TRENDS & INSIGHTS: Loft Living

This happens to be one of my all-time favorite topics, loft living. For those of you who have been on our mailing list for a while, you may remember this Trends & Insights from last year, and we're bringing it back with new listings.

While loft living is not for everyone, a beautiful loft home can certainly be appreciated by all. No loft is the same, however, most lofts will have some combination of exposed bricks, beams, concrete, pipes, and a large open floor plan.

Many people connect lofts with an industrial feel, and the reason for that is many of the loft buildings were converted from old, abandoned factories (although some loft buildings are built from scratch now, as loft living has become quite trendy). Many of the well known Boston area loft buildings have fascinating histories. 156 Porter in East Boston used to be a bra factory, The Baker Square Condominiums in Dorchester used to be the factory for Baker Chocolates, DNA Lofts in Dorchester used to be a printing press, The Charleston Chew Lofts in Everett are exactly what they sound like - originally the Charleston Chew candy factory, and almost the entire Leather District is made up of buildings that used to be leather factories.

We’ve created a collection of some of the best loft homes currently on the market. Click HERE to see the entire collection or scroll down to view a few of our personal favorites.

42 Chauncy Street, Unit 7C, Downtown

1 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,890 SqFt | $1,250,000

Dramatic Midtown “Manhattan-style” loft designed by Stern McCafferty Architects located in the historic Edison Plant Building. This home was designed for entertaining and features an open concept kitchen completely upgraded, with granite countertops, gas stove, dual wall ovens, and a wine refrigerator. It boasts exposed brick and hardwood floors. The master, located on the mezzanine level, features a custom California Closet. The luxury master bath is complete with walk-in steam shower. Conveniently attached to the master bath is a generous walk-in closet with a custom California Closet and LG stackable W/D. The second full bathroom has been completely remodeled. Oversized windows illuminate the 17-foot ceiling and allow fantastic sunlight during day and the dramatic cityscape at night. Control the view with remote controlled blinds. The lighting throughout the unit is Lutron Caseta “smart” lighting, which can be paired with any virtual assistant.

Listed by Tracy Campion & Jeffrey Korzon of Campion and Company

437 D Street, Unit 5C, Seaport District

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,401 SqFt | $1,250,000

This exceptional loft in the Seaport has soaring ceilings! This modern home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with beautiful custom finishes, sleek white walls, wide plank hard wood floors and the ideal open layout. The fifth floor has the highest ceiling height in, The Seaport Loft building. Measuring over 18-foot ceilings with oversized front and corner windows, allowing for gorgeous natural light all day. The sleek stainless steel fireplace and separate bar area with a wine refrigerator make the dining space intimate and perfect for entertaining. Two full bathrooms come equipped with beautiful glass showers and marble tiling. This unit comes with deeded garage parking and access to one of the most beautiful common roof decks in the Seaport with water views!

Listed by Allison Mazer & Gina Morda of Compass

21 Wormwood Street, Unit 310, Fort Point

1 Bed | 1 Bath | 783 SqFt | $750,000

Dramatic & truly stylish - a rare oppty to own an affordable, unique true brick & beam luxury Loft in the Fort Point Channel District in the most sought after Seaport Area of Boston. Enjoy the warmth & charm of this re-purposed original 120+ yr old industrial bldng w orig exposed brick & wide beams that complement the striking Birch hwd flrs, Tall ~12' ceilings w 3 huge 3'6'' x 6' industrial windows & new contemporary finishes. Chef's kitchen w high end S/S appliances: 4 burner gas Bertazzoni range w convection oven, s/s range hood, Bosch D/W, Liebherr German fridge, double farmers sink w the most gorgeous sea glass/stone counters & a new Swedish inspired bath. Enjoy the open concept of urban living w a flexible floor plan while having a Butcher Block breakfast bar & sep dinning area - Have it all: w your single deeded prkng space,(#41), in unit w/d, c a/c, & elevator. 2 blocks to all of the Seaport: Icon Theater, 50+ restaurants, Breweries, Whole foods,Trader Joes all steps away!

Listed by Robert Cohen of Engel & Volkers

10 Williams Street, Unit 13, Roxbury

1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,308 SqFt | $625,000

Remarkable true industrial loft, located in the heart of the city, a stone's throw to the vibrant South End & Dudley Square has just been renovated with many contemporary updates and preserved historic details. Open concept floorplan has functional build-outs & a flexible floorplan as many units with similar space in the building have built out 1-2 beds. Current bedroom used as a walk-in custom closet & laundry area. Stunning details include original 11’ high tin ceilings throughout, exposed brick, bright oversized windows, polished concrete flooring, exposed posts/beams & ductwork for central HVAC. Renovated kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counters, breakfast bar, bathroom with deep soaking tub & marble vanity. 1 deeded off-street parking space in gated lot. Massive common roof deck with panoramic views of the city. Includes secure basement storage. Orange Line, #1 Mass Ave/Harvard Square Bus, Silver Line are steps away. This is loft living at its best!

Listed by Eric Johnson of Compass

156 Porter Street, Unit 441, East Boston

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,017 SqFt | $1,245,000

Rare pre-market opportunity for a spectacular 3 bed/2 bath East Boston loft with skyline views that you can only dream of! A dramatic space of over 2000 SF, this home combines industrial details with thoughtful architectural updates. Enter to wide open living area where a wall of windows offers unobstructed views of the Boston skyline. Enjoy unmatched space for leisure, living and dining with room to spare. The kitchen features Sub Zero and Viking appliances and a huge island. Expansive master suite presents city views on full display and includes custom closets and renovated bathroom. Other highlights include separate dining room, central air, in-unit laundry, soaring ceilings, bamboo floors and direct access garage parking for four cars. Deeded roof rights provide an opportunity for a gorgeous private roof deck to be added. Professionally managed building with on-site maintenance staff, landscaped grounds, common roof deck and community room. The Jeffries Point neighborhood enjoys Boston Harbor access, great parks, many new restaurants, shops and family amenities. Get into the neighborhood while you still can and live just moments to the T, Seaport, Downtown and major highways.

Listed by Joe Cunningham of Compass