44 West 77th Street, PH-13E

Irreplaceable HISTORIC PENTHOUSE / Central Park West . In 1900, developer Walter Russell Bond and Realty conceived of an idea to create extra-height studios on a 100-foot lot he had purchased on West 77th street, opposite from the expanding Museum of Natural History. The premiere architects of the era, Harde & Short, specializing in unusual and distinctive apartment houses that attracted the bourgeoisie, were commissioned to realize Walter's dream. Harde & Short prepared a bespoke floor plan that included a very special apartment with a double height studio 45 feet long for renowned sculptor Karl Bitter. Located on an open and airy block The Studio Building sits immediately south of the renowned Museum of Natural History on the most manicured Central Park block evoking a feeling of a Parisian street full of cherry blossoms, banquets, wide sidewalks and manicured lawns. The distinguished co-op contains only 32 luxurious residences. The full-service amenities include a full-time doorman stationed in an impressive lobby with distinct Gothic details such as groin-vaulted ceiling and decorative balconied mezzanine. Additionally, the building contains private storage, a playroom, central laundry room, and is pet friendly. The Penthouse residence (originally The Studio House) is truly a rarefied architectural and historical New York masterpiece, a real trophy home with oversize and articulated windows that face the leafy and expansive grounds of the Museum, Central Park and Manhattan. An 11-room residence will forever remain without peer in Manhattan featuring breathtaking views not found elsewhere. The original Studio House encompassed 4 bedrooms, a library and 3 bathrooms. Today, the remodeled apartment features a reception hall that leads you to the Great Hall--The Studio--where the carved wood pilasters and Corinthian capitals are just a few magnificent touches that make this space "the most spectacular living room in New York. Additional living spaces include a den, an original wood paneled dining room with Gothic windows, a sumptuous wine cellar and generous staff accommodations. For discerning buyers with an eye for the bespoke, this home is a blank canvas upon which they can create a truly unique home for generations to come. The present configuration includes 3 bedrooms, all with open southern city views. A pristine, large and light-filled master bedroom suite comes with a private triple-windowed master bathroom outfitted with a steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, a water closet and bath. The rich history of this unique New York home is written in the inimitable details of its architecture and design. The Grand Hall boasts over 22-foot height ceiling that was hand-painted by the famous Spaniard artist Ramon Canet. The precise architectural dimensions of the residence's grand, open and light-infused spaces set the ideal stage for an avid art collector. The Studio presents a perfect venue for elegant entertaining, intimate family gatherings, and gallery-style art showcases. The present owners have used this perfect space to host the most glamorous and talked-about parties for up to 350 guests against the backdrop of the new floor-to-ceiling window wall built in 2010, There are two magnificent fireplaces including the 17th Century 8-feet stone wood-burning fireplace imported from the Iberian Peninsula. The original owner of the penthouse, American sculptor Karl Bitter, is known for his prominent works displayed throughout New York and other parts of U.S. Since 1930, the residence was occupied by portrait artist Paul Treibelcock, and this is first time in over twenty years that it has become available for sale. The current owners are only the fourth family to ever live here - a true rarity in the Manhattan of today. Special Assessment: Quarterly $10,901 dollars until July 2,016 Financing is 50%.