apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


House Tour: Jennifer Bartlett's 134 Charles Street

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So, last night we're sitting around, contemplating the eventual move out of our 250 s/f home, and SKGR says to me,
"Hey, how about this place?"
"How much?" we ask.
"Oh, not too much. $17.5 million."
"Sounds good," we say. "How big?.."

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"Oh, a bit bigger than ours. It's about 12,000 inside and 2,500 outside."
"OUTSIDE?!?"
"Yes, it's got three multilevel gardens," she says.

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"Where is this, in Long Island City?" I say, ready to write it off.
"No. West Village..."
"Perfect," we say, "Let's take it."

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Introducing arist Jennifer Bartlett's generous pied a terre that makes us think that painting isn't such a bad job after all.

Oh, the parties we could give with a place like this.

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Comments (53)

Wait. Did you say that's a PIED-A-TERRE?!?!?! Which means it's empty most of the time? A travesty!

posted by peripatetic19 on 2007-10-17 12:05:17
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I'm clearly not in the right line of business!

posted by Jetsetbaby on 2007-10-17 12:10:44
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Not too shabby.

posted by Jenny in DC on 2007-10-17 12:10:46
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ha, every day i run past this building en route to the running path along the river. from the sidewalk one can see the ceiling of the front room on the second floor which has these great light fixtures that are the same as the ones that can be seen in the photograph of the kitchen. i've always wanted to know who makes/designed the light in order to try to buy one. any ideas? thanks!

posted by e3 on 2007-10-17 12:12:08
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gulp, that place is gorgeous! check out the pool! i really must win the lottery.. if i ever played it, that is ;)

posted by gleek on 2007-10-17 12:14:47
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aaauuuggghhhh, this causes actual physical pain...the LAP POOL, gad......

posted by cmcinnyc on 2007-10-17 12:15:46
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MGR, is this a hint that a move is imminent?

posted by Pixie on 2007-10-17 12:16:34
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Why would you write off Long Island City?

posted by 718 on 2007-10-17 12:21:17
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So, is it okay to have a massive monstrosity of a home if it’s stylishly designed and decorated?

posted by lifeiswithpeople on 2007-10-17 12:23:15
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Maxwell,

Hey, I thought we were keeping the new AT blog headquarters a secret!

posted by mattplantguy on 2007-10-17 12:23:18
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My goodness. Being rich sure has it's advantages, I guess.

posted by SPHH on 2007-10-17 12:24:14
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Blog headquarters? And here I figured AT was going to gather its entire NYC readership and start an (extremely well-decorated) commune.

So, is it okay to have a massive monstrosity of a home if it’s stylishly designed and decorated?

Lifeiswithpeople, I'm always puzzled by AT's moments of Mega-Home Envy. I mean, if "smaller is better," than smaller is better, right? Mission statement... editorial policy... differentiates from every other shelter source out there...

(Personally, I have nothing against people buying whatever space they like and can afford, as long as the local housing stock includes something compact yet "nice" for me. But I don't read AT to see the same kinds of houses I'd see in Phoenix Home & Garden.)

BUT HEY, is there a timeline to buy? Or will we eventually be hearing about the joys of sharing 250 sf with a teenager? (Gotta build her a loft. Really.)

posted by wende in phoenix on 2007-10-17 12:30:01
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That place would make a nice inn.

2-3 nicely appointed rooms.

Small dining room with organic produce from one or all of the gardens.

Spa.

The zoning would have to be changed though. Makes more sense as a mansion.

posted by art on 2007-10-17 12:37:54
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12,000 sq feet?

I couldn't imagine living in such a place. I'd get lost. I'd wander from room to room wondering what on Earth I was there for. I can't even remember why I go into my kitchen, or my living room sometimes. I have to go back and retrace my steps. Though getting in a good swim and walking and walking and walking all day would probably be good for me.

posted by Alana in Canada on 2007-10-17 12:51:12
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It's very spacious and all, but I actually think the design is sterile and boring. large windows, a bunch of vines and some blocky neutral couches? big deal. I would expect a lot more for 17 million bucks.

posted by 212gretchen on 2007-10-17 13:09:26
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Well since you guys are used to 250 s/f, that means we'll all be moving in with you. Right? Guys? Guys?

posted by jennifer in sf on 2007-10-17 13:14:50
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I don't think there's anything wrong with oogling huge gorgeous houses while also patting onesself on the back for living in a small place, even if the real reason for the small space is that living space is preposterously expensive in New York.

posted by Jenny in DC on 2007-10-17 13:36:53
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Yeah, it's like the difference between having a spouse and still looking at porn.

posted by B on 2007-10-17 14:03:53
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If this was a McMansion in suburbia with the same square footage, y'all would be SCREAMING bloody murder.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2007-10-17 14:12:03
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...and talking about how it's irresponsible living.

