Commonwealth Avenue has always been Boston's grand boulevard. On Monday, November 9, one of its most historic homes comes back to market as something Back Bay rarely sees anymore: a fully restored single-family townhouse on the very first block.

18 Commonwealth Avenue, known as the Ward Mansion, is listed at $22,500,000 by Josh Stephens and The Moving Greater Boston Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential.

A home built in 1864, restored to how it was meant to be lived in

Many of Back Bay's great townhouses were split into condos over the past century. 18 Commonwealth went the other way. After a two-year restoration, the building has been returned to its original purpose as one grand urban residence.

"Restoring 18 Commonwealth back to a single-family home brings the building back to its original intent," says Josh Stephens. "These homes were designed to be grand urban residences, and returning it to that form preserves both the architecture and the historical character of the neighborhood."

The restoration kept the scale, craftsmanship and proportions of a classic Back Bay townhouse and added the systems, kitchens and baths people expect in a new luxury home today. "The home functions like a brand-new luxury residence," Josh says.

The location: first block, overlooking the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

The home sits on the first block of Commonwealth Avenue, steps from the Public Garden and Newbury Street. Its front windows look directly onto the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and the Alexander Hamilton statue, which dates to the same era as the house.

"There's something remarkable about a historic residence on one of America's most iconic streets, overlooking a landscaped boulevard and a monument to the man who helped shape the nation's financial system," Josh says.

For buyers coming from outside Boston, here's the short version: you can walk to the Public Garden, the Common, Newbury Street shopping and some of the city's best restaurants in minutes, and still come home to a quiet, private residence.

Inside 18 Commonwealth Avenue

The home has about 8,100 square feet across six levels, all served by an elevator.

• Five en-suite bedrooms and three powder rooms, plus a private au pair suite
• A primary suite that takes up an entire floor, with two dressing rooms, a beverage bar and a marble spa bath
• A chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, Calacatta Vagli marble, a 60-inch Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigeration, two Cove dishwashers and Waterworks fixtures
• Formal living and dining rooms, a private library and several fireplaces
• A top-floor entertainment lounge with a kitchenette and wine storage
• A private roof deck with an outdoor kitchen and views of the Boston skyline
• A two-car garage plus two more spaces in a private, gated driveway, and a private gated rear entrance
• Custom millwork, white oak floors, ornamental ironwork and a wide range of marble and natural stone throughout

How to see it

There are no public open houses. Showings are private and by appointment through Josh Stephens and The Moving Greater Boston Team.

• Property website:18commonwealth.com
• Video tour:Watch on YouTube
• Private showings: Contact Josh Stephens at 617-682-9661

Boston.com covered the restoration earlier this year in "Back Bay's ugly duckling is getting a makeover."

In one sentence

In Josh's words: "It's not just a luxury home. It's the revival of a classic Back Bay townhouse prominently located at the beginning of Boston's most historic boulevard."

Thinking about buying or selling in Back Bay? The team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential is happy to help. Get in touch.