Back Bay, Boston

Like most of Manhattan, the Back Bay was originally built on landfill and has now become one of the most affluent and prestigious neighborhoods in all of New England; flowers, freshly cut grass and fine food are now the common scents of the Back Bay.

The area is most recognized for its high-end boutiques on Newbury Street, Prudential Center and the Copley Mall, as well as its plethora of ritzy bars and restaurants, which are sure to satisfy even the most refined palates.

Although Back Bay is known for its affluent residents and its five-star cuisine, it also caters to a younger, more hip crowd. The students of many area colleges enjoy sports bars like Whiskey’s and Daisy Buchanan’s, ready to rally with you for the Red Sox, Patriots or Celtics games. There is a Starbucks practically on every corner for the coffee connoisseur and loads of small, creative sandwich shops, pizza parlors and ethnic eateries that not only leave your tummy jumping for joy, but your wallet as well. Also, if you’re a sugar fanatic, Ben & Jerry’s, JP licks, and Paradise Bakery are there to help you curb those cravings, so eat up!

Living in the Back Bay is truly enjoying the best Boston has to offer with top-of-the-line line shopping, cuisine and entertainment literally in your back yard. Not to mention, several renowned salons, health and fitness centers, spas, yoga, Pilates and anything else a person living in the lap of luxury could possibly need or want.

As you walk out of your four-story brownstone onto the tree-lined sidewalk, you hear wisps of soothing jazz and blues, a free concert from a group of Berkeley students on the corner of Newbury and Dartmouth. You see trendy looking Bostonians walking their miniature dogs, window-shopping and chatting on their cell phones. As you walk into the heart of Copley Square, you pass droves of tourists snapping pictures of the John Hancock Tower, attempting to capture the reflection of Trinity Church in its all-glass façade. People relax along the Copley Square fountain, feeling the mist of the jetting waters whenever the wind changes direction, a relief of cool mist brushes your cheek.

A farmer’s market borders the Copley Square lawn and you peruse the fresh produce, baked breads, pies, and other sweets; you sniff the freshly cut flowers, compare the organically grown teas, coffee beans, and potted plants, until you find your hands full of paper bags filled with locally grown goodies. On your way home, a breeze carries the sweet and savory scents of fine foods, and the willowy trees along the winding sidewalks of the Public Garden relieve you with just the right amount of shade from the resplendent sun. The hustle and bustle of Newbury and Copley Square are now a soft whisper as you walk up to the stoop of your brownstone.

Life in the Back Bay is never dull. It maintains vibrancy, vitality and youth at every corner, while still emulating its luxurious and traditional rapport. The Back Bay is where all walks of life come to enjoy the services, beauty, history and culture.

If the Back Bay seems like your style, here are some great new developments to consider:

Back Bay Luxury Developments

The Charles View: Originally built as a hotel in 1923, call Fensgate, the property was completely converted into luxury condominiums in 2001. The property is just steps from the Charles River Esplanade, international shopping, fine dining, Boston University, and MIT. The property is pet friendly and also has garage parking available.

The Meads Of Commonwealth: Originally built in 1890 as a prestigious single-family dwelling, the Meads of Commonwealth has adhered to the standard of luxurious living. All 13 units, including the lavish penthouse unit has over 3,000+ square feet of indoor living space and 2,000+ square feet of outdoor space. Each unit has a unique and open floor plan with one underlying theme to tie them all in: exquisite taste and gracious living. These condominiums are listed at $1.8 million and above, all units feature high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Bosch), and each unit comes with one garage parking space, while the penthouse has two, and additional spaces are available for purchase.

360 Newbury: 360 Newbury is truly an architectural dream, originally developed in 1918, its struts are the signature of its uniqueness and progressiveness during the time. The building’s recent conversion to residential lofts has brought together designers such as Gehry, Robert Stern and Richard Meir to continue the tribute to this sentinel icon as an image of individuality. The 54 luxury lofts are all significantly different featuring high-end appliances, chic finishes, over-sized window, view panoramic views. These residences range from $565,000 to $4,000,000.

Mandarin Oriental: Renowned for its ultra luxurious amenities and services, the Mandarin pulls out all the stops from maid services to fine cuisine any time of night, this development has established itself as one of the premier ultra luxury buildings in all of Boston. Each unit was built with great detail: custom finishes, marble baths, stainless steel top-of-the-line appliances and all the amenities anyone could want or need. The buildings also features a 16,000 square foot fitness center, as well as beautiful boutiques and fine dining just an elevator ride down to the first floor.

Providence on Newbury: This development is a conversion of three existing townhouses by the architect G. Wilton Lewis into seven beautiful residences, creating a masterpiece inspired by Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles. Experience the lifestyle of elegance and affluence of the Boston’s Back Bay, through this prestigious Newbury address.

Trinity Place: Trinity Place is centrally located in the Back Bay, in the heart of Copley Square, overlooking the Boston Public Library, John Hancock Tower and Trinity Church. Trinity Place features all the amenities expected from such a prestigious address: 24-hour concierge, hardwood flooring, marble baths, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a fitness center and much more. The development has garage parking available.

The Clarendon Back Bay: A structure of magnificent stature, created by the renowned architect, Robert A.M Stern, will truly be an artistic statement, creating another elegant mark along the Boston skyline and more Back Bay luxury residences. The Clarendon will emulate a postmodern design, artfully blending a traditional New England charm with modern details and finishes. The extra large windows will drench the units with sun throughout the day and allow for dramatic views of the Back Bay and Financial District.

Albert A. Pope Building: This historic property on Columbus Avenue offers graceful, yet contemporary loft-style living with high ceilings, oversized windows, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The units offer concierge service and there is garage parking available.

Heritage on the Garden: Located adjacent to the Public Garden and short stroll from the Boston Common, these spacious units offers gracious views of the Back Bay. On the street level of the building several designers have claimed the retail space: S. John Boutique, Escada, Hermes, and Anne Fontaine.

Zero Marlborough: Led by architect Grassi Design Group, this renovation sits on the corner of Marlborough Street, overlooking the Boston Public Garden. This boutique-style luxury living includes full services, valet parking and of course all such a prestigious address has to offer: restaurants, shopping, spas, fitness centers, all at your finger tips.