Sunday, February 3, 2008

Tom Brady Unloads Back Bay Condo


SELLER: Tom Brady
LOCATION: Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA
PRICE: $5,285,000 (sale)
SIZE: 3,412 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 1 half bathroom
DESCRIPTION: Rarely available, Back Bay's crowning jewel–The Burrage Mansion. The epitome of style and opulence–magnificent 3 bedroom floor-through residence featuring gorgeous museum quality lobby, elevator access to elegant foyer, fabulous kitchen opening to fireplaced family room, separate dining room, fireplaced living room, all overlooking the Commonwealth Mall. Beautiful master bedroom suite with marble bath and custom closets.

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Just like Butterfly McQueen in Gone With The Wind didn't know nuthin' about birthin' no babies, Your Mama don't know nuthin' about football. We are not so ignorant that we don't know the Super Bowl is happening today, but until this morning, when we received correspondence from The Bostonian Bigmouth, we remained blissfully unaware of which teams will be duking it out in their tight pants and shoulder pads.

As all the sportier children well know, one of the teams strapping on their cleats for today's big game is the New England Patriots whose quarterback is the oft in the tabs and gossip glossies Tom Brady. We understand from our ball obsessed pal Fiona Trambeau that Mister Brady is a crack quarterback. Being the sexed up beast that she is, Miz Trambeau couldn't resist also telling us she thinks Mister Brady is a delectable piece of hot buttered bread. Naturally, Your Mama only knows Mister Brady as left alone in Lamaze class ack-tur-us Bridget Moynahan's baby daddy and super model Giselle Bundchen's latest big name romantic conquest.

Now then, let's get to the real estate which is the real reason we're all tuned in here. This morning Your Mama learned from The Bostonian Bigmouth that Mister Tom Brady recently unloaded his big Back Bay condominium on Commonwealth Avenue, which we understand to be one of Boston's finer locales. And for a sale price of $5,285,000 (listed at $5,390,000) it had better be a fine ass neighborhood. Property records indicate that Mister Brady paid $4,125,000 for the 3,412 square foot condo in the dee-luxe Burrage Mansion in June of 2004. In addition to three bedroom suites, including a master with a large bath and dressing room, the 10 room condo features living and dining rooms, a library/study, three working fireplaces, and parking for two cars in a below ground garage.

The historical and wickedly ornate Burrage Mansion, built in 1899 for philanthropist, attorney, and entrepreneurial tycoon Albert Burrage, was designed and erected in the manner of Gothic French chateau and spoke loudly about the social stature and big bank account of it's builder and owner. The gargoyle and griffin laden confection was converted to a physician's offices in 1948 and just about 5 years ago were converted to luxury condominiums. Fortunately for architectural historians everywhere and lucky residents of the distinctive and deeply decorated building, the Boston Landmarks Commission required the developers maintain and preserve the gloriously grand entrance hall, stair well and second floor landing.

Listing information provided to Your Mama by The Bostonian Bigmouth only included a couple of photographs of the interior spaces of Mister Brady's full floor flat, but it's clear that the man has decent and acceptable taste in decorators. This particular brand of beige traditional meets modern amenties (wall mounted plasma T.V.s) and funky fabrics (the Louis-ish armchair in cowhide) is not how Your Mama and the Dr. Cooter choose to decorate, but it's clearly very tasteful, very elegant, and leaves little to beef and snark about. Keep in mind that these photos were likely taken once Mister Brady had removed his personal belongings which would explain a slight but palpable emptiness in the rooms pictured.

So where has Mister Brady moved his many sports awards and his three (soon to be four) super bowl rings? Although Your Mama was unable to confirm, The Bostonian Bigmouth whispered to Your Mama that the ball tosser moved into the penthouse of a Beacon Street building he had a hand in developing.

In early 2007, the beauteous ball thrower put his 2,910 square foot New York City digs on the market for $16,500,000. Mister Brady purchased the 74th floor unit in September of 2004 for $14,000,000 and the rumors were that he ponied up the big bucks for the Time Warner Center in order to be closer to then gurlfriend and current baby momma Bridget Moynahan. However, according to Braden Keil at the NY Post, the quarterback ended up leasing the 3 bedroom and 3.5 bathroom unit out to a financier for six months at an impressive $60,000 per month. All the New York based real estate gossips expect this apartment will come back on the market any day now.

