The Back Bay neighborhood is one of the most popular areas to live in if you are looking for a combination of culture and luxury. The area is full of authentic Victorian brownstones, many of which have been renovated to contain some of the best examples of luxury Boston real estate. The area offers unrivaled shopping opportunities in Prudential Center and Copley Place. Many businesses have located their offices to this district, making your commute much shorter if your employer is among them.

North End is the city’s oldest residential district and is home to award winning real estate like Lincoln Wharf. Also known as Little Italy, this neighborhood is small but packed with cozy restaurants, charming parks and friendly residents. Historical sites like the home of Paul Revere live side by side with high end boutiques and cafes serving authentic Italian gelato. Numerous street fairs and festivals give you a good chance to mingle with your neighbors during the spring and summer.

Walk to the Boston Public Gardens or admire the Federal-style architecture from your new luxury condo in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. As the home of the Massachusetts State House, this area is full of both historical sites and cultural hot spots. You can have both sweeping views of the city and peace of mind by choosing the quiet and protected borough of Beacon Hill. It is considered the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, having been the home of John Hancock, Anne Sexton and Uma Thurman.

The city announced earlier this week to members of a citizens committee reviewing the project that the developer will increase the number of affordable units in the building.

Simon Property Group will now be building all 48 of its required affordable Boston condos and Boston apartments, rather then the previously agreed 10 units, with the rest residing in the South End or Back Bay.

The massive project will have a mix of 318 condos and apartments ranging from affordable studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and luxury suites.

If you would like to know more about the project, or interested in apartments or condos for sale in the Back Bay, please contact our real estate experts today!

When speaking with your Warren Residential realtor, ask about the shops, restaurants and bars located close to the condos you will be looking at. If you know that you will not be spending a lot of time in the kitchen of downtown Boston apartments, this may be more important information than whether the stove is gas or electric. Although, many residents who love to entertain, will want to make sure the kitchen looks high end. You will definitely find granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances that will impress the most ambitious chef. Since many of the restaurants also provide catering to the local area, you will want a large comfortable dining room in your Boston luxury condo where you can easily entertain large groups of family and friends. You will also find hardwood floors throughout the Boston apartments and large rooms for large furniture. Once you have finished your night on the town, come back to a peaceful and serene master retreat.

Another important aspect to look for when choosing the location of your new Boston waterfront condo is the proximity to your employment. If you plan to use the public transit system, make sure there is a location close by. If you are planning to drive your own vehicle, look for a condo that provides parking. Some of the luxury buildings also provide transportation for residents close to the down town area. All of these are important when considering which condo to purchase. Since you do not want to spend all of your time commuting to and from work – you need to find a centrally located unit that will give you the luxury you are looking for and the convenience you require.

Finally, discuss the amenities offered with Boston condominiums. You will be able to choose from a trendy loft to a three or four bedroom unit that gives you the space you need for guests and your home office. If you want a luxury master bath with a jacuzzi tub, these will be items to include on your must have list. After a long day at work or a weekend shopping, relaxing in a hot bath with relieve all of your stress. One of the best amenities of many of the Boston apartments is the dry cleaning service available for a monthly charge. If you do not have the time or patience to deal with these types of chores, find a building that offers this great service.

Once you have found the perfect condo in downtown Boston, begin enjoying all the city has to offer. Whether you are entertaining friends in your loft apartment or stopping by one of the night clubs or cafes, you will be glad you live in the Battery Wharf area.

Open for skating from roughly mid-November until mid to late March, the Frog Pond is on the north-eastern end of historic Boston Common. Home to the Skating Club of Boston, this is where young and old can learn to navigate around the ice in either group or private lessons, or in public free skates. New Years Eve at Frog Pond means skating, of course, along with fireworks and vendors selling hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and other delectable tid-bits. Best of all, the pond, and all that winter fun, is within walking distance of some prime Boston real estate.

Even if you don’t feel like skating, take a walk through the woods to the onsite winter-only Frog Pond Café. Enjoy gourmet coffee and a selective menu as you dine outside under giant heated umbrellas. During the spring and fall months, Frog Pond becomes a reflecting pool, and in summer a refreshing spray pool accompanied by a children’s carousel. If a Boston relocation is in your future, this is a perfect place to get a feel for one of the city’s most cherished neighborhood open spaces.

