Courtney Love’s Old NYC Home Will Make You Love Lacquer

It might be surprising to think that a home built in 1826 is full of modern updates, but this townhouse in New York’s West Village proves that old and new can mix… and mix well. According to Curbed, this stunning 3,000-square-foot property—which boasts both Courtney Love and designer Steven Gambrel as past residents—is back on the market for $11.25 million. Douglas Elliman has the listing.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in a Merchant Bond style. Following in the footsteps of Gambrel’s initial vision for the space, a later owner recruited design firm Environmental Design Group to carry out a renovation that would bring the interior designer’s decor dreams to fruition. The result? A colorful space that’s vibrant, yet refined, and elegant, yet home-y.

“One thing that’s particularly special to me is that this historic home, which is 190 years old, feels timeless,” says Jordan Shea, the listing agent for the property. “Steven Gambrel had a terrific vision for the property. The EDG evolved that vision; it isn’t a complete, 180-degree redo—as is common when a famous designer follows a famous designer—but rather, a higher, better execution of the home’s aesthetic potential. Thanks to their work, everything from the gate to the last square inch is all perfectly sequenced. The house is an experience, not just a residence.”

This begins with a combined kitchen and dining space on the lowest level. Featuring custom blue lacquered cabinets set against a white brick wall, a massive dining table ideal for entertaining, and even a built-in fireplace, the space mixes contemporary fixtures with historical architectural elements.

Upstairs, an impressive entry-level sitting room implements blue lacquer in order to tie the room to the downstairs motif, and a brass-plated fireplace adds opulence. (But of course, the French milled flooring and high ceilings that run throughout the home help, too.)

Actually, that same blue lacquer is a constant throughout the residence, from the windows in the third floor office down to the entry gate outside. It’s a favorite of Shea’s, who cites it as a standout feature of the property.

“I am in love with how EDG implemented lacquer throughout the townhouse—I’ve never seen it so appropriately executed, and it’s just gorgeous,” he says.

Other standout features include a light-filled double living room, complete with two (two!) marble fireplaces and 12-inch ceilings, and a master bedroom suite that includes yet another wood-burning fireplace and custom bath. The theme of mixing old and new is prevalent in each room, too: For example, bright turquoise subway tiles and modern light fixtures in one of the many bathrooms pair nicely with more traditional, luxe elements like marble flooring and a beige-toned vanity.

Interested in picking up this West Village gem? Visit Douglas Elliman for the full listing.

Head to jordangarrettshea.com, and see more real estate updates on his Instagram.

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