Stained glass, turned staircase, and wainscoting enhance condo

It's easy to forget this is a condominium upon entering this Grande Dame that came close to being destroyed in Salem's 1914 fire (the flames died out one block away). One of three units converted to condos, this one claims the elegant front of the building. The pillars on the large and private front porch, outer vestibule, and front door all hint at bold features inside. Indeed, a gallery-like entry features a festival of rich quarter sawn oak on raised-panel wainscoting, 13-foot coffered ceilings, a curved semi-circular area containing a niche, and a grand turned, hand-carved staircase. Stained-glass windows embellish the landing.

Off to the left of the entry, the kitchen once housed the smoking room, according to owner Alicia Churchill. She says three brothers built this and several other homes in the neighborhood and saved the best materials for this one, where they lived. The fireplace in the adjacent living room is made from Welsh brick and stone and is trimmed with egg and dart molding and a large bay window includes an alluring seat. On a far wall, handsome built-in bookcases sit on each side of a wooden archway, which has since been closed off with gorgeous solid wood. The hardwood floors throughout could stand to be touched up; the second and third levels are more prosaic as well as in need of refreshing, too.

Still, the upper levels are spacious and appealing and contain a good bathroom (none on first floor; one in basement). Two bonuses: The ocean is a block away and the neighbors, with whom the unit shares a yard, are quiet and congenial, says Churchill. The monthly condo fee is $228. Listing broker is Pam McKee of Keller Williams Realty, Salem.

source: boston.com