One of my favorite past times is taking my children out and experiencing the wonder of our enchanting City through their eyes. Yesterday, Sofia and I had fun strolling along the High Line and cozying up in the charming High Line Hotel.
Though located in the most hopping part of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, the new High Line Hotel sits within the tranquil, cloistered grounds of the General Theological Seminary, a venerable Episcopal institution that dates from 1817 and occupies a prime block fronting 10th Avenue.
Formerly an apple orchard, the property was part of a vast estate that stretched from what is now Eighth Avenue to the Hudson River and belonged to Clement Clarke Moore, a wealthy gentleman who in 1822 penned the Yuletide classic “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
A zinc topped bar offers the full Intelligentsia coffee experience for guests who want to saddle up to the bar or sit in the quiet back courtyard a step away. Before Intelligentsia opened this outpost, there was hardly any place to go for coffee in the area so I’m thankful that I finally have a chic spot for my morning pick-me-up.
Meanwhile another Intelligentsia first sits out front; our fully refurbished 1963 Citroen coffee truck. The truck serves a limited selection of espresso and pourovers for passers by along 10th Avenue. We affectionately call it Minibar. A tip from Sofia: don’t miss the brownies and the chocolate chip cookies – they’re TO DIE FOR! Also a must…ask for the Angelina coffee!
Surprising artwork, vintage furniture, and antique carpets were sourced from around the world and thoughtfully arranged in each spacious room, which frames a view of either the High Line park or the interior quad.
Throughout the transformation into a hotel, the building’s original stained-glass windows, moldings, pine floors, fireplace mantels, and stairwells were preserved.
Are there other places throughout the City that you love to explore with your children? Let me know so I can scope out another new adventure and share it with you all! Email me at claudia@townrealestate.com.
