Meticulous Urban Oasis

Written By: Lisa Troyano-Ascolese of Engel & Volkers Hoboken

Being a real estate agent in Hoboken, I find myself touring some pretty remarkable residences. I’m always surprised by the level of detail that some people put into their homes yet never surprised by that stunning, all too familiar view of the New York City skyline us Gold Coasters tend to take for granted. What I love is the never ending sea of property owners and buyers I have the privilege of getting to know. Each story is more fascinating than the next and watching their personal lives influence how they design their home is a thrill. As a seasoned realtor who finds herself selling many luxury properties, I have seen many high-end residences, few however have left me breathless…until now.

Danielle and Jeff have been married 14 years ago and long ago made the bold and often criticized decision to not have children. Instead they have embarked on one of the most interesting lifestyles imaginable while maintaining a home base here in Hoboken. “The fabric of our relationship was built on the desire to travel and live life to the fullest, as we both knew we valued different life experiences over having a family. J’s the only family I need,” said Danielle. In 2008, they decided to purchase at 1500 Garden Street, also known as the coveted Harborside Lofts. One of Toll Brother’s crown jewels of Hoboken this pre-war loft style condo building was refurbished with the discerning luxury buyer in mind. Units boast NYC views, impressively high ceilings, and a stock appliance package that surpasses most luxury suburban homes. Complete with a roof deck, community room, gym and 24 hour doorman, it’s a little slice of heaven 5 minutes away from Manhattan. Danielle and Jeff were sold.

After moving in, they quickly hired Yvette Meehan of Yvette Meehan Designs, the well-known self-made interior design mogul who has amassed a portfolio of some of the Gold Coast’s most elite clientele. “I met them through other clients I had in the neighboring luxury buildings and we instantly hit it off, explained Yvette. “I love the fact that they travel a lot so their taste is eclectic. I’m always trying to fit the wares they return home with into the design.” To say that Danielle and Jeff travel a lot is quite an understatement. The two spend more time on planes than in their 1,900+ square foot condominium. “We believe in living life to the fullest, go big or go home,” said Danielle as she smilesd at her husband. The pair have collectively visited over 80 countries thus far and continue to learn from every trip they embark on.

“It was very fun to merge Danielle’s modern taste with Jeff’s very modern taste,” Yvette laughed. “You enter the home and to the untrained eye you see a vastly simple modern space. When you break down all the details the level of attention that was paid is exquisite.” When Yvette began to list the number of custom items created for Danielle and Jeff’s dream apartment my eyes unavoidably widened. The headboards, interior doors, side chairs, sofa and rugs have all been custom designed to fit the exact space they find themselves in. The wallpaper was customized and meticulously planned for each room. For example, the dining room wall paper is all Murano glass bead imported from Italy. The fabrics all serve varying purposes and the combination exudes a level of class and luxury rarely seen in condo living. “The level of detail the space commands is amazing. For example, what looks like a simple shower curtain in the second bathroom was actually custom cut Larsen silk which needed to be specially ordered due to the high height of the shower rod,” explained Yvette who smiled as she calmly sipped her coffee. She clearly considers this a masterpiece and takes great pride in her work, as she should.

The home boasts 2 large bedrooms and a den which has been turned into an elaborate private dining room complete with a famous chandelier. “It was the first project we started with,” Yvette told me. “Danielle had just seen the film ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and called me to tell me she wanted that chandelier. A few weeks later it was hanging in their home and I was designing an apartment around it.” The two and a half bathrooms boast Japanese style Toto toilets which are pricey receptacles programmed to sense a person approaching and react accordingly. They wash, dry and prepare for the next person to arrive. Jeff’s love for Japan, however, far surpasses the toilets as he happens to be a collector of Japanese art which is displayed throughout the residence. The master bedroom suite showcases an immense custom headboard adorned with shiny nail heads, custom wallpaper, in-wall speakers, towering drapery and a much sought after Nancy Corzine chair in the corner. Walk past the abundant walk-in closet and you arrive at the en-suite master bath with marble shower, double vanity and yes, a Japanese Toto toilet.

“This is our sanctuary. We have everything we could want here and more. We couldn’t be happier,” said Danielle as the pair sat casually with their towering ceilings and panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline lit up behind them. The home was listed for sale a few years ago when the couple thought their lives were taking them elsewhere. I was privileged enough to have the listing for those few weeks and found it immensely rewarding to learn about the level of detail that went into this condo. We removed the listing because they decided to stay in Hoboken, a town they both fell in love with years ago. Danielle and Jeff continue to travel the world and embrace life. Whether they are in an Ashram in India or sailing through the Mekong in Cambodia, Danielle and Jeff’s outlook remains the same: live life to the fullest and cherish every day. On the homefront, Yvette will make sure they do so in meticulous urban style.

For information on condominiums of this caliber or the luxury condo market, please contact Lisa Troyano-Ascolese at Engel & Völkers Hoboken 201.213.2617 or lisa.troyano-ascolese@engelvoelkers.com.