Academic Historian Philip Bobbit Sells his Scholarly Beekman Penthouse for $1.3 Million

With four degrees from three ivy league universities, Philip Bobbit might be expected to live in a house lined with bookshelves and filled with piles of marked-up papers.  The author, academic, historian, and public servant, however, kept a pristine space with virtually no clutter to be seen.  But there is a scholarly feel to the 2BR/2BA apartment with its traditional design, formal artwork, and dignified furniture.

Despite its studious charm, Bobbit has sold PH1606 at 575 Park Avenue, known as the Beekman, for $1.325 million.  If the dramatic décor of the penthouse wasn’t enough to entice the buyer, it also features north, east, and south exposures, as well as two custom, operable glass NanaWalls that open onto a gorgeous 45-foot-long outdoor terrace, creating an indoor/outdoor oasis.

The apartment has all of the upscale features one would expect from such a notable owner: hardwood floors throughout, a marble fireplace, oversized windows, custom woodwork and built-ins, and 11-foot ceilings.  The decorative wallpaper and crystal chandeliers add a luxe feel to the space, as do the rich paint colors and delicate panel moldings.

575 Park Avenue is known as the Beekman.  It is a 16-story, white-glove residential building with 110 units.  Built in 1927, in the Italian-Renaissance-palazzo style by George F. Pelham, it has one of the grandest lobbies in the area.  Amenities include a concierge, doorman, gym, valet, and maid service five days a week.  Famed chef Michael White is opening a new restaurant on the ground floor of the building, and it will offer room service to residents.

Here’s hoping the new owner will keep this lovely, formal penthouse up to its current A+ standards.

[Listing: 575 Park Avenue, PH1606 by Douglas Elliman]

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman