$1.4M Hotel des Artistes co-op has a secretive past of forbidden love

This Hotel des Artistes apartment has a surprising claim to fame: it was the home of Italian actor Rudolph Valentino’s mistress, while Valentino—who was known as the “Great Lover” of the 1920s for his roles in romantic dramas—lived next door. To facilitate their liaisons, a secret passage linking the two apartments was created, though it’s not clear from the listing if current residents will have access to it. There’s still plenty to love about the one-bedroom co-op at 1 West 67th Street, which features a double-height living room, original oak floors, and an upstairs bedroom with a Juliette balcony overlooking the living area. The Central Park West unit just hit the market seeking $1,425,000.

The living area boasts the signature double-height ceilings you’ll find in most Hotel Des Artistes apartments, reaching 19 feet. A wall of 14-foot windows provides northern light. The original oak floors span throughout the dramatic space, which is accented by Italian plaster walls and dark woodwork.

Off the living area is a foyer that doubles as a dining area and a separate kitchen equipped with a Bosch dishwasher and a Sub-Zero refrigerator.

Up the original oak staircase is the bedroom, which is lined on one side with a full wall of built-in closets. A charming Juliette balcony off the bedroom overlooks the living room. The only bathroom is on this level, and it comes with a stone shower and glass bowl sink.

Built in 1917, the Hotel des Artistes is known for its Gothic-style facade. Over the years, a long list of notables including Noel Coward, Isadora Duncan, Leroy Neiman, New York City Mayor John V. Lindsay and Norman Rockwell have called the building home. Amenities include a swimming pool, two workout rooms, a squash court, and a La Palestra fitness center in addition to a 24-hour staff that includes a concierge, elevator operator, and live-in superintendent. Residents get discounted dining and delivery service from the building’s restaurant.

[Listing: 1 West 67th Street, Unit 302 by Cheryl Daly and Lisa Cunningham Arcara of Compass]

[At CityRealty]

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Listing images by Andrew Kiracofe; courtesy of Compass