The River House

435 East 52nd St., better known as the River House, is an Art Deco co-op apartment building in Manhattan. It was designed by Bottomley, Wagner & White and constructed in 1931 on the site of a former cigar factory.

The River House rises 26 stories and is topped by a crown. It also has two massive fifteen-story wings and is noted for being among the more private — and romantic — New York City residences.

Below, it boasts a gated cobblestone courtyard with an elegant fountain. Originally, there was even a pier where its affluent residents would dock their yachts, but that amenity was lost with the construction of the FDR Drive.

Today, however, there are plenty of modern amenities, including a health club and gym complete with three squash courts, two tennis courts and a swimming pool. To kick back, residents may enjoy the River House library, dining room, ballroom and bar overlooking the river.

Many of the units include galleries, terraces, balconies, high ceilings and wood burning fireplaces.

The application process to live here is reportedly tough. Among the residents that were believed to have been turned away include former US President Richard Nixon, actress Joan Crawford, and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt.

Among those who were reportedly permitted to live in the building include United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, author Alexandra Penney, magazine editor Holly Peterson and actress Uma Thurman.