Boston Commons is the city’s largest and oldest park and dates back to 1634. Having weathered the trying times of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the park is a cherished historic site. Today the tree-filled grounds and zigzagging pathways are surrounded by luxury condominiums and apartments, as well as name brand high-end hotels. The Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Boston is on the western end of the park. To the east is the ultra modern 45 Province condo tower with its floor-to-ceiling windows and dynamic city and Charles River views. Another offering is 360 Newbury St., once called the Tower Records Building, specializing in Boston loft style condos in a prime Back Bay neighborhood locale.

Massachusetts General Hospital is to the northeast, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a short drive across the Charles River and prestigious Northeastern University is to the west. Iconic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Redsocks Major League Baseball Team, is a little farther west near a large park called the Bay Back Fens, surrounded by many Fenway luxury condos. The Charles River Reservation IV is another public park fronting the river basin, offering more opportunities to bike, jog or just enjoy the timeless views. More luxury Boston condos and apartments may be found along the waterfront near and in the colorful Back Bay neighborhood, listed on the Registry of National Historic Places

Prudential Center sits right off Interstate 90, close to the Boston Back Bay train station. The Top of the Hub Restaurant offers an impressive skyline view and superb service from the top of the center’s Prudential Tower. This is the same building that hosts the Skywalk Observatory, famed for its 360 degree view of the Boston area. The observatory is so high up that you can see the curve of the earth.

Ethnic eateries, quaint pubs, including the one called Cheers that inspired a mid-1980s TV show, and the obligatory Starbucks are also part of the local dining scene. Dine on coconut chicken at Thai Basil one night and peruse the wine-list and fresh-fish menu at Skipjack’s the next. You can always take a stroll down to the frozen Frog Pond and wrap your hands around a steaming cup of brew while making up your mind.

Every city has its own special holiday traditions that define the season for city dwellers and visitors alike. For the denizens of Washington DC, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue marks the advent of the holiday season. In New York City, the annual tree lighting ceremony at Rock Center is the must-attend event of the holidays. For the citizens of Boston, one of those special events is the Zoo Lights display at Stone Zoo in Stoneham.

Located on 26 acres next to the Spot Pond Reservoir on Pond Street, the Stone Zoo was established in 1905 by park superintendent Charles Price. Originally called the Middlesex Fells Zoo, its name was changed in 1969 to honor zoo director Walter Stone. Stone Zoo is currently managed under the auspices of the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

Open year round, the zoo offers attractions for people of every age. The animals there run the gamut from snow leopards to llamas to African crested porcupines. Other displays allow a glimpse into the lives of gray wolves, river otters, coatimundi, jaguars, black bears, ring-tailed lemurs, flamingos, emperor tamarins and several kinds of monkeys. During the summer months, there is even a hands-on barnyard where children can interact with goats and sheep.

But when the cold sets in, the barnyard is closed down and some displays stand empty, their residents now kept indoors to protect them from the cold. This might make it seem as though there’s not much to do at the zoo in the winter, but Stone Zoo, it turns out, has a card up its sleeve. For over a decade now, Stone Zoo has offered patrons a special holiday treat. Starting on Thanksgiving day and running through New Year’s Eve, the zoo is transformed into the magical winter wonderland known as Zoo Lights.

During Zoo Lights, the entire zoo is decked out for the holidays. Every shrub and tree is festooned with sparkling lights. The zoo’s many evergreens become living Christmas trees, decorated with garlands and brightly colored balls. Every tree-lined path is ablaze with twinkling lights. Even the bare hardwood trees are dressed for the season, their trunks and branches glittering with light.

Though the pageantry changes every year, exhibits from seasons past have included giant teddy bears sporting bright red bows, penguins busily wrapping presents and loading them onto sleighs, old time streetlights hung with wreaths and Snoopy on his doghouse delivering presents.

One particularly charming tableau is presented in an actual log cabin that was discovered on the zoo grounds. The cabin is believed to have been built by loggers in the 1900s. During Zoo Lights, it is decorated to represent an authentic, homey pioneer Christmas, complete with Christmas tree, period gifts and a bevy of woodland creatures gathered around the tree. Santa is usually there, too, and children will have the chance to visit with him and have their pictures taken with his reindeer.

