B
arbara Gladstone's exquisite taste in art extended beyond the gallery walls to her historic Chelsea townhouse, which has been sold for a record-breaking $13.1 million - $1 million above its asking price. The 19th-century brick Greek Revival rowhouse at 344 W. 22nd St. was snapped up after just three days on the market and closed within 12 days of signing a contract.

    The listing brokers, Scott Hustis and Mark Jovanovic of Compass, revealed that this sale sets a new record for per-square-foot price in Chelsea townhouse resales. The buyer's identity remains anonymous. The property boasts an impressive staircase, designed by Annabelle Selldorf, which anchors the modern interior featuring "gallery-like" Venetian plaster walls and white oak floors.

    Gladstone, who represented artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Keith Haring, had one of the city's largest contemporary art galleries with multiple branches. She enlisted her friend Selldorf to design the four-story property, which includes a landscaped rear garden, balconies on each top level, and 1,180 square feet of outdoor space.

    Built in 1841, the 21-foot-wide rowhouse features five bedrooms, three baths, two powder rooms, and a restored stoop. The interior showcases modern design elements, including new balconies, light from rear casement windows, and a sculptural staircase that adds shape to the boxy townhouse.

    The property also comes with an impressive art collection, including 12 pieces auctioned by Sotheby's for $18.5 million. Additional sales and auctions are expected to follow. The sale occurred during a slow period in Chelsea, but the property drew 18 buyers on its first day, with six offers above the asking price.

    The townhouse features a large eat-in kitchen, formal dining area, sitting room with a woodburning fireplace, and a main bedroom suite with a spa-like bath and radiant-heated floors. The top floor boasts another bedroom suite and a gym.