I think lifeiswithpeople nailed it.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2007-10-17 14:12:51
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Lifeiswithpeople, I'm always puzzled by AT's moments of Mega-Home Envy. I mean, if "smaller is better," than smaller is better, right? Mission statement... editorial policy... differentiates from every other shelter source out there...

Seriously...there's so much consumerism and large space oogling on this site which runs counter to it's stated ideals...

Like that rich guy who spent $500,000 ALONE on the water features for his gorgeous backyard. Yeah, great. Of COURSE it's beautiful. Why wouldn't it be, for that kind of money?

Or is the "therapy" looking at what the average or even above-average person can never have and fantasizing about it?

posted by Monkeyme on 2007-10-17 14:27:34
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Wow, give it up people, I'm pretty sure the post is meant in a joking tone. That being said, what exactly is wrong with looking at big expensive homes and stealing/hacking those ideas for small sustainable living?

It's not a generic McMansion, it's a beautiful, expensive, well-designed and ridiculously large "apartment". He's just showing pictures, not advocating buying one. I for one am delighted to get my inspiration from anywhere so please keep posting all great design/decor, small and large.

posted by sidney on 2007-10-17 14:45:49
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e3, I've seen those fixtures at Liz's Antique Hardware in LA...

http://www.lahardware.com

posted by debtex on 2007-10-17 15:36:44
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This is all very nice, but I wish this site wouldn't post articles about the supposed joys of living in smaller spaces as though it is preferable outside of financial considerations...

posted by Michael on 2007-10-17 15:39:52
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Yeah, this is nice, but she doesn't qualify for the smallest coolest, so boo sucks to her.

Me, I would love to live there if I could afford to heat and cool it properly, principles be dammed!

posted by Sofia on 2007-10-17 18:30:59
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After seeing this home, I need real therapy to talk about my extreme envy.

posted by right angle on 2007-10-17 19:15:26
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I like box spaces. I switched out my larger bedroom for a smaller bedroom and I can reach all four walls without getting off my bed. I am glad Maxwell posted this house because it is entertaining to look at the photos. Keep posting whatever catches your fancy.

posted by Cerise Ly on 2007-10-17 21:36:18
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Maybe i'm wired funny, but i appreciate seeing these kinds of spaces precisely because it shows just how wasteful it is to live in 12000 sq ft. (I mean, who needs four couches AND three outdoor garden areas?) Seeing the ridiculous excess makes me feel quite content with my small space, where I know I use everything I own.

posted by JDog on 2007-10-17 23:57:30
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Wow, so this is what creating ugly paintings will buy! I've never been a fan of her work. Can't say I'm much more of a fan of her style either. Somehow I expected to see more plaid and not so neutral colors.

posted by dmstudio on 2007-10-18 00:16:32
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Color me green (kelly green please) with envy. This place would make me a shut-in, I'd never leave home.

posted by I Love Upstate on 2007-10-18 09:50:54
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I think its ok to have a massive monstrosity of a home if you fill it with family and friends. If I lived there, I'd invite all of you over to sit on the sofas and swim in the pool.

posted by Kate (NC) on 2007-10-18 10:14:33
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I don't see anything wrong with oogling this gorgeous home. I live in a one bedroom apartment that I love but I'd give it up for a bigger space in a heartbeat if I had the money.

