434 W 20th Street #9

Pre–Civil War Chelsea brownstone with a private roof terrace THE SPACE: This top-floor one-bedroom is full of light with windows in every room. It has 10-foot ceilings, a skylight, and an open kitchen with a breakfast bar perfect for a home cook. It also has a wood-burning fireplace that anchors the living area. French doors open to a quiet south-facing bedroom with treetop views, a walk-in closet and extra storage. The en-suite bath also gets southern light and has a windowed shower. Other features include split-system air conditioning, two entry closets, a mudroom area and a private basement storage unit. The building is a well-kept, self-managed co-op with seven units in a walk-up. It offers a video intercom and a laundry room with a free washer and dryer. THE PRIVATE ROOF: A spiral staircase leads up to the home's standout feature: a private roof terrace nearly as large as the apartment itself, something rarely found in Chelsea. It has sweeping skyline views from Hudson Yards to the Empire State Building, with room to dine, lounge and entertain. The terrace comes fully furnished, with electricity and water, and works as a true extension of the living space, from morning coffee to sunset gatherings. THE BLOCK: Set on one of Chelsea's most storied blocks, the home faces the gardens and Gothic Revival spires of the General Theological Seminary, which has stood on land donated by Clement Clarke Moore since the 1820s. With no stores, leafy trees and a row of historic 19th-century townhouses, the street feels like a quiet retreat, yet the High Line is just steps away. MERRILL HOUSE HISTORY: Built in 1857 for William H. Merrill, a jeweler whose firm was Merrill, Fitch & Allin, this brownstone townhouse has lived many lives. It was home to an NYPD Harbor Unit captain and an architect, then a boarding house for Chelsea's young working women, before being renovated into apartments in 1982. To maintain its intimate, shareholder-run character, the co-op does not permit subletting, pied-à-terre use, co-purchasing or gifting. Financing up to 80% is allowed. 4th floor walkup.