NYCOpenHouse

Magical, Not-to-Be-Missed Show House Opens at 2 East 63rd Street! Holiday House 2011 is a Reason to Celebrate!

Don't miss Traditional Homes' Holiday  House 2011- a show house open now until December 11th at 2 East 63rd St.  Top designers show off their ample talents with inspiring and sometimes humorous takes on various traditional and not so traditional (think Superbowl Sunday, Night at The Oscars, Spring Equinox) holidays celebrated throughout the year.  Don't miss Jennifer Duneier's enchanting Easter Bunny diorama just outside the window of her charming second floor bath and lounge.  Inson Wood's  showstopper Chinese New Year's Celebration (pictured above) is a jewel box of red laquer, pagoda valances, modern art and a melange of textures and colors.  Just being in the glamourous space made me feel unfathomably rich with happiness!  The ultimate star, however, is the actual venue-  2 East 63rd St. the monastery-like 75 foot wide townhouse that was built in 1921 as a private residence for Mr. William Ziegler, Jr. Its unconventional design situates the structure around a center courtyard garden adding light and nature to the mansion's grandly proportioned public and private rooms. The scale and detail are undoubtedly without compare anywhere else in the city.  One can only imagine how much fun it would be as a family home overflowing with kids and canines-- lots of places to hide and lots of places to seek!  The house later became home to Five and Dime Store heir Norman Bailey Woolworth and, until recently, housed the New York Academy of Sciences.  Current ownership is held by a financier who paid somewhere in the range of $31.5 million for the pleasure of holding the key to this magnificent property.  For the last four years the site has been graciously provided for this annual show house which raises much needed funds for the fight against Breast Cancer.  For tickets and schedule of special events:  Holiday House.

Laurence P. Mitchell

Grand Living at The Waldorf Astoria for $135,000 a Month!

Long the epitome of Park Avenue Grandeur, The Waldorf Astoria remains a top tier address for anyone wanting to experience City life as though it were an elegant lyric from one of the property's most notable past residents- legendary composer Cole Porter!   A classic three bedroom is currently available for a discriminating tenant seeking a luxuriously furnished lair offering a maximum sense of privacy and comfort.  A grand oval foyer anchors the floor plan which also include a formal dining room with a White House vibe and seating for twelve, living room with fireplace, marble baths and a private fitness room.  The SouthEastern exposure provides a movie star glamourous view of the Chrysler Building and the East River- blow kisses to Queens!  Residents enjoy a private entrace to the Waldorf Towers, the services of an ultra attentive staff and round-the-clock room service (midnight hot fudge sudaes, anyone?!).  Contact Brown Harris Stevens' own star realtor Margaret H. Bay to book your long term stay!  $135,000 per month available one month to five years.

Laurence P. Mitchell

One57 to be NYC's Tallest Residential Tower

Extell's One57 currently under constrution on West 57th Street is just approaching the 50th story passing the halfway mark to its final height of 90 stories.  The site, just across from Carnegie Hall, once held several five story converted townhouses incorporating walk-up residences and ground floor commercial businesses including   the legendary Uncle Sam's Umbrella Repair.  The new structure is designed by Pritzer Prize winning  French architect Christian de Protzampare who also designed the LVMH Tower on East 57th St.  The lower 39 stories will house a
flagship Hyatt Hotel with the upper floors will be comprised of 95 luxury condominiums.  It is rumored that the10,923 square foot 90th floor penthouse is being priced at $98,500,000. Looking for a pied-a-terre?!    

                                                 
Laurence P. Mitchell

Make History in Washington Square Townhouse

As a undergraduate at that noble institution known as New York University I often fantasized about living in one of the stately townhouses neighboring the school on the north side of Washington Square Park.  As an English major it was fascinating to dive into the literary works of Henry James and Edith Wharton knowing that these classic homes played such a vibrant role in the society of a much younger New York City.  I thought how incredible it would be to unlock the door to a home of such gracious formality as opposed to hat of my nondescript studio walk-up in Murray Hill.  Alas such a rare opportunity is on the market at 23 Washington Square North.  The 27 foot wide Greek Revival is currently configured with seven units but with the longest lease expiring in September 2012 the possibility to a single residence is imminent!  Original details abound as do the views- Washington Square across the street and the Empire State Building from the roof!  Who says you can't have it all?!  To snare your role in the history of this important Greenwich Village residence contact the Leslie J. Garfield & Co.'s townhouse aficionado Jed Garfield.  $19,800,000.

