Showing posts with label Architecture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Architecture. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The Apthorp

How's this for some exquisite real estate porn?

When built in 1908 it was the largest residential building in the world. Today it is being modernized (don't fret they're restoring the historic details but adding state-of-the-art appliances and central air conditioning) into 163 luxurious homes, ranging in size from one to four bedrooms and 1,500 to 6,000 square feet; the first 22 homes are currently on sale with prices starting at $2 million.

The elegance of New York’s Gilded Age is reflected in the baseboards, chair rails, picture moldings, cornices, fireplace mantels, built-in cabinetry and niches. In drawing rooms, libraries, dining rooms and bedrooms stone and plaster moldings.


You can view a PDF of the original Apthorp Brochure from 1908 here. One hundred years later this is the new brochure.

One of my best friends live around the corner of this iconic neo-renaissance building and every time I walk by I get a little weak in the knees. Every now and again you'll see the grandiose iron gates part to allow a chauffeured car with blackened windowed in to circle around the driveway of the 12,000 sq ft. courtyard. You're left standing on the sidewalk with the rest of the commoners wishing it were you in that car and could get a chance to view the landmark beauty that is guarded by those giant gates.

Now's our chance, let's take a look inside with LXTV's Open House NYC:

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Bricks and Brownstone

A bit of background...

Since I was young I always knew I wanted to own an old rowhouse. Long before I could even think of getting a house I went to The Strand bookstore in NYC and purchased the definitive rowhouse bible
Bricks and Brownstone: The New York Rowhouse 1783-1929 by Charles Lockwood. Some of you may have seen Charles Lockwood's appearance on This Old House's Brooklyn Brownstone Project. This book put me over the edge. I poured over every page, every word, every photo. For me it's the ultimate in real estate porn. Droolworthy. So, if old homes and particularly brick, brownstone or limestone townhouses tickle your fancy do yourself a favor and go get this book.

Thanks Mr. Lockwood!