Upper East Side

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.
Continue your penthouse education ahead

June 22, 2014

Manhattan Mansions: 5 of the Biggest (We Mean Gigantic) Single-Family Homes

By Jason Carpenter

Everyone knows Manhattan is all about high-rise condos, tall apartment buildings, and any other kind of building in which people live above other people. But it wasn't always that way. A hundred years ago, there was still room on this small island for the ultra-rich to build mansions all to themselves, single-family homes with the square footage of a castle. Today many of these buildings, all "Millionaire's Row" mansions in the Upper East Side, belong to museums and schools, but the question remains: What are the biggest buildings in Manhattan today that were built as single-family homes?
See our list of mansions here

June 16, 2014

Frick Museum Expansion Renderings Unveiled

The Frick Collection just announced their plans for expansion last week and today they’ve unveiled renderings. The construction, designed by Davis Brody Bond architectural firm – the same firm responsible for the interiors in the 9/11 Museum - plans to expand the space by 60,000 square feet, connecting their Upper East Side mansion with the museum’s art reference library.
More on the massive expansion this way

Real Estate Trends

June 12, 2014

Walmart Heiress Alice Walton Buys a $25 Million Park Avenue Pad

Walmart heiress, philanthropist, and the 14th richest person in the world, Alice Walton, will be moving into a $25 million duplex condo at 515 Park Avenue. The Post reports that the Walton claimed the 30th and 31st floors of the Lenox Hill co-op building — a unit with 6,346 square feet of space hosting five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a grand staircase, and 52 windows that offer up panoramic views of the city. 515 Park also has its own exclusive kitchen and caterer, Chef Daniel Boulud, and 15 private, climate-controlled wine cellars.
Take a look inside here

June 6, 2014

Egypt’s Richest Man Scoops Up the City’s Most Expensive Co-op for $70 Million

David Geffen has been dethroned as the person to have spent the most on a co-op in NYC, ever. Egyptian billionaire, a.k.a. the richest man in Egypt, Nassef Sawiris closed on the pad at 960 Fifth Avenue this afternoon through a listing held by Brown Harris Stevens. The penthouse apartment was originally going for $65 million earlier this spring, but power brokers Mary Rutherfurd and Leslie Coleman of Brown Harris Stevens managed to squeeze an extra $5 million out of Sawiris in a bidding war. Funnily enough, 960 has been cited as one of the city's 'A-plus' buildings, and in 1997 a New York Times article wrote that most residents in the building "are worth over $100 million" and that apartments cost about $15 million — my how times have changed!
Take a look inside the opulent apartment here

June 6, 2014

Historic Townhouse with Rear Carriage House Finds a Buyer for $6.25M

In one of the city's most charming residential pockets, a turn-of-the-century townhouse with a lovely combination of historic details and modern touches has sold for $6.25 million through a listing held by the Corcoran Group. 251 East 61st Street is a four-story brick home with an exceptionally rare two-story rear carriage house. The 5BR/3.5BA townhouse went through a recent renovation that included refinishing the hardwood floors and repainting the front facade and interior walls.
See what else this beauty has in store

May 30, 2014

This Upper East Side Duplex is So Big You Might Need a GPS

By Stephanie Hoina

Bigger is better so the saying goes, and you’ll get no argument from this nearly 8,000-square-foot duplex at 28 East 70th Street. Luckily, you have us to navigate the way through the 20+ rooms that make this home a truly remarkable residence. The most difficult part of our journey? Where to start! So grab your key (for the elevator) and step right into this stunning condo’s marble-floored reception foyer and spacious entry gallery, ensuring complete privacy for the rest of the home’s wings. Yes, wing is a totally appropriate description to use with a residence of this size.
Enter your destination and away we go

Distinctive Homes

May 29, 2014

Billionaire Pier Luigi Loro Piana Buys a Glamourous Carnegie Hill Apartment for $11.3 Million

