36 East 68th Street

An already charming residence with an immaculate indian limestone facade was reimagined by its owner who transformed it into a one-of-a-kind, glorious residence that reflects both the sophistication and elegance of a luxurious modern home with distinctly European allure and sensibility. With interiors by Achille Salvagni and custom finished by Italian artisans, this new standard bearer consists of 9,153 sq. ft. above grade (12,693 sf including cellar and sub cellar). The cellar floor is an amalgam of dedicated spaces for sports and wellness, representing both historical and modern luxury: a swimming pool with counter-current swimming, relaxation area with loungers and bar, an enclosed gym, and a spa area with sauna, hammam and emotional shower plus a changing room and bath. Through the wrought iron entrance on the street level, one finds a handsome vestibule, a receiving gallery, powder room, a distinguished garden facing library with an adjacent study. One level up the ribbon-like sultry architectural staircase that connects all floors, a large landing leads to grand antique marble portals and mahogany doors that open onto two large rooms: a formal salon facing the street, and an informal living room in the rear. A powder room is located off the main hall. The second floor replicates the layout of the first, with a street-facing room for formal receptions and a large kitchen with pantry to the rear for everyday affairs. The dining room is a sophisticated environment. It is designed to evoke the design and lines of an orangery, through the use of thin brass strips that mark the walls covered with fabric, decorated with small brass plaques, and the inclined flaps in the shape of a pavilion with a brass and onyx chandelier at the top, supported by an elegant lattice of brass rods. The kitchen is preceded by a pantry. Providing a gathering area for family and friends is a comfortable breakfast/small meals corner that overlooks a bow window. The gourmet kitchen area itself is covered in brushed black stained ash and has top of the line equipments plus a stunning wine cellar. The powder room on the second floor is designed around the sculptural marble sink. The 3rd, 4th and 5th floors house the bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and wardrobes. On the third floor there are two spacious bedrooms. The first faces the street, with walls completely covered in light oak except for the ceiling. The second bedroom is designed as a media room but can easily be converted into a bedroom. The three bedrooms on the 4th floor have ensuite bathrooms and wardrobes. They feature "Versailles" wooden floor with squares and base cladding of the walls in light oak, a dark wood strip underlines the passage from the wooden base to the upper part of the walls. The respective bathrooms are treated differently for each of the suites with a selection of precious marbles and original stones. The shower and toilet doors are in crystal with bronze frame and brass inserts. The 5th floor is a single full-floor grand suite. From the atrium of the staircase with niches covered in red fabric, through a large grand antique marble portal with a mahogany door, you pass the dressing room/corridor linking the primary bedroom and bath. The primary bathroom is simply magnificent, flooded with light from enormous windows overlooking a large terrace. A sculptural basin constitutes its fulcrum, carved out of solid statuary marble...like a central Roman basin. Glass doors with the usual bronze and brass frame, give access to the toilet and showers. Statuary marble double sink and doors in nickel silver finish complete this stunning space. The roof top represents a splendid view of the city which, enhanced by the greenery, becomes a privileged place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The terrace is accessed from the interior vestibule with a glass body that follows the curve of the staircase and allows light to penetrate the residence. The elevator services all floors.