Those who plan to make Zoo Lights a part of their family holiday tradition will need to do a little advanced planning. There is no bus line to the zoo, so those who wish to attend must make other travel arrangements. Families with homes in the nearby Boston luxury real estate will find it a short drive. Even those with W Boston Residences shouldn’t have to drive more than 20 or 35 minutes and parking is available. Everyone should, however, allow a little extra travel time because of holiday traffic.

Out-of-town travelers who have come to Boston for the Zoo Lights experience, may want to make it part of a longer stay. Renting a Boston loft for the week of Thanksgiving or exploring the possibility of subletting Beacon hill apartments could turn visiting this single travel destination into a real holiday get-away. Downtown Boston condos are also a possible choice for holiday rentals.

Whether visitors are long-time Boston residents, or simply holiday travelers, an evening at Zoo Lights makes the perfect addition to the holiday festivities.

Find winter fun on the slopes of New England ski getaways

Stoweflake
Stoweflake is a luxury, family run resort at the base of Mount Mansfield. It has won a both Condé Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List and Foder’s Choice Top 10 Destination Spas in the U.S awards. The resort has a pub serving Vermont style cuisine and a Bistro using seasonal ingredients. The spa offers 120 different treatments, sanctuary lounges, beauty salon, mineral soaking pool, fitness center, a sauna and Jacuzzi. Guest rooms have comfortable furnishings and New England charm, some are even dog friendly. All guest rooms have gas fireplaces.

If you live in a Boston condo, be it downtown, Beacon Hill or Battery Wharf, you can reach Stoweflake in three and a half hours.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
1746 Mountain Road (Route 108)
Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-253-2232
www.stoweflake.com

Mountain View Grand
Nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains the Mountain View Grand prides itself on providing personal service, a romantic setting and over 100-years of history. The main dining room has views of the surrounding mountains, fine dining and an extensive wine cellar. Its Tavern serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. Guest rooms have mahogany furnishings, luxury bed linens, mountain or garden views, a walk-in closet, free Internet, and a turn down service.

Situated at the top of the hotel is the luxury spa offering treatment packages for both men and woman, a beauty salon, nine different facials, and hydrotherapy.

If you’ve just bought some Boston real estate and are looking for the best ski areas within easy reach of the city, Mountain View can be reached in three hours.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa
101 Mount View Road
Whitefield, NH 03598
866-484-3843
www.mountainviewgrand.com

Omni Mount Washington
The Omni Mount Washington oozes majestic, old fashioned charm, modeled in Spanish Renaissance style and built in 1902. Since it opened its doors it has been a popular getaway for the rich and famous, Babe Ruth and Thomas Edison among them. The hotel has retained its historic features, which add even more to its atmosphere. The ski slopes provide night skiing and snow making for those days when mother nature isn’t providing any. Facilities include, a luxury spa, indoor pool, a grand formal dining room, cocktail lounge, live entertainment and casual bar.

You can reach the Omni Mount Washington Resort from your Boston loft or Cambridge apartment in just under three hours.

Omni Mount Washington Resort
310 Mt Washington Hotel Road
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
603-278-1000
www.omnihotels.com

The Balsams
Another historic grand resort, The Balsam, nestles between the mountains on 8,000 acres of pristine forest in the far north of New Hampshire. The hotel is famous for being the location where the first votes in a Presidential election are made. Accommodation consists of both traditional and modern styles. Facilities and services include a hair salon, flower ordering, fitness center, laundry and transportation. You can eat in one of four different locations in the hotel and either enjoy fine or casual dining

One of the furthest New England ski resorts from your luxury Boston condo, it takes just over four hours to reach The Balsams. However, the trip is well worth it.

The Balsams
1000 Cold Spring Road
Dixville Notch, NH 03576
1-800-255-0600
www.thebalsams.com

Rabbit Hill Inn
For a smaller, charming New England escape Rabbit Hill Inn may offer just what you want. Rabbit Hill is a luxury bed and breakfast inn near the White Mountain ski slopes. The inn’s history dates back to 1792 and it still has most of its original charm. Each guest room is unique and all are traditional, comfortable and have working fireplaces. Luxury rooms have a double spa tub, walk-in shower, and canopy bed. The atmosphere is romantic, even the hearty buffet breakfast is lit by candlelight.

