In Greenwich Village, a townhouse with refined luxury

It’s the essence of the townhouse in Greenwich Village, one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods. Solid and pragmatic, it is distinguished by its character without ostentation or artifice. Its five floors accommodate an elegant living room and five bedrooms, as well as terraces and a garden. It’s the type of residence that New Yorkers have dreamed of for generations. Inside, the house reveals both good and bad surprises. Built in 1830, it has seen almost all of its period details disappear in favor of vast spaces decorated with cabinets and white moldings.

The new owners, an established West Coast family, faced a dilemma: “We wanted to preserve the history of the house,” says the wife, “but with five children and a dog, functionality was also essential. » On the advice of a real estate broker, the couple decided to use the Ashe Leandro agency. Renowned for their sensitivity to history, Ariel Ashe and Reinaldo Leandro infuse each of their projects with a refined elegance and discreet luxury, as evidenced by their recent work, Ashe Leandro : Architecture + Interiors (Rizzoli editions).

In the paneled library which separates the living room and the dining room, on a table by Charlotte Perriand, a Series 3 E lamp by Christopher Baker (Galerie Dobrinka Salzman). Around, chairs by Pierre Jeanneret. On the wall, a work by Hayal Pozanti.

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

The owners already had an impressive collection of art and furniture, including paintings by Alice Neel, a brutalist console table by Paul Evans and original chairs by Pierre Jeanneret from Chandigarh. “The house was in poor condition, remembers Ariel Ashe. But the customers’ exceptional collection convinced us to take on the project. » And Reinaldo Leandro added: “The goal was to return the structure to its Federal style and restore missing historic details. But so few original features remained that a complete renovation was required. » Working with architect Eric Sheffield, the duo reconfigured the rear of the house by incorporating large bay windows, replicating the kitchen corner window on the upper floor and painting the brick white to maximize light natural.

In the dining room, around a table by Charlotte Perriand, chairs by Pierre Jeanneret. Against the wall covered in printed linen (Watts 1874), a Sculpture sideboard Front by Paul Evans. Above, a silver gelatin print by Seydou Keïta and a wall lamp (Charles Zana). Suspension (Stilnovo).

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

In the living room, between a sofa and a period armchair, a coffee table Trifolium by Etienne Marc (Nilufar), like the occasional chairs placed on either side of the fireplace. On the wall, a painting by Alice Neel. Chandelier with seven branches Flora de Sophie Lou Jacobsen (In Common With).

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

The expansive garden, landscaped by Brook Landscape, includes a fire pit, outdoor kitchen and lush wisteria. The interior rooms aren’t very large, but what could be seen as a disadvantage becomes a strength in the hands of Ashe Leandro. Each space is transformed into an oasis of serenity, comfort and refined details.

The challenge of bringing light to the heart of the ground floor – a problem common to houses overlooking Amsterdam’s canals as well as lofts in Greenwich Village and SoHo – was solved by accepting the shaded atmosphere and integrating a small library between the living room and the sunny dining room. Paneled in quarter-sawn white oak, this library, although modest with its three Danish club armchairs and its tiny desk, is both attractive and welcoming.

In the master bedroom, on either side of a custom-made bed, side tables by Louise Liljencrantz with Swedish lamps from the 1930s (BAC Gallery). In front, a French oak chest of drawers n° 184 (Ruemmler) and a bench of Max Lamb.

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

In the children’s bathroom, above a double sink (The Water Monopoly), custom medicine cabinets and a pair of sconces, 1960, by Gino Sarfatti (Arteluce). On the walls, black and white tiles (Exquisite Surfaces).

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

The atypical color palette was chosen from the start of the project: dark red, Venetian blue, oxblood and an undefined yellow oscillating between mustard and deep honey for the games room. “ I love color and white spaces seem monotonous to me, confides the mother. We wanted each piece to have its own character, whilst retaining a certain originality without going overboard”specifies Reinaldo Leandro. To maximize fluidity, Ariel Ashe explains: “We have decided not to assign fixed rooms to the children. Instead, sleeping areas are arranged as needed, with sliding doors that allow the spaces to be opened or closed. » Husband’s concerns about noise in a busy – even sometimes chaotic – house! – were taken into consideration through the installation of wallpapered walls in the dining room and master bedroom. Beams salvaged during the renovation define the high-ceilinged space.

In the games room, a custom sofa upholstered in linen by Manuel Canovas; on the right, the lantern Akari by Isamu Noguchi. On the wall, a tapestry by Jean Lurçat. Custom rug (Studio Four NYC).

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

In front of the fireplace in the living room of the master bedroom, a custom-made ottoman, two Pierre Jeanneret armchairs and a steel table (Cal Summers Level). Above the fireplace decorated with 19th-century Portuguese Azulejo tiles, a metal panel by Jean Prouvé. Basket and library by Pierre Jeanneret.

Directed by Ian Carr — Photos Adrian Gaut

Even the ground floor has benefited from a luxury renovation, with new granite flooring and the creation of a discreet apartment with its own entrance as well as plenty of storage space. Highlight of this floor? A spacious living room, decorated with glass doors opening onto the garden. This room includes a beautifully crafted sofa, a Jean Lurçat tapestry, a bar, a wine cellar and even a popcorn machine, making it the ideal setting for family movie nights.