Magnificent Historic Duplex of Baronial Splendor

Here, in one of today’s most fashionable and desirable locations on the Upper West Side, steps from Central Park and Lincoln Center, is a magnificent piece of New York’s architectural and cultural history. Apartment 1FW is a duplex maisonette purchased by the current owners some 42 years ago from Philippe Halsman, the famous Life Magazine photographer known for his portraits of Einstein, Dali, Marilyn Monroe, and others. A 1967 sketch signed by Dali is preserved on the living room wall as a "souvenir” for Halsman. Reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Vienna or an artist salon of the Belle Epoque, walls throughout this fascinating home are richly decorated with tapestries, vintage posters, miniatures, paintings and Renaissance drawings. Collectors’ items grace all available surfaces. Oriental rugs cover original 1903 wood floors. Walls of bookcases are filled to bursting. The magnificent living room is remarkable for its exceptional size, two-story, 18 ft ceiling, tall North windows, four chandeliers, grand piano, wood burning fireplace and large comfortable sitting areas. The lower level of the duplex also houses a spacious dining room, a modern kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances, a small guest bedroom and a bathroom with a stall shower. On the upper level the original three bedrooms are combined into two, each with a sitting area. They share a bathroom and a hallway lined with closets. Another bathroom is a possibility. The balcony at the top of the stairs overlooks the living room below. It is currently used as a work space. Despite its grand size this beautiful home is totally charming, and has a warm, inviting and comfortable atmosphere, ideal for lavish entertaining or just plain relaxation. In recent years it has become a beloved gathering place for artists and art lovers alike attracting opera singers, conductors, musical soloists, cabaret entertainers, diplomats, artists, aristocrats, movie celebrities, and many other fun-loving people.  The annual Christmas parties given here are legendary, as are frequent dinners and musical soirees for up to 150 guests. It may be possible to combine the duplex with the adjacent apartment 2RW (currently for sale at $760,000).

The Atelier

The Atelier was built in 1903 as the second of six grand and distinctive Artist Studio apartment buildings constructed between 1901 and 1929 which form the Artists’ Colony Historic District. Conceived and financed by artists, this is the only landmarked artists' colony in Manhattan. The Atelier was home to Marcel Deschamps, and other famous painters, photographers, writers and musicians. Today, the Atelier is an established full service Cooperative with a full time superintendent. It has an elegant lobby, a magnificent brass elevator operated by a 24-hour elevator attendant/doorman, a lovely roof garden and a laundry room.  Storage rooms can be rented subject to availability