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London Terrace Alcove Studio Tempts House Hunters at $499K

By DNAinfo Staff on October 8, 2012 12:48pm

405 W. 23rd St., # 11F

Studio

$499,000

Maintenance: $1,155

CHELSEA — House hunters visiting this alcove studio Sunday in the famed London Terrace, the block-long complex that has been home to celebs such as Debbie Harry, Annie Liebovitz and Susan Sontag, wondered if there was enough space.

Prospective buyers were impressed by the many historic touches in this 1929 doorman building: oak floors; 8.5-foot beamed ceilings, a storage-packed "trundle" sleeping alcove and original pre-war bathroom tile work with a cast-iron tub.

But many weren't certain whether the space was ample enough and wondered if it was out-dated.

"The building is phenomenal," said a 42-year-old risk manager. "But the co-op [apartment] needs a new kitchen. I'd rip it out completely and replace it with something more modern. I'd put in white granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances."

He also thought the paint was "too dark" for the space.

Another visitor, a 30-year-old designer, voiced similar sentiments.

"It's really nice," he said. "It kind of looks different from the pictures. It seemed a lot bigger and brighter. And it seems like the people in the building are older [than I thought]."

Overall, though, he had a positive impression.

"The view is nice," he added.

Sotheby's agent Glenn Norrgard, who's handling the sale, said the "the layout is pretty typical" for the building. The studios in the building range from 400 to 500 square feet, he said.

But he said that there was a bonus in the floorplan: the kitchen was separate from the living and sleeping area, and there was a dressing room next to the bathroom. So, even though it’s a studio, it’s considered to have two rooms.

The building’s amenities included a gym, indoor pool and laundry, Norrgard said.

And in a city characterized by constant change, the co-op's impressive view of Chelsea from the 11th floor will remain unobstructed, he said.

Norrgard, who also lives in the , explained that the Chelsea Historic District prevented the construction of any buildings that could alter the skyline.

"We have a unit that has southern exposure windows and a view that can't change," he said.

The risk manager weighed this against any design inconveniences.

"At $499,000,” he said. “It's a very good deal.”