Just because this is "Apartment Therapy" doesn't mean that it's the only way to go. Most of us will probably be in apartments until we purchase something bigger. Apartment therapy is about enjoying your small space while you are there and making it comforatble and beautiful.

posted by orangejuce on 2007-10-18 13:11:22
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debtex -- thanks!

posted by e3 on 2007-10-18 14:17:45
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Honestly, with the budget I have, decorating my home with furnishings from DWR is just as out-of-reach as ever having a home like this. But it doesn't mean I avoid every post with their furniture. I come here for ideas, big and small.

posted by greta on 2007-10-18 16:46:21
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this is so chic and devine! i would do anything for that pool!

posted by savy shopper on 2007-10-19 02:32:56
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Any ideas about what those kitchen countertops are made of?

posted by TML on 2007-10-21 22:05:07
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Does it count as being a shut in if you live in 12,000 sq ft.?

What's the difference between looking at a place like this and drooling over a $15,000 light fixture?

To be honest, this place looks a little bland, though I do covet the bookshelves and garden space. It would be great if you want to be able to swim laps or roller skate without leaving home.

posted by Cassis on 2007-12-03 09:26:34
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1) I said this last week: I have nothing against big ol' bourgeois-style houses with matching living room furniture, which is why I flip through Architectural Digest in my doctor's waiting room. It's not why I read AT.

2) I hate to be pedantic, but this is one of my pet peeves: It's OGLING, not "OOGLING."

posted by lookingupatleaves on 2007-12-03 11:30:09
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The interiors are nothing I haven't seen in a million other nesting magazines, but those exteriors...breathtaking!!!

posted by LIMOM on 2007-12-03 16:19:45
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I am going to write the government about people living in spaces this big, having more than two bathrooms, and more than one garage. Some of those houses even have a garden shed to store the ride-on mower and leaf blower. They should be ashamed when folks like us live in 500-1000 sq.ft. Now I'm off to see my therapist about home envy.

posted by bobbin on 2007-12-04 00:12:21
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dmstudio, i was about to tell you how juealousy make you look ugly. but then i looked at her paintings. you are right.

about the house. well if i could afford it, i'd live there. i can appreciate tiny flats and huge homes. But the decor is abit boring for my taste.

posted by black_sheep on 2007-12-07 05:53:53
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I've been inside. For a book party years ago. The room with the pool has an open fire. Sweet.

posted by NeoGrec on 2007-12-11 17:06:56
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Probably a late comment, but try School House Electric for those fixtures...

posted by dn on 2007-12-15 20:21:07
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The decor is beautiful- but in my personal opinion- good DESIGN involves efficient space planning. I can honestly say I would never want to live in a place that consumes so much space, energy, and "stuff". Unfortunately I know a lot people think differently.

posted by JulieD on 2007-12-17 15:35:25
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wow, I just looked up her paintings, and I think they are beautiful. But then again, being in art school develops a very open mind. I think that the space is huge, maybe too huge, but I am so inspired by the gardens and all the light coming in through those amazing windows.

posted by jrstar45 on 2007-12-18 11:27:18
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It's quite lovely....but I am really looking for something a little bigger!

posted by what on 2007-12-21 14:43:43
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And here I just assumed that ooglling was a new internet term that I never heard of, meaning to ogle while googling.

posted by mousetomato on 2008-01-07 16:25:55
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Despite all the negativity towards the size, i have to say: this place makes me drool. It just might be my dream home. Having that much SPACE and LIGHT and GREEN while still being in the city is a dream...

Why do we spend so much effort making our small spaces "feel spacious" and then look down our noses at actual spaciousness?

posted by Deeliscious on 2008-01-07 16:49:15
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I would love the space (but don't really need 12,000 square feet; half that would do nicely) the green, the light but frankly, the furninshings are kind of boring .

posted by msbeachwood on 2008-01-09 14:09:38
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ok, it's huge and lovely. but i've been coming to this site for 1 1/2 years for ideas on our small, rented apartment and I'm getting less and less intrigued. i could get the same ideas from elle decor, metro home, and any book in a book store (you have a few tours that still apply - but i have to search now). i thought the idea was to get creative solutions to our space challenged, no yard humble abodes.....guess not. AT - please listen - you were my one reliable and usable source. thanks.

posted by jenwed on 2008-01-11 19:41:45
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i love the space but the interior design looks a library.

posted by layke on 2008-01-21 23:54:35
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oh my god i can not expalne this pain i feel when i see this house i love love love love it .
I would do 12,000 feet any day in new york city this house is a dream !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted by vitenshtein on 2008-02-26 17:04:40
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posted by Rainnuo on 2008-03-30 10:28:35
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