Now while the rest of you lay back in your tatty recliners sipping Budweiser, staring at your big screen T.V.s and eating a planetary sized pile of pigs in blankets, Your Mama and the Dr. Cooter are going to the movies where we can swill soda and chaw through a big box of Milk Duds with all the other arty farty don't care about football freaks.

P.S. Thanks to Sandpiper for sending up over to the floor plans which we've decided to include her. Thanks gurl!

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Serious millwork...scroll down for pics.

http://www.cityofboston.gov/environment/pdfs/burrage.pdf

Easter Egg said...

Bee-u-tee-full. I agree with all of the beige, but all very tastefully done. It sure does look like a very grand building, for those who appreciate that kind of thing.

Anonymous said...

Mama, you have been very quiet and secretive about your TV show that is in the works. Can you give us a teenie-weenie update of how that is coming along?

Anonymous said...

This was one of the rare Back Bay houses that belonged to Alva Vanderbilt's society-baiting school of if-you-can't-join-them-beat-them-over-the-head-with-Loire-Valley-magnificence architecture.

Way over the top -- even by the relatively flashy Victorian standards of Back Bay houses -- but it's not a bad design. With the breathing room that broad Commonwealth Avenue and a corner lot afford, I think it works.

Go Pats!

Anonymous said...

After Mama's righteous smackdown (I know I deserved it), on topic:

According to the mansions website, in 1899, A.C. Burrage demanded the finest -- European marble, prized crotch mahogany, exquisite stained glass windows, intricate mosaic tiles. He commissioned Charles Brigham, to design his new home in the manner of the Vanderbilt House in New York, which was in turn inspired by the French chateau Chenonceaux.

I love the blending of modern comforts with the exquisite details of this important building; that they didn't strip it down to the studs and destroy the period touches - a perfect blending of old and new. What a warm welcome home that lobby must be after a long day.

so_chic_darling said...

Although I lean towards a more modern look in interiors and architecture I do believe that there are outstanding and beautiful buildings and objects from every decade of every century.This is a first class example of gilded age drama,and I love it!
As a side note I have been inside the full floor penthouse of the north tower of the Time Warner building,several floors above Mr Brady's, and had a very close up look at the finished product.Let me tell you that the only spectacular thing about that building is the view.The woodwork,finishes and light switches are of Home Depot quality.Now I do understand that the developers expected people to bring in architects and do a gut job,but overall a cheap and nasty building.

Anonymous said...

Too beige for me....love the staircase and the building exterior though (is that staircase in the lobby or the apartment, I'm assuming the lobby....)

so_chic_darling said...

Some of you will know how much I go on and on about the ubiquitous "Tuscan" style that is so popular in California and other sun belt States and that there is nothing in Tuscany that looks like that.Well the Burrage mansion is a perfect example of how American translations of traditional European styles never end up looking anything like the intended original be it Tudor,Gothic or whatever.Sometimes that's a good thing if it's done as well as with the Burrage pile,and sometimes it's just a mess like most mock tudor and all the new Tuscan.

Anonymous said...

Mama, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to offend you of all people.

Anonymous said...

Yes. This is a great building and great area of town. He didnt move to far from here...but the Burrage Mansion is a tough place to beat!

Superbowl today. Go Pats!

Anonymous said...

Stunning! Beautiful building and I love the proportions of the rooms and the soaring windows. Totally dig what looks to be a very nicely done dining room, too.

But Tom, buddy, plasma TV's ARE NOT ART! Arrggghhhhhh, get it off the fucking wall, above the fireplace, in the living room. For God Sake's man, put it in the den, behind sliding wood paneling. What is wrong with people? Is this the 90's? Tech gadgets aren't cool, hip or funky. Everyone's got them and everyone should hiiiide them until they are snuggled up to actually watch, listen to or spin something.

Anonymous said...

Bentley- right on!

Looks like my eldest kiddo will be hanging in Boston for the next 4 years- scope out the median house price to median salary article over on Forbes.com to see how Cambridge fared.

Just goes to show that it's not only NYC and CA that's got pricey RE- Boston is expensive. I think he got a deal on this condo, btw.

so_chic_darling said...

Call me old fashioned,but I like real art above a mantle or a beautiful pair of vases.One of the tackiest decorating trends of the last few years is putting a flat screen TV above a fireplace.No no NO!

Anonymous said...

I don't mind the tv above the fireplace...i know it's not classy and decorator-ish, but it's an obvious choice for certain room.

I'm not big on Boston (no offense, just a preference) but this place is magnificent.

Could only be better if there was some private yard spare or terrace.

