All accustomed to the fact that new York is a city of glass and concrete. Glittering skyscrapers rise to the heavens, slitting their spires to the clouds and dwarfing everything around it with its greatness. Standing beside them I feel small and insignificant, and it both excites and depresses. However, there is in the Big Apple the place that has not lost the charm of the century romance, tender letters and exciting romance novels.
Villa Charlotte Bronte can be called the most beautiful building in new York. It is located in the area of Spuyten Duyvil, that can be roughly translated from Dutch as «devil flowing stream.» This name clearly has a direct relationship to the dangerous tidal currents created by the confluence of the Hudson and Harlem. Despite the unflattering name of the location, yourself Villa was designed by a pastoral refuge from the bustle of new York than the building remains to this day.
The residence was built in 1926 by John McKelvey, a lawyer and writer and owner of a construction company. He felt oppressed by the active construction of apartment buildings in Northern Manhattan, so on the other end of the city, in the Bronx, he wanted to create something completely opposite of «ugly» skyscrapers.
McKelvey cherished dream to build a cooperative apartment, reminiscent of the «Villa consisting of individual duplex and triplex homes.» He ordered the project of the new villas by the architect Robert Gardner (who also designed the building of the Institute of arts and Sciences Staten island Museum Staten island). Thus was born the Villa Charlotte Bronte, consisting of two identical buildings separated by a Central courtyard with spectacular views of the Hudson river.
The residence, built in the style of an Italian Villa, had 17 co-op apartments, each of which had their own paths, steps and stone arches. The building is incredibly beautiful. It is decorated with fanciful architectural elements, balconies and sash Windows. Wall with external sides are coated with a layer of plaster, with brick and stone ornament is decorated with multi-colored roof tiles. Each apartment is unique in terms of layout and views of the Hudson river. The complex boasts luxurious gardens with lush vegetation and an abundance of greenery.
Each apartment has its own private entrance. However, to get inside is a quest for the patient. For example, to get to one of the apartments, you need to climb two flights in the direction of the Hudson river, then turn right and climb two flights of stairs to the front door. The other front door and hid behind a small arched grotto. It is clear that to live in this apartment complex — not for the faint of heart. In this apartment in this building sold for over $ 1 million.
One thing is for sure – this Villa is definitely the only building of its kind. The combination of a sublime location on a hill, amazing views and architectural beauty lies a kind of concentrated magic.
