Whimsical West Village Condo Hits the Market
Michael Holtz and Megan Glendy recently showcased their vibrant renovation of a West Village condominium, making quite the impression.
As per the latest update from StreetEasy, the couple’s three-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence in the iconic 165 Charles Mansion has just been listed for $11.25 million.
The ambitious overhaul of this expansive property even caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal, which featured it in a 2022 article highlighting its eye-catching living room installation—a unique treehouse feature.
The renovation involved merging two units into a spacious 3,500-square-foot home, a project handled by a New York City construction company.
The flexible layout includes a kitchen with a slide-out cabinet, offering a playful touch.
Holtz, who founded a luxury travel agency, has been active in the Manhattan real estate market since 2004. He previously flipped several high-end properties, including a notable $3.82 million sale to Sean “Diddy” Combs. The Journal mentions that Holtz acquired 165 Charles through a series of purchases between 2005 and 2008, amounting to about $9.9 million.
According to records from Zillow, Holtz and Glendy have attempted to sell a group of four units multiple times. Following a failed attempt in 2017, they decided a change was necessary.
They enlisted the help of an architectural firm to merge two of the units into the impressive home, featuring a custom “treehouse” at its core.
This uniquely designed wooden structure, stretching 22 feet to the ceiling of the living room, was crafted by chief architect Andrew Hyde. The intention was to fill the spacious area without violating any building codes.
The treehouse features what they call “noble escape net seating,” allowing for a soft space rather than a traditional loft area, complete with a view of the Hudson River. A spiral staircase leads up into the treehouse.
This striking installation has drawn considerable attention from people passing by. The couple noted that onlookers have speculated about its purpose, alongside occasional curiosity about what lies within the apartment.
The family room can seamlessly open into the living area through a set of swivel bookshelves, creating a fluid space.
The renovation promotes a lifestyle centered around community, emphasizing a flow between private and shared areas and making use of pocket doors for adaptability. Features like cabinets and bookshelves can be adjusted based on the owners’ needs.
In addition to the double-height living room, the property boasts a family room as well as two kitchens. The family room also has private bathrooms, which could serve as a fourth bedroom if needed.
John Capobianco from Douglas Elliman is listing the property, describing it as a “city tree house.”
He shared that the family has been expanding since 2022, prompting their search for a more traditional home suitable for children. Capobianco mentioned that despite being newly on the market, the condo has already attracted two showings and numerous inquiries.
