When Fran and John Cherchio made the decision to buy a home, they didn’t need to go very far. They were already living in Port Liberté when the third and final phase of their building was completed.
The Cherchios secured a corner unit that offers spectacular views on three sides, each offering something unique – the first of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the second of the Statue of Liberty, and the third of a pool and canal.
The couple had two requirements for their new home: providing enough space for their two children, and maintaining the convenience of city living. They found both in a spacious townhome that does double duty.
Their waterfront apartment provided exactly what they were looking for – the perfect balance of urban retreat and community life. Feeling comfortable in the city is important to first-time homebuyers like the Cherchios, and maintaining a neighborhood feeling in urban areas is often difficult, but not impossible. “The moms here even have an online group to keep up-to-date,” Fran notes.
They quickly redesigned the space to suit the needs of each family member. Adapting the four-bedroom layout to include an upstairs gathering room and an office were first. Crafty organization of the pantries and closets provided plenty of storage area – a necessity with two children and their toys. Perhaps the storage was a bit too crafty, Fran jokes. “No one can believe we have kids when they come to visit,” she says.
To personalize their townhome, the Cherchios combined their varied ideas on design to create an eclectic blend.
Their home feels even grander as a result of their choice of furnishings. Rich earth tones are coupled with mahogany furniture to create depth. The bar is a good example of this interplay, with elegant distressed cabinetry alongside cool granite and tile work. Custom touches like crown molding and tailor-made drapery add to the feel of classic elegance throughout the apartment. Even the children’s bedrooms maintain the continuity, with custom wood drawers.
Now that the design is done, there seems to be only one last task for the Cherchios: deciding which view they like best.