Laurence P. Mitchell

Hotel des Artistes Duplex is Inspirational

Established in 1917, Hotel des Artistes is one of New York City's oldest co-ops.  It's long been one of the Upper West Side's most beloved architectural treasures and not just because it's ideally situated across from Central Park on one of the prettiest streets in the City!  Originally intended as live/work studios for artists, the apartments feature double height (22 feet!) ceilings with accompanying 14 foot high windows to make the most of the natural light so prized bycreatively inclined residents.  An unprecedented on-site swimming pool, squash court, ballroom, sun parlor and an on-site restaurantforeshadowed the current trend for amenity laden residences today.  The apartments were designed without kitchens but hunger pangs were quickly sated by the resident chef (his yearly salary was included in the monthly maintenance!).   Would-be Mark Rothkos (and anyone with a romantic bent) can continue this storied legacy today with a distinctively chic duplex one bedroom currently on the market with Sotheby's own frequently evoked muse Jessica Vertullo Maher.  The upper level's wraparound balcony overlooks a palatially proportioned living room below-  perfect for test flying a paper airplane or an at-home musicale!  A wood burning fireplace will keep you and an adored canine (yep- pets are welcome at 1 West 67th Street!) toasty and inspired.  A mere $2,000,000 is all it takes to snare the key to this enchanting lair.  "There's no place like home" will surely be your new motto!      


Laurence P. Mitchell

What Can You Get in this Town for $88,000,000? A Full Floor Penthouse at Iconic 15 Central Park West

Just in case you might have some loose change around-- a trophy penthouse at legendary 15 Central Park West has just hit the market.  The 6,744 square feet residence has four master bedrooms,  a living room of grand proportions, corner dining room, den, library and and spacious chef's kitchen with breakfast bar.  A 2,000 square foot wrap terrace provides top of the world views of Central Park and midtown Manhattan.  This Robert Stern designed condominium opened in 2007 and was an instant luxury landmark attracting pillars of industry and well heeled celebrities (i'm not a name dropper by nature but these are a-listers you would know via academy award winning performances, Time Magazine covers and Grammy recipients!).  Building amenities include an on-site dining room (yes, room service is available!), screening room, full service gym and spa complete with lap pool.  The staff including a full time concierge is well trained to the needs and dreams of the well looked after residents.  Penthouse owner Sandy Weill (former chairman and CEO of Citigroup) and wife are downsizing to a smaller unit on a lower floor but will still enjoy Central Park views.  Mr. Weill, a well known philanthropist, intends to most graciously donate the proceeds of the penthouse sale to charity.  To arrange a showing of this palatial residence contact the youthful and brilliant Kyle W. Blackmon of the venerable Brown Harris Stevens.  $88,000,000.

Laurence P. Mitchell

East 57th Street Penthouse Has Private Pool with Billion Dollar Views!

In my dreamy-eyed youth the words "penthouse" and "swimming pool" always evoked a kind of glamour I aspired to but never did I pair the two together until I discovered this mansion in the sky at the coveted Excelsior at 303 East 57th St.  It's the kind of building that has a circular drive and a double height ceiling in the lobby.  There's a kind of Hollywood Regency aura that makes anyone who traverses its portals feel a little like a movie star.  A uniformed staff is always at the to arrange transport or to offer assistance with all those shopping totes and boxes from down-the-street neighbors Christian Dior, Burberry, Prada, Chanel, Van rCleef and Arpels.   The bi-level 47th floor  residence is  capped with its very own indoor pool perfect for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue photo session or just an impromptu midnight round of Marco Polo!  The surrounding terraces (at just shy of 5,000 sq ft  "acreage" might be a more apt. designation!)  offer 360 degree Cessna views of Manhattan and, if you peer into the distance, a peek at the site of my humble beginnings- the Jersey Shore!  (If they could see me now!!)  Downstairs there are two master bedroom suites, fireplaces, an airy kitchen and plenty of run-around room!  To arrange for your first at-home dip, contact Core's accomplished and savvy Kirk Rundhaug.  Bathing suits optional (wink!).  $4,295,000. 
laurence p. mitchell

Chic Gramercy Pad has Year-Round Christmas-y Vibe!

