bolstered by eighteen-foot ceilings and the façade’s Italianate-inspired style.The property’s primo spot, the rooftop terrace, is so large it would qualify as an event space in cities where square footage is at a higher premium. From this 700-square-foot perch, one can sunbathe, sip cocktails, and dine al fresco. There’s a view of Tennessee’s hilly emerald terrain in one direction and Nashville Public Square Park on the other. At night, the view reveals city lights that sparkle like diamonds against black velvet. The rooftop’s pièce de résistance is a glass-enclosed media room tricked out with a 10-foot projector screen, a Wolf projector, surround sound, and a marble wet bar and kitchenette. It’s the ultimate place to entertain. Due to the interior’s airy proportions, this penthouse feels positively cavernous. Sunlight floods the space, as this corner building allows for windows galore. Six 10-foot French doors opening to Juliet balconies run along the side of the building, where they brighten the open-plan kitchen. Interior designer Natalie Hager, owner of the eponymous firm, created a sense of modern opulence in this one-of-a-kind space.
“The design premise of the house was understated extravagance attained by mixing old elements, such as the original brick walls and oak floors, with modern design details,” Hager says.The gourmet kitchen is designed with sleek cabinetry and upscale appliances. Its defining feature is a twelve-foot Cristallo quartzite waterfall island. It is embedded with a five-foot-long kitchen sink equipped with built-in cutting boards and colanders. Modern pendant lights hang overhead.
“The island pendants are tried and true in the design world for bringing together industrial and classic design,” Hager says. “They are designed by Thomas O’Brien from Visual Comfort. I like how they juxtapose the edgy-yet-historic vibe of the penthouse.”
A linear gas fireplace adds an element of chic warmth to the great room, which is illuminated by day with a wall of east-facing windows. A stunning chandelier takes over at night. “The living room chandelier is one from the Restoration Hardware Modern Collection,” Hager says. “Its sheer size and magnitude are what makes it so grand. I like to pride myself on finding one-of-a-kind pieces, but I just kept coming back to this light after looking for antiques or having one made.”In the master bedroom, a bespoke upholstered headboard that nearly reaches the ceiling creates a backdrop for a scene-stealing chandelier. “The chandelier is what sets the tone of the master bedroom,” Hager says. “It’s the Muriel Cloud Chandelier from Oly Studio. It has become iconic since we installed it. I wanted something that would make a statement and allow the rest of the room to melt away. To me, the light fixture is the artwork in the space and so nothing else was necessary above the bed.”
The master bathroom is a dreamy oasis starring a glamorous Italian shower and a jetted soaking tub with a ceiling-fill faucet (yet another modern touch in this historic space). The attached walk-in closet was custom built for the ultimate in organization. The private elevator travels directly to the finished basement, which features an office and fitness room. The separate guest house is also downstairs, accessed by the street-level entry next door to 21c. Its two levels are an ode to luxury, appointed with eighteen-foot-tall ceilings, white oak floors, and a kitchen graced by a wide quartz island and Bertazzoni range.
Luckily, the ground-level garage gives the homeowner four parking spaces that would be hard to find in this neighborhood that buzzes with activity. The penthouse loft is a short walk to Printers Alley, Gray and Dudley restaurant (in 21c), and an array of boutique hotel rooftop bars and restaurants (Dream, Noelle, The Bobby). “It’s a great space for VIPs and season ticket holders,” says realtor Michelle Maldonado, who represents the property. “If you love the arts, it’s near the Frist Art Museum and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It’s also near high-end restaurants and boutique hotels in the historic district. There are other high-end high rises nearby, but they don’t offer the exclusivity, space, and privacy of The Boho House.”