When you've got billions what's $11.3 million spent on some prime NYC real estate? According to city records filed this morning, Italian billionaire (the 1,067th in the world, and the 22nd in Italy) Pier Luigi Loro Piana just purchased a stunning Carnegie Hill co-op at 980 Fifth Avenue through a listing held by Sotheby's. The Italian fashion magnate crossed the billionaire's mark just last July when he and his brother sold an 80% stake in the Loro Piana fashion line to French billionaire Bernard Arnault's LVMH for $2.6 billion. With plenty of closets in this 3BR/3.5BA, including a 100-square-foot dressing room, the Pianas will have lots of room to store some of the luxurious cashmere and wool suits and sweaters that brought their family such great wealth today. The beautiful home also boasts stunning views of Central Park, and the building itself sparked quite a bit of controversy back in 1966 when it was constructed.
More details this way

May 29, 2014

Fifth Avenue Apartment with Views of the Met Changes Hands from One Financial Pro to Another

Crunching numbers all day as one of the leading financial advisors at USB can't be an easy task, so it makes perfect sense why Louise F. Gunderson chose to make this tranquil, inviting apartment her new home. The crystal-clear views of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park Reservoir probably don't hurt either. Ms. Gunderson purchased a unit at 1035 Fifth Avenue for $4.75 million through a listing held by Lisa K. Lippman and Scott Moore at Brown Harris Stevens. The seller, Sylvan Schefler, head of the Investment Banking Department at Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc., likely had the same idea when he acquired the co-op in 1999. The large single-pane tilt and turn windows of this 2BR/3BA home let in tons of natural light and perfectly frame the uniquely Upper East Side views. High ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout are two of the lovely prewar details, while updated touches like custom built-in shelving and charming window seats create a modern, urban feel.
More on the apartment right this way

May 28, 2014

Wall Street Banker Buys Premier Park Avenue Duplex for $8.495 Million

Wall Street banker Brian Kelly and his wife Robin Foley have just purchased a gorgeous Upper East Side duplex at 830 Park Avenue for $8.495 million. Apartment 9/10B is reminiscent of a home in an Edith Wharton novel, which is appropriate because it’s managed to maintain much of its early 20th century charm even as it boasts some of the most modern finishes.
Check out this beautiful duplex here

May 27, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: A Catalog of Manhattan’s Subway Tiles; A Sexy New Addition For Your Kitchen

A Catalog of Manhattan’s Subway Tile Mosaics: Last summer Adam Chang lived every New Yorker’s nightmare – he spent 20 hours on the MTA, stopping at every stop and photographing the mosaic signs. Citylab has more on the beautiful result of his sheer insanity. Man Seen Flying Kite from the Bowery: Let’s go fly a […]

Uncategorized

May 21, 2014

$13 Million Central Park West Pad Will Make Your Head Swim

Well, if you were getting your finances together to buy the $13 million apartment at 15 Central Park West, you can get off the phone with your accountant because it's sold. Unfortunately for you, Noel Berk of Mercedes/Berk has sold the Upper West Side stunner to someone else for $13.075 million. But that’s not going to stop us from writing about it, so sit back and take in the splendor that is the apartment you just barely missed out on. Unit 15K is an absolutely astounding 3BR/3.5BA beauty, with giant windows that bathe the entire apartment with light. Upon entry to this 2,500 square-foot haven, you’re greeted with a gorgeous foyer with Venetian plaster walls. This leads to a spacious living room with huge windows so as not to obstruct your view of the Lincoln Center. There’s a dining room situated right off the living room, a perfect place to seat your guests as they spend too much time oohing and ahhing over your apartment to remember to eat. And speaking of food, let’s take a trip into this kitchen.
You won't believe your eyes when you see the view from this gorgeous kitchen, here

May 21, 2014

Five Opulent and Ornate Spaces Looking for an Occupant

Anyone who's gone apartment hunting in Manhattan knows it can get a little monotonous — the bone-white walls, standard hardwood floors, and typical layouts. Sometimes the blank canvas just isn't enough; sometimes you need a little oomph. For those of you who enjoy ogling beautiful homes that have been carefully designed and expertly decorated, we've rounded up five opulent and ornate spaces currently looking for an occupant.
See all the stunning spaces this way!

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

Update: Check out our 2017 edition for the latest!