Anonymous said...

Bentley, So_Chic, spot on with the plasma TV.

An antique mirror, or a cherished oil painting yes, but a TV?!?

It screams, "I have more toys than you!"

Vulgar & Tacky.

Alessandra said...

Love this property. Don't hate the decor. Covet his rugs (no, I do not mean anything salacious by that...). Agree that tvs and other techno gadgets should be properly placed and that above the fireplace in a living room is not one of the appropriate locations. I'll cut Mr. Brady some slack if the room in question is his den, but it appears to be living room-ish from the photo.

Gilded Age Romantic and Gothic architecture is so much fun. It may be over the top, but it is usually solid, built to last and with exquisite workmanship that we rarely see with new construction these days. This is the type of home that commands respect from one's friends and dread from one's enemies. I LOVE it.

Anonymous said...

Folks, let's remember he's a hetero pro athelete, not an interior decorator...he's gotta be able to watch his sportscenter where & when he wants to watch it...so, considering how tasteful the rest of the place is, lets forgive him the plasma over the fireplace and thank god the place isn't decked out as horribly as it could have been by any number of pro-athelete residents...

Anonymous said...

I’m amazed that pair of lamped bronze sculptures on the newell posts survived so many re-purposes to this building. Small victories are often the sweetest. I'm glad.

The floorplans are interesting. Unit 2 is this listing.

http://www.otisahearn.com/burragemansion/

Anonymous said...

i see how the idea of a plasma tv above the fireplace mantle could be seen as vulgar, but on a practical level, it allows one to face the fireplace and watch tv at the same time.

thus allowing one's eyes to drift from a tedious screen moment, to a timeless fireplace one.

i think it might be a matter of framing it somehow.

also, one could use the screen, when it's not showing an actual show, as some sort of screen saver or as video art.

the clift hotel here in SF has these dotted around the room. ostensibly portraits that move.

i think there's a lot of possibility for some new thinkin' on this one.

Anonymous said...

The people who hang plasma TVs like other people hang paintings tend to favored artists like Thomas Kinkade. And, frankly, I'll take a Sony over a Kinkade any day of the week.

Anonymous said...

A cozy cottage above my fireplace warms my heart

Anonymous said...

Alessandra, check out the website Sandpiper posted - lots of interesting facts about the history of the place, such as nearly 200 griffins, dragons, gargoyles and cherubs" have survived . . .

PCH - Given the choice between a Kinkade or Sony?

Sony, every time. But I'd still rather have it in a separate room.

Anonymous said...

NOTE TO ALL ABOUT THE TV:

The TV is hanging over the fireplace in the joint kitchen/family room...NOT the Living Room.

I think it is totally appropriate to have a TV over the fireplace in a Kitchen/Family Room...it's nice to have such a casual and practical common room, in a formal home.

Judging by the sophisticated decor with impeccable furniture/textiles, window treatments, and fabulous rugs...I'm sure there is a very nice, prominent painting featured over the living room fireplace.

Anonymous said...

WELL THAT SETTLE"S IT THEN

Anonymous said...

NOTE TO ALL ABOUT THE TV
Oh no,first they had to chop the house up then hang up new fangled contraptions where the Renoir once hung.
I need a drink.

Anonymous said...

Bob Vila's tour when this was an assisted living home...

http://www.bobvila.com/BVTV/HomeAgain/Video-0512-02-0.html

Anonymous said...

I must admit, I did realize that, once I perused the photos a second time that the TV is indeed in the den. My feeling about TV's over fireplaces stands firm, though.

The digital art perspective has some merit, though. Very Bill Gates.

Anonymous said...

Thank you anon 1:46 for that link. I was most impressed by the coral wall in the sunroom that he used to grow orchids in. I have never seen that in a home before.

Can't believe all the cherubs in shells and all the ornate marble and wood carving. Over the top for sure, but oh, the craftsmanship!

I'm curious, does anyone know how the downstairs is used now? In the Bob Villa video, they used several rooms for the residents, I'm just wondering if they are now apartments or still used.

Anonymous said...

Sunny,

Go to the website Sandpiper so kindly dug up for us; it shows the current floorplans for each level:

www.otisahearn.com/burragemansion/

luke220 said...

Not the best block of Commonwealth but an exceptional property. Word is that it sold on the first showing.

Anonymous said...

Sunny,
Based on the City of Boston Landmarks Study (link up top), this structure was first the residence, then a clinic, then an eldercare facility, and finally(focus of study) these condos.

