South End penthouse duplex has it all

If you’re a prospective homebuyer who wants to be where the action is but also wants your moments of peace and quiet, Hanson Street is the place to be — a cozy, tree-lined side street with little through traffic but very direct access to the South End‘s central cluster of culture, cafés and cuisine.

And the penthouse duplex Unit 3 at 30 Hanson St. is the place to be for the light-filled open floor plans many homebuyers are seeking nowadays. Offered at $749,000, this 1,148-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 1-bath also boasts a granite kitchen with breakfast bar, a private rear deck, deeded roof rights, and rental garage parking across the street.

The oak-floored great room lets you arrange your living and dining spaces according to your wishes. The oversized windows bring in an unusual amount of light for a building built in 1858.

The gourmet kitchen is open to the living-dining area via its breakfast bar, which completes the C-shaped running black-granite counter. Other features include state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances and classic custom cabinetry, including china cupboards and wine cubbies. Off the kitchen is a French door to the private deck, where city views are yours to behold.

The oak-floored master bedroom is on the top level as a quiet, out-of-the-way place to sleep. The over-bed skylight makes sure you wake up in the morning.

The en suite bath features a skylight of its own, as well as a tub/shower tiled in cobalt blue and a vanity with granite counter. The second bedroom is large as well.

When Hanson Street runs into Tremont Street, a vibrant neighborhood opens up before you. Performances and art exhibits are aplenty at the Boston Center for the Arts, the Calderwood Pavilion, and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Fitness, dog-running and playtime are plentiful in Ringgold Park, Rotch Playground and Peters Park. Have a cup of coffee at Franklin Café or Francesca’s Espresso Bar. Dining options include South End Formaggio, Mela Modern Indian Cuisine and Addis Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant. Continue your education at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. Shopping is nearby at 7-Eleven on Berkeley Street, which directly links you to more shopping, dining and entertainment in the Back Bay.