A sneak peek at the Winter Place condos at the Locke-Ober building.
Credit: Meridian Realty Group
The hustle and bustle of Winter Street and Downtown Crossing is soon left behind as one turns onto tiny Winter Place. Many know this cobblestone cul-de-sac as the onetime home of one of Boston’s most famous eateries: Locke-Ober, which closed in 2012 after serving Boston’s movers and shakers for almost 140 years. Soon, a new restaurant will open there, but no one is saying who yet.
Above the ground floor restaurant site is where the current action lies as Winter Place Residences, six condos spread through the interconnected six buildings that held Locke-Ober’s private dining rooms and stores, come online. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so development was within the buildings’ natural inclinations, resulting in each home having a different configuration. Finishing in a different style — from neo-classical with ornate moldings to loft-like with cathedral ceilings — further honored that.
Each, however, is strikingly spacious — from around 2200 square feet to about 3400 square feet — and has private direct elevator access. These homes feel more like a detached single family dwelling than a condo development.
Ranging from $1.75 million to $3 million, deluxe trappings include steam showers, Jacuzzi tubs, and Wolf gas ranges. There is no lobby, though, and none of the social aspects of modern day luxury condos — apart from a communal roof deck.
“You don’t see a lobby, you just jump on the elevator and head home,” says Keith Shirley, a principle at Winter Place Residences’ listing agents, Meridian Realty Group. “The building has a warm feeling, but the homes have great open space to entertain or relax in. Each is unique and a different experience. Some facets of the restaurant remain, like the Honduran mahogany. It’s amazing to think that you are living in the space where JFK ate dinner.”
Talking of dinner, we gently press for info on the restaurant space, but lips are sealed: “I’m not at liberty to say,” says Shirley. “But it will be outstanding and first class, something reflecting these beautiful homes.”
Pricing
What does $2 million get you at Winter Place? It gets Penthouse Two with two large bedrooms, each with en suite baths (the master bath has a stand-alone soaking tub), and two private outdoor decks. With an asking price of $1.9 million, you get some change too! 1-4 Winter Place, Boston. www.winterplaceboston.com.