May 20, 2014

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

It’s become all too common in New York City — artists move into a neighborhood, make it trendy and culturally vibrant, and then are forced out by rising rents. It happened in Greenwich Village, Soho, the East Village, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. Do not be disheartened, though, there are still plenty of artist enclaves with thriving creative communities. Ahead are our ten current frontrunners — some may surprise you!
Where the artists are flocking

Events & Things To Do

May 19, 2014

Gorgeous Lenox Hill Apartment Redefines Luxury

Whoever coined the term “the lap of luxury” was clearly thinking of The Mayfair’s apartment #2BC at 610 Park Avenue. This opulent residence, with a $20 million price tag, is so lavish you feel elegant just looking at it. The gorgeous marble entrance gallery is a perfect first impression, setting the tone for the rest of the apartment. The Mayfair was originally the Mayfair Regent Hotel, built back in 1925 by Rosario Candela’s famous partner J.E.R. Carpenter. The building was converted to 15 floors of beautiful condos in 1997.
Take a look inside this palatial pad here

Distinctive Homes

May 16, 2014

Socialites Buy a Home in the Former Building of One of New York’s Most Infamous

New York socialites Danielle and Jonathan Segal have decided to upgrade from their 2BR/2.5 co-op on 65th Street, to a gorgeous 3BR/3BA apartment… one block away. The daughter of Ilan Cohen, owner of real estate company Elite Management, and her hedge fund husband have just put down $4.77 million on apartment 2B at 133 East 64th Street, with the help of Fox Residential's listing agents Barbara Fox and Brad Loe.
Take a look inside the beautiful home here

May 15, 2014

This Belaire Condo in Lenox Hill Will Cure What Ails You

By Stephanie Hoina

High above the East River, atop the Hospital for Special Surgery, sits this elegantly renovated 3-bedroom, 4-bath Lenox Hill residence in the The Belaire. Designed by Frank William and Partners, and completed in 1988, The Belaire is true to its name, offering sweeping “airy” views of the river below, the bridges that span it, and the skyline of the city it calls home.
Take a look at its magnificent views

Distinctive Homes

May 14, 2014

Carnegie Hill Residents Sell Their Gorgeous Penthouse Apartment for $7.25 Million

Why anyone would want to leave this gorgeous Carnegie Hill penthouse at 1150 5th Avenue will remain a mystery for the ages. For some reason, the penthouse's former owners, Karim Rashid and Tracy Buescher, have decided to sell their beautiful 5th Avenue pad. However, someone just hit the jackpot when they scooped up the 3BR/3.5BA beauty, built in 1924 by J.E.R. Carpenter - the unsung hero of 5th Avenue. The co-op was designed by architect Charles Platt, the award winning designer responsible for Washington D.C’s Freer Gallery of Art.
Take a look inside this gorgeous penthouse here

May 8, 2014

Socialite Valerie Mnuchin Buys a Slice of Heaven on Park Ave

Valerie Mnuchin, daughter of former Goldman Sachs exec and current art dealer Robert Mnuchin, has just become the proud owner of a gorgeous 4BR/5.5BA penthouse on the UES. This three story apartment, redesigned in 1953 as a collaboration between original developer Henry Mandel and architects John Sloan and Albert Nast, has retained much of its pre-war charm with an original wood paneled library and a tromp l’oeil ceiling. The opulent triplex, occupying the 15th-17th floors of 898 Park Avenue, features views of the city right from it’s brightly lit formal dining room. The views don’t stop there either. The entire apartment is outfitted with large windows, most notably the ones that line the walls of the 16th floor, showcasing a wraparound terrace large enough for plush lounging furniture and plenty of foliage. And while we’re on the topic of the plentiful, let’s discuss the insane amount of storage space in this 4,100 square-foot mansion disguised as an apartment. Each of the apartment’s four bedrooms comes with an abundance of closet space and an en-suite bathroom.
Check out more of this dream home here

Real Estate Trends

May 6, 2014

UES Penthouse with East River Views in Every Room Sells for $14.9 Million to Former Presidential Hopeful

