Fashion director and stylist Alessandra Gambaccini (who goes by Sciascia) purchased her Greenwich Village townhouse at 45 West 12th Street in 1996 for $865,00, and has now sold it for a whopping $4,975,000. But it’s not just the incredible profit Ms. Gambaccini made that makes this historic home stand out–it’s also its unusual triangular shape, the result of having been built in 1846 diagonal to Minetta Brook, since covered over by the city. There are hidden remnants of the old creek all throughout the Village, and this Greek Revival townhouse is definitely one of the most storied.
Sciascia spoke to the Wall Street Journal about her fascinating home and how she was rather intrigued by its unusual shape. The four-bedroom house is also noted for its opulent interior, outfitted with custom-made Italian décor thanks to Milan-based architect and decorator Roberto Gerosa. And if those weren’t enough talking points, the deed to the cobblestone courtyard is said to have once been owned by English royalty, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s sister is a past inhabitant.
The four-story (plus basement) townhouse retains its original façade, staircase, and beams. Newer additions include three marble-manteled wood-burning fireplaces, a hand-made copper tub, and Venetian glass walls.
The mirrored, gilded den is perhaps the most ornate space in the home; it was inspired by the Gritti Palace hotel in Venice. In the main-floor living room the angled wall features prominently, a quirky addition to the already eclectic space.
During a second renovation, the home’s dirt basement was converted to the kitchen, complete with Italian marble counters and floors.
The light and airy fourth-floor master suite is meant to evoke a Parisian apartment, and it leads to a private outdoor terrace. There is another beautiful garden on the ground floor.
One thing’s for sure about this sale–the home’s new owner will not run out of conversation starters at his first get together.
[Listing: 45 West 12th Street by Gary Kabol and Lisa Maysonet of Sotheby’s International Realty]
Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s
Tags : 45 West 12th Street, Alessandra Gambaccini, Greek Revival, Greenwich Village real estate, Minetta Brook, Roberto Gerosa, townhouses
Neighborhoods : Greenwich Village
