When New York was redeveloped and flooded with luxury hotels and high rise apartment blocks, many of its most coveted houses were demolished or remodeled to make space for the vast new buildings. As a result, the remaining mansions from what is known as the Gilded Age are few and far between and when they come on the market, it is something of a big deal. One such mansion – location on East 63rd Street – has just gone up for sale, and it’s one of the prime real estate offerings in America right now.
Not only does this house offer a rare chance to own one of these Beaux Arts beauties, it is in impeccable condition with the architectural details in tact. The location is hard to beat (most Gilded Age mansions come with the best addresses) on a prestigious street with 5th Avenue and Central Park at the end of the block – and luxury leather goods shops Hermès and Goyard for neighours.
The house was built in 1901 by the financier and philanthropist, Elias Asiel, and – as with most Gilded Age mansions – is the work of architect John H. Duncan, one of the most important architects at the turn-of-the century. 15 East 63rd Street has a distinctly Parisian feel to it, thanks to the extraordinary limestone façade, delicate floral garlands, arched French windows, copper mansard roof, and three terraces including two roof top terraces with city and Central Park views.
Inside, the interiors are every bit the part, with wood panelling, soaring ceilings and a lot of beautiful marble running throughout. The cornicing and plasterwork detailing is impeccable and the central staircase has wonderful stonemasonry displayed via its garlands of flora and fauna.
The property is vast, with 28 rooms in total, two entrances and 14 fireplaces. There are seven bedrooms and 16 bathrooms spread over eight floors, including a subterranean gym and separate areas for staff. At $65 million, it’s quite the expensive buy but houses like this don’t tend to stick around for long. The house is for sale with Sotheby’s.
