Description

Sophisticated and richly appointed, this rare offering of one of New York’s great Gilded Age limestone Beaux Arts mansions, is a glistening survivor, one of the few remaining and most architecturally intact of its Gilded Age splendor on the Upper East Side. Superbly located just off Fifth Avenue and Central Park between Fifth and Madison Avenues on prestigious East 63rd Street and forming part of a group of stunning facades in a beautiful strip of mansions by great architects including CPH Gilbert, D & J Jardine, and Delano & Aldrich, transforming the block for prominent residents such as Woolworth, Bloomindale, Brokaw, Oscar Hammerstein, and present day residents such as Neil Diamond. One of the most exclusive shopping areas in the world is just steps to Madison Avenue and includes names such as Graff, Hermes, Lalique, Dolce & Gabbana and Maison Goyard. Built in 1901 by the financier and philanthropist, Elias Asiel, the townhouse is the masterwork of architect, John H. Duncan, one of the most important architects at the turn-of-the century, who also designed Grant’s Tomb. Reminiscent of the mansions of Paris, the extraordinary limestone façade with center entrance and secondary entrance, has delicate floral garlands, arched French windows, a copper mansard roof, and three terraces including two roof top terraces with glorious city and Central Park views. Built 25’ wide x 100’ deep, on a lot 25’ x 100’, with steel beam construction and elevator to every level, the townhouse has approximately 18,000 sq. ft., 8 levels, including 6 levels above grade, 28 rooms, 7 bedrooms, 8 baths, 4 powder rooms, and 14 fireplaces. The townhouse has rooms of great scale with soaring ceilings, beautiful proportions, and rich ornamentation with extraordinary craftmanship. First Floor: The 46’ x 22’ entrance gallery with white marble floor, 12’ ceiling and spectacular curved white marble staircase, leads to a unique circular dining room entered through beautiful glass doors, and offering herringbone floor, fireplace, 12’ ceiling, and is off the butler’s pantry. Second Floor: Huge 25’ x 22’ gallery with 16’9” ceiling, flanked on the north side by the 22’ x 21’ drawing room, with extraordinary 16’9” ceiling, herringbone floor, fireplace, and moldings with a cartouche in each corner of the ceiling, and doors leading to a terrace. A conservatory is off the drawing room with doors to the terrace. On the south side of the gallery is the paneled library, 22’ x 20’, with ceiling height of 16’ 9”, herringbone floor, fireplace, and ornamented ceiling with sculptural motifs in each corner. Third Floor: Sitting room/media room with herringbone floor, fireplace, 12’ ceiling, and en-suite bath. The primary bedroom, 22’ x 21’, has a fireplace, 12’ ceiling, sitting room with fireplace, en-suite bath. Fourth Floor: Bedroom with fireplace, 10’11” ceiling, double doors to sitting room with fireplace, en-suite bath. The north bedroom, 22’ x 18’, offers a fireplace, 10’11” ceiling, sitting room, dressing room, walk-in closet, en-suite bath, kitchenette, laundry room. Fifth Floor: Double height, 23’ x 21’ sitting room open to floor above, a fireplace and two double-height arched windows allowing glorious light. Two bedrooms, one with fireplace, both with 10’ ceiling, en-suite baths, adjacent kitchenette. Sixth Floor: Lovely south facing bedroom with fireplace, 10’ ceiling, en-suite bath, and double doors to a large terrace with Central Park and city views. Atrium on the north side overlooks the floor below, and leads to a terrace with Central Park views and city views including the tower of the Carlyle Hotel. Lower Level: 11’ ceilings, proposed kitchen, 21’ x 21’, with existing fireplace, breakfast room, sitting room with fireplace, kitchenette, office, English greenhouse, bath, and powder room, entrance to street. Sub Level: Exercise area with 8’ ceiling, powder room, staff quarters, kitchenette, storage, and mechanicals. Sale is subject to court approval Listing courtesy of Sothebys International Realty ...
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