Seems Santa isn't as elusive as previously thought as I've uncovered what is sure to be his secret Gramercy Park Residence.   This three bedroom floor-through is in a landmarked double wide townhouse complete with keyed elevator to ensure privacy from curious youth who might seek out the beloved star of cherished childhood lore.  Favorite hues of green and red adorn the main entertaining rooms with plenty of room for caroling around the Baby Grand!   And with three woodburning fireplaces there are plenty of year round options for keeping chimmney sliding skills up to par.  Stargazing and tracking optimum flying sleigh routes easily are determined from the private landscaped terrace.  The perfect home for any buyer who "needs a little Christmas" 365 days of the year.  To snare this treasured holiday home contact the always jolly (and smart!)  agent to the stars Ann Weintraub. 149 East 18th St. Apt. 2:  $3,250,000. 

Laurence P. Mitchell

1stDibs.com Highlights High End Real Estate!

I've lost many hours of sleep scouring the addictive 1stDibs.com for the perfect George III Giltwood Armchair, Neoclassical Ormolu Sconces, Savonnerie Carpet.  Now it seems that I'll get absolutely no beauty rest as the favorite site of decorators, designers and collectors has introduced a real estate collection focusing on the most luxurious properties available on the worldwide market.  Recent obsessions with featured listings have included a hilltop mansion in San Francisco's Pacific Heights, a Mediterranean style villa in Montecito and a classic English country manor on Round Hill in Greenwich, CT.   Right now I'm dreaming of a certain 36,000 square foot nine bedroom (including a crazy master suite!)  French style new construction at 9577 Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills.  I'm told there are sweeping double staircases in the entrance gallery, hand crafted mosaic floors and lots of moldings encased in 24K gold gilding (fancy!).  The pool and ajoining pavillion would be great for hosting the kids' swim meet and even Rafael Nadal would be proud to host a few competitors for a friendly round robin on the professional play tennis court!  Lots fun state of the art sound and security systems to keep prowlers and paparazzi at bay.  Contact the always engaging Joyce Rey at Caldwell Banker's Beverly Hills Office for a personal peek at this sumptuous family home.  Ask:  $55,000,000.   After downpayment of $11,000,000 monthly mortgage payments on a 30 year fixed at 4% would come to only $210,062!

Laurence P. Mitchell

Nine Rooms of Central Park West Perfection at The Beresford

 

Some may swoon for the glitz of the San Remo or The Majestic, be swayed by the imposing and mysterious Dakota but my favorite icon Central Park West architecture is hands down The Beresford.  This elegant and refined 1929  residence was designed by the lengendary Emory Roth and sits prominently at the intersection of West 81st Street and Central Park West. Liveried elevator attendantsand doormen greet residents as they enter the ornate but chic-ly unstated lobby.  The fabled co-op is known for it luminary residents past and present including Jerry Seinfeld, Rock Hudson, Beverly Sills, Diana Ross, John McEnroe and Isaac Stern.  My former boss Helen Gurley Brown lives in one of the structure's three coveted towers.  She refers to her multi roomed tri-plex aerie as the largest one bedroom in Manhattan (she doesn't like to encourage house guests!) 

Want to add your name to fabled address's roster of stars?  I offer, for your consideration, Apt 8G.  Nine Rooms including a grand paneled living room with working fireplace and direct Park views!  Formal Dining Room, Library, Entrance Gallery, Four bedrooms and even more baths!  The thoughtful floor plan offers a natural flowperfect for entertaining a bevy of your nearest and dearest!  To start living the movie star life please contact Sotheby's very cosmopolitan Olivia Hoge or Stribling's very international VP Beatrice Ducrot.  $13,500,000.

 

Laurence P. Mitchell