Who knew bloggers could afford $14.9 million apartments? David Alan Stockman, of David Stockman's Contra Corner (and other things discussed after the break), and his wife Jennifer, an art collector and the current president of the Guggenheim Foundation’s board of trustees, have just purchased a 5BR/6.5BA penthouse at 170 East End Avenue through brokers Andrea Wohl Lucas and Bruce Lucas of Corcoran. Though the building itself isn't much to look at, this 4,902-square-foot penthouse makes up for its stark, stacked exterior with a well-thought-out floor plan designed to make the most of the location's natural light and sweeping views of the East River, neighboring Carl Schurz Park, and the cityscape.
Have a look inside

May 6, 2014

Gorgeous Pre-War Upper East Side Apartment Sold

Apartment 7C, a palatial apartment at 911 Park Avenue has been sold. Marsh CEO Peter Zaffino purchased the astounding pre-war pad for $6.75 million. This Upper East Side beauty, represented by brokers Debra LaChance and Denise LaChance, has 10 rooms, with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and marble floors and hardwoods throughout. The high-rise also features a private landing, a library and a great room with a wood-burning fireplace for those cozy nights by the fire. It also contains an enviably large eat-in kitchen and the increasingly elusive formal dining room. The library features wall-to-wall built-ins and the entire apartment boasts coffered ceilings.
Take a look inside this astonishing apartment here

Real Estate Trends

May 5, 2014

Reed Krakoff Pays $28 Million for an Opulent UES Townhome

It’s a great market for townhomes. 54 East 64th Street has been sold to designer Reed Krakoff and his wife Delphine for $28 million. This news is especially remarkable considering the townhouse’s history. Formerly a Kips Bay Decorator Show House and a one-time home of the New York Observer, this Upper East Side gem was transformed into a luxurious home when it was purchased by real estate investor David Quinlan for $18.74 million back in 2005. After failing to turn the hefty profit he was hoping for, Quinlan sold the townhouse for $20 million in 2011. Last year it was placed back on the market for $20 million; however, broker Dolly Lenz changed that, upping the asking price to $28 million. They don’t call her a superbroker for nothing.
Check out more photos of the townhouse here

Real Estate Trends

May 1, 2014

NYC Condos Designed by Pritzker Prize Winners

The Pritzker Architecture Prize is architecture’s most acclaimed honor. Since 1979, the award has been given away annually to honor one living architect whose built work demonstrates consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment. New York City is home to structures built by 12 of the 36 past winners — ranging from Philip Johnson to I.M. Pei to this year's winner, Shigeru Ban — and currently holds 14 residential examples of their work. One other fascinating tidbit is that condos designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects are selling on average a whopping 44% higher (price/square foot) than those their respective neighborhoods, and 47.5% higher than the Manhattan market average. But are they worth the money? Learn more about them all ahead.
Are these Pritzker Laureate-designed condos worth their markup?

Architecture And Design

April 30, 2014

White Glove Park Avenue Co-op Sells for $6.5 Million

By Jon Dioffa

Vestar Capital founder and co-president Robert Rosner and his interior designer wife have snapped up a 14th floor condo at 1095 Park Avenue. The couple was previously in the former Stanhope Hotel, a 1926 Rosario Candela jewel box at 995 Fifth Avenue opposite the Metropolitan Museum of Art, that was converted into luxury condos. Their new abode features the same modern, streamlined aesthetic of their previous space — a style which Mrs. Rosner has once described as “a chic and sleek downtown sensibility in an iconic uptown setting.” Do you agree?
Get a closer look inside here

Real Estate Trends

April 29, 2014

Park Avenue Historic District Approved with Major Modifications, Extell’s New Tower May Soon Rise as a Result

By Carter B. Horsley

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission has just approved the creation of the Park Avenue Historic District, but with major modifications that could mean big changes for the neighborhood. The boundaries of the district were proposed to run from 79th to 96th Street, but the final version passed today excludes the blocks north of 94th Street, which encompasses the Morris Ketchum Jr.-designed Hunter College School as well as The Loyola Grammar School at 48 East 84th Street. More importantly, today's ruling would appear to give Extell Development the green light to replace a Park Avenue church rectory with a condominium tower.
Park Ave will soon be afoot with change

April 28, 2014

George Stephanopoulos Snags Another Apartment in His Lennox Hill Co-op for $2.2 Million