6 Designer Pied-a-Terres You Can Buy Right Now

In its literal translation, the French expression pied-à-terre means "a foot on the ground." When it comes to New York real estate, a pied-à-terre often refers to an apartment designated for occasional use, serving as a temporary abode for business activities or more leisurely affairs, such as attending a Broadway show. A pied-à-terre by this definition can be found in any major city, of course, giving wealthy non-primary homeowners an opportunity to get a taste of the culture and excitement of urban life – whether it's exploring museums, indulging in shopping, or savoring five-star dining experiences – without a long commute back home. With that in mind, we've collected several posh apartments and condos from the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program that allow affluent individuals to put their well-heeled feet to the ground in the most stylish way possible. 250 W 71st Street Unit House New York, NY. $ 11,950,000 This meticulously gut-renovated and never-lived-in townhouse places you right in the heart of the coveted Upper West Side, in the West End Collegiate Historic District. Designed in 1892 by one of the most prominent residential architects of the time, Thom & Wilson, the sweeping 5-bedroom Renaissance Revival home was recently modernized and updated for 21st-century lifestyles. Every aspect of the home was brought up to current code, along with exquisite custom detail and luxury finishes throughout, a convenient elevator accessing levels one to five, and multiple outdoor spaces. Listed by Annie Cion-Gruenberger and Kate Wollman-Mahan of Coldwell Banker Warburg Paris 8th, Ile De France France $ 4,339,372 What would be a roundup of the chicest walkable addresses for sale without a true pied-à-terre in the City of Light?  This completely renovated and furnished 2,065-square-foot apartment satisfies the Parisian fantasy in spectacular form. Perched on the third floor of a beautiful freestone building, the abode is teeming with high-end services, state-of-the-art technology, a reinforced security system and Haussmann-style details such as high ceilings, moldings, exceptional parquet floors and fireplaces that are ever-indicative Parisian chic. But best of all? It's  ideally positioned near two iconic landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. Listed by Camille Chartier of Coldwell Banker Leading Realty in Paris 1325 N Astor Street Unit 13 Chicago, IL. $ 3,499,000 Nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast on one of the city's most famous streets and only two blocks from the lake, this historic David Adler-designed duplex will make you feel as if you are transported into what feels like a Parisian apartment. Adler, a proponent of Paris's Ecole des Beaux-Arts, imbued the nearly 8,000-square-foot penthouse with classical symmetry, superb proportions, and resplendent architectural detailing throughout, providing an unforgettable backdrop for breathtaking views in every direction. Three outdoor terraces, six bedrooms, and six baths further elevate this "single-family home in the sky." Convenient parking and a premier location near Chicago's best shopping, restaurants, esteemed public and private schools, and majestic Lake Michigan make it the ultimate pied-à-terre. Listed by Victoria Rezin and Dawn McKenna of Coldwell Banker Realty in Chicago 2 Commonwealth Avenue Unit 15F Boston, MA. $ 13,900,000 Perched at the entrance of the Boston Public Garden between Commonwealth Ave and Newbury Street, a rare double-unit address at The Carlton House – formerly known as the Old Ritz and attached to the luxurious Newbury Hotel – captures the true spirit of a pied-à-terre in one of America's oldest cities.  Long considered "two of the most desirable units" per the listing agent, this incredible combined space unites 3,657 square feet, two gracious bedrooms, a sweeping living room, a separate dining room, a den, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of The Charles River, Public Garden, the entire Commonwealth Avenue Mall and unique perspectives of the Back Bay. As an added bonus, The Carlton House has 24-hr concierge, hotel room service and direct hotel access and two valet parking spaces. Listed by David Mackie of Coldwell Banker Realty in Boston 500 Walnut Street Unit 1500 Philadelphia, PA. $ 7,000,000 The timeless charm of historic Philadelphia awaits you in this prestigious residential high-rise in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood. Designed for modern luxury, the 4,300-square-foot residence affords one of the most exclusive living experiences in the city with three bedrooms, three full baths, one-half bath, designer renovated interiors equipped with full home automation and entertainment system, plus loads of building amenities, including a 50-foot lap pool, fitness center, spa & sauna, a billiard room, a 4,000 sq ft, open-air terrace overlooking Independence Hall, a boardroom with a fully equipped catering kitchen and a state-of-the-art automatic parking system that parks and retrieves your car. Listed by Mary Beth Oates of Coldwell Banker Realty in Philadelphia 255 Hennepin Avenue Unit 3502 Minneapolis, MN.  $ 6,500,000 Perhaps nothing captures the picture of pied-à-terre living as perfectly as a Four Seasons-branded residence. Enter this contemporary owner's suite situated atop the only five-star hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Among its signature features: 3,999 square feet of modern world-class living space and breath-stealing panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. With state-of-the-art appliances, extraordinary custom cabinetry and ultra-luxe finishes, you'll have the Four Seasons lifestyle complete with an outstanding location walkable to everything the city has to offer. Listed by Ryan Platzke and Brace Helgeson of Coldwell Banker Reatly in Eden Prairie, Minnesota