LIVING WELL | PRE-WAR ELEGANCE
a curated collection of notable homes and opportunities
February 17
There’s a certain presence pre-war homes carry. Rooms built with intention. Ceilings meant to lift the eye. Spaces designed for gathering, lingering and living well over time. Architecture that leads rather than follows.
This week, we move through some of the country’s most storied neighborhoods, tracing a moment in time when craftsmanship guided design and entertaining shaped the home. From a stately brownstone overlooking Boston’s most historic green space, to a Park Avenue residence defined by private elevator landings, grand galleries and light-filled entertaining rooms, to architecturally significant Chicago homes in the Gold Coast and East Lakeview marked by hidden speakeasy bars, legendary dinner parties attended by John F. Kennedy and entertaining spaces built at true scale.
A true study in pre-war architecture and enduring design.
1320 N State Parkway, #14-15CD | Chicago, Illinois
5 bed 5.2 bath
Offered at $3,595,000
Built in 1927
Listed by Jennifer Ames with Engel & Völkers
An architecturally significant Gold Coast penthouse conceived for the grand entertaining traditions of the 1920s, offering approximately 7,750 square feet across two levels. The dramatic two-story living room features an ornate plaster barrel-vault ceiling, fireplace and oversized windows opening directly to a rare 61-foot private terrace, an exceptional outdoor amenity for the neighborhood. Designed for memorable gatherings, the paneled dining room comfortably hosts 20+ guests, while the richly paneled library conceals an original speakeasy-style bar hidden behind movable bookcases. With five bedrooms, storied provenance and full-service building amenities, this residence blends historic drama, remarkable scale and refined Gold Coast living in the heart of Chicago.
1175 Park Avenue, #13A | New York, New York
4 bed 4.1 bath
Offered at $12,000,000
Built in 1924
Listed by Caroline E. Y. Guthrie with Sotheby’s International Realty
Perfectly positioned in Carnegie Hill, this expansive 11-room residence occupies a high floor of a coveted pre-war cooperative with 90 feet of frontage on Park Avenue. A private elevator opens to a gracious gallery leading to a grand corner living room with fireplace, formal dining room and richly paneled library. Four bedrooms include a luxurious primary suite with fireplace, dressing room and marble bath, all bathed in western light. Beautifully renovated with exceptional architectural detail, central air and white-glove services, this is classic Park Avenue living at its finest.
18 Marlborough Street | Boston, Massachusetts
5 bed 5.1 bath
Offered at $10,995,000
Built in 1865
Listed by Beth Dickerson with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Just steps from the Boston Public Garden, this stately center-entrance brownstone occupies the coveted first block of Marlborough Street. Fully gut renovated in 2012, the single-family townhouse features a private elevator, two-car garage and refined interiors throughout. Grand formal living and dining rooms showcase soaring ceilings, ornate fireplaces and intricate moldings, while the upper levels offer a serene primary suite and ensuite bedrooms for family or guests. A spectacular roof deck with sweeping city views, private gym and multiple parking complete this exceptional Back Bay residence.
421 W Melrose Street, #21AD | Chicago, Illinois
4 bed 3 bath
Offered at $689,000
Built in 1929
Listed by Monique Pieron with @properties Christie's International Real Estate
A timeless pre-war residence in Chicago’s East Lakeview, The Eddystone is a 1929 architectural gem rising 21 stories above the lakefront. This 3,400+ square foot home opens from a private elevator into a gracious foyer with original arched ceilings, leading to a grand double living room anchored by an exquisite hand-carved marble fireplace. Solid oak parquet and herringbone floors flow throughout, while French windows flood the living and dining spaces with natural light. With a flexible library or office, expansive eat-in kitchen and a serene primary suite with western views toward Lake Michigan, this residence offers classic elegance just one block from the lake.
If you’re looking to make a move in Chicago or another market, let’s talk. Our network of agents and developers extends across the country.
