Inside Susan Sarandon’s Dramatic Chelsea Loft

For the home of a beloved thespian to provide space for performing and dancing seems only fitting, and this airy contemporary loft—Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon’s six-bedroom oasis—does just that. Occupying two floors of an exclusive co-op in Chelsea, the residence is anchored by a vast open living area with a mirrored wall and steps that can serve as impromptu seating—all perfectly suited for productions by performers of any age or stripe.

The effortless flow of the home affords welcome flexibility and versatility—much like the adaptability of a movie set—and encourages both dynamic day-to-day living, hosting long- and short-term visitors, and gatherings for a crowd. The compelling collection of spaces includes a relaxed media lounge, an open kitchen and dining area, and an enviable terrace. For quieter moments, stairs lead to a den or reading area with a wood-burning fireplace and streamlined built-in bookshelves. The lower level is accessed via a custom staircase and its own keyed elevator. In addition to offering three welcoming bedrooms, two baths, and a family room—where a table from the film Lorenzo’s Oil sits—it opens to a magnificent 34-foot-terrace where views of the Empire State Building and the surrounding cityscape unfold.

Those stunning views vie for center stage, too. Nearly every room has a dramatic outlook on the landmarks of the city that never sleeps. The owner’s suite—which includes a balcony, two walk-in closets, a windowed bath, and a soaking tub—gazes out at the iconic Empire State building, while windows in the library—a handsome space occupying a coveted corner and suitable for use as a bedroom—frame views of the Con Ed Building and One World Trade Center.

The ambience is inescapably convivial, filled with sunlight and the warmth of honey-hued hardwoods that flow throughout. In the living room and library, an expanse of glass admits floods of glorious southerly light. Walls are ideal for the display of art. One bath has been cheerfully painted in a delightfully vibrant blue. And overall, the generous square footage offers plenty of room to stretch out, breathe, imagine, and create.

Exposed pipes and sturdy columns create eye-catching accents amid the home’s expansive, fluid floor plan, paying homage to the history of the building, which was industrial during its early days in the 1920s. Today the luxurious La Fabrique co-op affords easy access to markets, shops, and the High Line from its highly sought-after location, at the crossroads of Greenwich Village, the Flatiron District, and West Chelsea.