Boston's Historic Charm & Hometown Feel: Luxury in the South End
Ranking among the most beautiful neighborhoods in Greater Boston, the South End boasts the largest Victorian row house district in the nation. Originally an 1800’s large-scale landfill project designed to emulate 18th century residential England, the Bostonians drawn to the South End have vastly transformed over the decades.
Today, residents seeking luxury in the South End are an enviably diverse population, and the enclave of stately townhomes and delightful community parks commands a coveted spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Compass Luxury sat down with some of the South End’s most notable luxury agents to learn more about the special historic district just outside the perimeter of downtown.
Its preservation creates a true sense of place.
By the early 1900’s, the once tony South End neighborhood had fallen to disrepair, its ornately detailed Victorian gems broken up into multifamily apartments and lodging homes. Compass - Boston agent Nick Hanneman explains, “Perhaps one of the most extraordinary things about luxury in the South End is the level of craftsmanship and care its residents and developers have taken to restore the original architecture. Ornate details like moldings, herringbone floors and grand staircases are seamlessly blended with modern luxuries like designer chef’s kitchens, surround sound systems, Lutron lighting, radiant heat, and primary suites with en suite baths. Its preservation creates a true sense of place.”
In addition to townhomes, there is also a wealth of converted warehouses in the South End, immaculately reimagined to become luxury loft, duplexes and triplexes. Chris Gonzales of Compass - Boston details, “SoWa, or ‘South of Washington Street’ is chic, arty, and highly desirable. Like all of the South End, the neighborhood is terrifically walkable, with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants just steps from the fabulous apartments. Some of the buildings offer full service concierge services, and phenomenal outdoor space and roof decks with sweeping views of the city.”
Outdoor space is a defining luxury characteristic of the neighborhood. Compass - Boston agent Daisy Penney explains, “Many of the most coveted row houses were built next to what we refer to as ‘pocket parks’, which pepper the neighborhood every few blocks. Some of these charming greenspaces are keyed, only accessible to those homes which line the park’s perimeter, and some parks are open for all to enjoy.” Compass - Boston agent John Gould chimes in, “A handful of South End pocket parks boast stunning Victorian fountains, which emit the peaceful sounds of trickling water, a remarkable feature for those living in an urban environment.”
It offers a quiet luxury lifestyle.
Nick sheds detail on what first drew him and Chris to luxury in the South End. “Like countless others, we initially fell in love with the architecture. But then we got to know the local businesses, like the specialty food purveyors, coffee shops, boutique home design stores, and even local eyewear producers” Chris adds, “It is also a restaurant-forward neighborhood, with notable chefs and elevated spaces. Tucking into a small bistro for a bite and a glass of wine is extra inviting when set in a cozy and intimate 1850’s storefront.”
In many ways, it is the South End’s intimacy which creates its unique luxury lifestyle. Daisy shares, “You may find residents hanging out on their stoops, drinking a coffee and simply watching the world go by. It’s an open invitation for passersby to stop over and say hi. South End residents also really get into decorating their stoops for the holidays; outdoor spaces are cherished and used by city dwellers, and they are fully maximized for aesthetics, meeting, and mingling.”
John nods and underscores, “If you want to have a night on the town or hit the nightclubs, the Theatre District is a quick five minute ride away. By contrast, the South End is casual. Livable. Comfortable. Familiar. It offers a quiet luxury lifestyle that is especially easy to recommend to those moving to Boston from a smaller city, or those moving here from a big city who are accustomed to those big city offerings but want a neighborhood they can relax into.
Luxury is about anticipating clients’ needs.
While luxury in the South End may have a relaxed, understated feel, the care these agents give throughout their real estate transactions is anything but casual. John had a prior career in high-end hospitality, focusing on exceptional service and fostering long-lasting client relationships, and it has proved the perfect preparation for selling South End luxury. “Working in luxury hospitality and luxury real estate are directly correlated, because luxury is about anticipating clients’ needs. This comes from a deep understanding of what your high-net-worth buyer is looking for, and how to best serve your high-end seller.” Chris also came to real estate from a background in luxury hospitality management, and wholeheartedly agrees. “These are special properties at significant price points. Discretion is essential, and the highest level of professionalism is expected and delivered.”
Daisy speaks to her approach when working with clients in the South End. “It is all about accessibility and accountability. There must be an ease of communication, along with data driven and real-time insight. There is very limited inventory when it comes to the most sought-after properties, such as a 25-foot-wide historic single family home with period details intact. It is our job to ensure our buyers and sellers are empowered with the most effective strategies and real-time market data to make their sale or purchase a success.”
“Ours is a referral business,” Nick adds. “When we begin a client relationship, we embark on the relationship as if this will be a relationship for life. After all, while architecture and beauty of the South End is what draws people in, it’s the neighborhood’s soul that keeps them here. Everyone knows everyone and interacts with the same people every day. The South End’s uniquely strong sense of community may be its greatest luxury of all.”
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