Elegant Village Rental Has Ties to the Underground Railroad and Lincoln’s Assassin

In a city rich with history it’s always fun to learn of a building’s interesting past, and the walls of this 1830s historic mansion at 45 Grove Street, in which you’ll find this elegant West Village rental, must certainly have some stories to tell.

Not only was it a secret stop on the Underground Railroad, but one of its former residents, actor Samuel K. Chester, claimed that John Wilkes Booth visited there in early 1865 and tried to convince him to join a “conspiracy to take over the government” and kidnap President Abraham Lincoln. Chester wanted nothing to do with the plan and Booth went on to assassinate the president in April of that year.

The building’s elegant interior has no trouble rivaling its storied past and apartment 2D is no exception. Overlooking one of the most coveted and gorgeous blocks in the city, oversized windows drench the apartment with sunlight. And when the sun’s not shining? An elaborate Italian chandelier in the living room, one of four that adorn this home, gorgeously illuminates the space.

Period details such as the two exquisitely carved mantles and the custom wooden window treatments offer a nod to the residence’s pre-war grandeur, while the updated kitchen and bathroom provide the necessary contemporary conveniences.

Located on a quiet West Village street, this one-bedroom apartment, currently leasing for $8,000 per month, is not only convenient to transportation but mere steps away from some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants and trendiest shopping.

[Listing: 45 Grove Street, 2D by Alan Lavian of Kian Realty]

Photos courtesy of Kian Realty

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