Description

Atop the venerable Dakota Apartments, an incomparable 2,857 square foot residence is distinguished by 92 feet of direct Central Park frontage. Inspired by their neighbor the acclaimed modernist designer Ward Bennett’s own iconic “Manhattan A-frame”, the owners asked that he design rooms for them in the northern-most gable above their apartment. They later commissioned architect Michael Graves, a member of the New York Five and the Memphis Group, to expand and completely renovate the home, introducing playful colors, classical elements, and wit. Originally staff quarters on the highest floor at the historic 1884 Henry Janeway Hardenbergh German Renaissance-Revival landmark, two 20th century architectural visionaries reimagined these rooms into a light-flooded aerie of pleasing scale and outlook.

The reception rooms all radiate from a gracious demilune Entry Gallery, finished in sandstone flooring. The oversized corner Dining Room is lined with bookshelves and features a dramatic barrel-vaulted ceiling and dual exposures over Central Park. A Library/Guest Bedroom enjoys views of the park and the New York City skyline from a large picture window, as does the adjacent Full Bathroom. A pair of double windows each fitted with window seats designed for optimal Thanksgiving Day parade viewing are the focal point of 27 foot long Living Room overlooking the park. An expansive corner Primary Bedroom Suite and the adjacent Primary Bathroom are each park-facing and include a Dressing Room and three massive closets, one with a park view. At the northern end of the apartment, an inviting octagonal Breakfast Room with northern park views adjoins a large Pantry/Bar with a Sub-Zero Wine Cooler. A windowed Stair Hall leads to a thoughtfully designed, windowed Chef’s Kitchen, outfitted with superb storage, a Viking Professional Range, a Viking Dual Burner Convection Oven, and a Miele Refrigerator Freezer and Dishwasher. A light-flooded stairway invites you upstairs to discover the sumptuous Studio with a double-height window wall, created for the owners by Ward Bennett from the imposing high gable. An adjacent Second Bedroom with an en-suite Bathroom completes this floor. Across the public hall from the Kitchen, Room 178 is a large bookshelf-lined Study/Bedroom with an en-suite Bathroom and Laundry. Throughout the home, the architectural and lighting plans, all lighting fixtures and hardware were designed and meticulously executed for the owners by Michael Graves. Offered in excellent condition, with a discreet central air conditioning system to enhance comfort.

Impeccable service and the highest level of privacy and security are seamlessly provided by a dedicated Resident Manager and experienced Concierge, Doorman, Engineering and Maintenance Staff. There is an enchanting interior courtyard with beautiful restored original fountains, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an auxiliary Laundry Room, and storage facilities. Pets, pied-a-terres, and financing of up to 50% are permitted. A 3% Transfer Tax is payable by the Purchaser. Storage conveys with the apartment. Showings may be scheduled by appointment weekdays from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Listing courtesy of Sothebys International Realty ...
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