And Little Buddy,
On and around page 12 of pdf is commentary on various period influences incorporated here...Louie periods, Italian, French and on and on. Study concludes that much compromising must have occured between builder and architect and/or builder and his wife. But no arguements from panel that it is a magnificent--and thankfully still largely intact--example of architecture. Steel frame, too!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Thanks LGB for the reminder and thanks Sandpiper for finding the link. That is some abode! The
1st floor unit seems a little awkward with that long hall but I'm sure it's exquisite. I wonder if they kept the coral wall? I can't even imagine living in such a fussy place but I do admire it. I'm not surprised it was sold on first showing.

Anonymous said...

Sandpiper,

I know - it's a wealth of information, but I haven't gotten through all 61 pages yet!

But the link to the modern day building you provided was outstanding! Good detective work!

Thanks!

Sunny, download the PDF from the first link Sandpiper posted - it's a 61 page report of the place, from soup to nuts (like us!)

;-)

luke220 said...

Regarding the plasma tv, there really isn't any wall space for alternate placement. Bet there was one over the bedroom fireplace also.

Tremendous sophistication and taste for a 30 year old metrosexual.

Anonymous said...

I'm with Luke, this apt. shows a pleasantly surprising amount of sophistication that I would not have expected from a 30 year old football player.

Anonymous said...

O k this looks nice and all but where is the make-up table fro the gurls?

Anonymous said...

all i need is a bigass tv above the roaring fireplace on a cold snowy sunday afternoon with my shiny new cookware hanging securely from my potrack & sp all cozied up in her flannel jammies on my zebra rug, with steak, shrimp & scallops on the grill, and mama delivering her sunday smackdown to all her naughty chilrun, ya baby.

Anonymous said...

I like you Caveman.

Anonymous said...

I like you too, Caveman, you are the real deal. True to yourself and not afraid to say it.

LGB, off I go to download the 61 pages. I love historical stuff.

BTW, this puts me in mind of Biltmre House is Asheville, NC....not in style but in grandiosity. If you have never been there go sometime. It's worth the admission. IMO

Anonymous said...

O.K., I'm only on page 9 of the report but I bet I've right-clicked to the dictionary 12 times! Very thorough report. Back to reading I go!

Oh, and thanks Aunt Mary for the website in the previous blog. It was beautiful

Anonymous said...

Hey Sunny,
From what little I've read of that wild report, webster.com remained open...ike the "ante room" (is the waiting room) in unit 1. How fun is that.

CB...Steak, shrimp and scallops, awww. Perfect! Sure beats the chile I really had.

Anonymous said...

Chili?

Oh, Sandpiper, please sleep ON TOP of the covers tonight . . .

;-)

Caveman - wanna come cook for me and BGD sometime? Don't worry, you'll have your own room - on the other side of the house.

Anonymous said...

Guess Mama's smackdown was effective - or am I the only one who noticed that some teenaged jerk hasn't commented:

"Tom Brady Unloads", followed by a Beavis & Butthead giggle?

'night all, pleasant dreams of real estate heaven.

Anonymous said...

I,m still reading the report amongst doing other things.

Cute, LGB, very cute!

Night all!

Anonymous said...

Someone just doesn't get it. Must have had their pacifier taken away too early.

Anonymous said...

Mama have you ever played whackamole? You might want to learn.

Aaron Weber said...

Word is he bought a different, even fancier, condo over on Beacon St... should be somewhere in last week's Boston Globe - they always cover the real estate moves of local sports stars. Manny Ramirez, for example, has had his enormous penthouse on the market for like three years, refusing to drop the price.

Anonymous said...

as mama noted, he moved to a Beacon Street penthouse overlooking the river in a building that he developed.

Anonymous said...

i wonder if the results of the super bowl would've been different if Mama hadn't reported on his real estate situation.

or was it fate that Peyton's, younger, goofier, awkward brother would show unexpected calm under pressure?

Anonymous said...

THE GIANTS DEFINITELY WON THE SUPERBOWL... IN YOUR FACE BRADY!!!

Love the house though! lol

Anonymous said...

Wow- nice place. Maybe Eli will want to pick it up now.

KC said...

Does this have a fire escape? They should color and sandblast the stone, it looks too cold. What a great place for a live-in beauty salon and spa!

Anonymous said...

thanks for the kind words sunny & polly.
btw, i'm with you on ashevilles biltmore house, i was actually married there in a previous life, i think that was me anyway.
i really like that area.