Rabbit Hill Inn
48 Lower Waterford Road
Lower Waterford, VT 05848
802-748-5186
www.rabbithillinn.com

Harbor Towers - Luxury on the Waterfront

Whether you’re newly relocated to Beantown or have spent your entire life along the Clarendon Back Bay, Battery Wharf, and Fenway Park, it’s time to upgrade to a new, luxurious way of living. The Boston real estate industry is as diverse as the people who live within the doors of residences from South Boston apartments to the downtown Boston condos, and everything in between. When you’re ready to make a move, let your trained and dedicated Boston realtor take you through the doors of the Harbor Towers luxury residence.

Well-situated to all that Boston has to offer in terms of dining, entertainment, sports and socializing, these new Boston waterfront condos are true luxury real estate. Sit high in the sky as you take in the hot spots of North End and Faneuil Hall. Walk instead of trying to battle for a parking space. You may never want to leave your new condo when you spend time indulging in our outdoor pool, concierge service and breath-taking views of Charleston and Fort Point Channel.

Harbor Towers has something to suit each potential resident’s discerning taste. Our one bedroom, one bath upscale condominiums offer between 748 to 884 square feet. Want more room to spread out, cheer on the Sox on game day or unwind after a long day in the Financial District? Upgrade to our three bedroom, 3.5 bath residency, with a comfortable 2,510 square feet, and one of our lowest price-per-foot condos in all of Harbor Towers. Our largest accommodation includes 3,609 square feet of space, five bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

Every one of our luxury apartments includes a balcony, dishwasher, microwave, disposal, air conditioning and gas range. High quality hardwood floors and water views are also a part of your new living experience. The condos are all cable/satellite ready so you can plug in or unplug and unwind. These residences, which offer the utmost in quality, security and attention to detail through our always-on doorman and concierge, are move-in ready and just waiting to accommodate your every desire. We’ve recently remodeled our lobby and elevators, giving the Harbor Towers a brand new feel for less than you’d pay for new construction. You’ll also find our grounds immaculately landscaped for an enjoyable evening stroll or a couple of hours to soak up the sun with a book and a cocktail.

Life in Boston can be stressful, whether the Sox are in the Series or not. With such a fast pace, demands on your time and so many apartments available, you may find it difficult to choose or even devote enough quality attention to selecting where to live. But with Harbor Towers, your living starts here. We’ll arrange a tour on your schedule, when it’s convenient for you. We can work around your long hours at the office, hospital, clinic or golf course. We know Boston, and we know real estate. Our realtors will even help you choose whether renting a condo may be a better way to get your foot in the door. Pick Harbor Towers as your new address, and start living.

Take a stroll down the Freedom Trail and explore Boston's history.

As one of the most prominent cities during the years that shaped the country that became America, Boston, Massachusetts is rich in history. From Paul Revere’s famous ride to the infamous Boston Massacre, the city saw more than its share of historical moments that changed the course of history and the fate of the fledgling country that became the United States of America. Just as the city itself blends history with the modern world, so does the city’s real estate. Boston real estate is unique in that it allows you to find a downtown Boston apartment that offers both the charm of days gone by and the amenities of the future. Boston luxury real estate offers the finest in Boston condominiums and lofts. Whether you plan to visit Boston in November, or are planning a Boston relocation during the Thanksgiving holiday, a tour of some of the more famous Boston sites is a must.

Thanksgiving in Boston is a beautiful time of year. Although snow is possible at Thanksgiving, you are more likely to encounter cool days and cooler nights. A daytime walk along the Freedom Trail will allow you the opportunity to take a step back in time while strolling through downtown Boston. The 2.5 mile trail takes you past many of Boston’s more well known historical sites such as the Boston Latin School. Founded in 1635, the school is not only the country’s first public school, but the oldest school in America. Both the Bunker Hill Monument and the statue of Benjamin Franklin can also be found along the trail. The Freedom Trail also passes by the site of the Boston Massacre which took place in 1770. The incident resulted in the death of five men at the hands of British Soldiers and is seen as one of the important seeds that eventually led to the American Revolution. The Revolutionary War, in turn, cost thousands of men their lives. The trail includes three important historical burying grounds where many Revolutionary War victims were laid to rest. Granary Burying Grounds, for example, is home to three signers of the United States Constitution along with Paul Revere and all five of the victims of the Boston Massacre.

Along with the Freedom Trail, the Boston National Historical Park offers a glimpse into many of the events that led to the American Revolutionary War. The U.S. navy, as part of the Historical Park program, offers tours through the U.S.S. Constitution. The Constitution, named for the U.S. Constitution by president George Washington, is the oldest commissioned naval vessel still capable of floating. Commissioned in 1797, the vessel was built in Boston and was part of the newly formed United States Navy. Both guided and self-guided tours are available along both the Freedom Trail and through the Historical Park.

Boston is not only a historically significant city, but a modern city with a wealth of real estate options for the discerning renter or investor. Whether you are looking for a Boston waterfront condo, a back bay condo, or prefer the elegance of South Boston apartments, Boston, Massachusetts has what you are looking for in luxury living.

The Boston W Hotel still has 71 luxury condo units available.

Earlier this week, W Boston Hotel and Residences developers won in court to exit bankruptcy, but under the condition to sell 71 unsold condos in the Boston luxury building to cover its debts.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Joan Feeney approved SW Boston Hotel Venture’s plan for reorganization amidst protest from top creditor Prudential Insurance, which shelled out more than $181 million for the project.

With the ruling, SW Boston Hotel Venture will be given the opportunity to pay creditors in full.

The W Boston Hotel is a 235-room hotel and 123-unit luxury condo tower that was built in October of 2009, but found itself bankrupt by April 2010 after unsuccessfully selling condos to keep revenue flowing into the Theater District project.

Efforts by Prudential to foreclose the building were rejected as well as the company’s objections to the plan for reorganization.

SW Boston plans to pay back the $52 million it owes to Prudential through the cash earned from condo sales over the next three years, then repay $10 million to the city of Boston in a loan they owe, and move on to the lesser amounts to other creditors.

Currently 52 units have already been sold with another eight under agreement.  There are still many more Boston luxury condo units available at the W Boston Hotel.  If you are interested in any of these properties and would like to know more, please contact our Warren Residential offices today and let our expert real agents help you!

Asana
776 Boylston Street
617-535-8888

For a Thanksgiving menu with an oriental twist, those living in a Boston loft could easily move their Thanksgiving dinner to Asana. Their Thanksgiving Day menu is four courses, with starters such as five-spiced poached seckel pear with La Pearl blue semifreddo and a main course of turkey with potatoes, chestnuts and vegetables. An adult can dine at the restaurant for $76 while a child will dine for $34. Call in advance to make reservations, as Thanksgiving day is a popular day to eat at a Boston restaurant.

Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro
25 Charles Street
617-723-7575

For Thanksgiving Day, the Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro affords its diners the luxury of enjoying a true New England Thanksgiving dinner without the hard work that goes into it. At $53 a person, diners enjoy a multi-course menu on Thanksgiving Day at this restaurant. The menu includes lobster bisque, turkey breast, New England soft cod stew, winter vegetables and homemade pies and tarts for desserts. You can’t go wrong with this classic take on the Thanksgiving meal, with a New England twist.

The Beehive
541 Tremont Street
617-423-0069

For those living in South End Boston condominiums who are looking for a truly unique way to spend Thanksgiving Day, The Beehive is the answer. This restaurant is offering live entertainment all day on Thanksgiving, as well as an a la carte menu that gives guests the luxury of choosing exactly what they want for their Thanksgiving meal. Menu items include pumpkin soup, farm-raised turkey, cranberry chutney, parsnip mashed potatoes and pumpkin chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert. In addition, the restaurant offers a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu as well as a menu for “little pilgrims” who may not eat as much.

Dante
40 Edwin H Land Boulevard
617-497-4200

If you happen to live in Cambridge condos, consider spending your Thanksgiving Day at Dante. Dante is offering a traditional yet elegant Thanksgiving Day menu. This prix fixe, three-course menus features all the wonderful aspects of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with touches of elegance and class. The menu includes Vermont turkey with stuffing, sweet potato fries, maple Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. For dessert, the restaurant is offering a sampling of four different homemade pies topped with homemade ice cream. Boston residents can’t go wrong dining traditionally on Thanksgiving Day at Dante.

Of course, these are just a few of the restaurants offering Thanksgiving Day menus in the city of Boston. Those living in Boston waterfront condos are sure to find plenty of options when they try and decide where to spend their Thanksgiving holiday. Just remember: you can still enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Day meal, with all your friends and family by your side, without the work of cooking a turkey, timing your side dishes and baking the absolute perfect pie. Let some of the best restaurants in Boston do the work for you, so you can truly enjoy your holiday and reflect on everything you have to be thankful for.