Cascades of southern sunlight and a gorgeous Museum Park tableau illuminate this spectacular 8.5 room residence. Built c.1905 in the Hotel Colonial by the esteemed architect Frederick Browne, the building is known today as the Galaxy, one of the Westside?s most appealing fin de siecle structures. Ideally situated at West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue and designed in a contemporary, sophisticated style for ease in everyday living and serious entertaining, this pristine corner apartment offers an open 32 foot entertainment area including a chef?s kitchen and a charming dining room overlooking the American Museum of Natural History, its verdant park and brilliant skyline backdrop.  Four sunlit bedrooms (or three bedrooms and a dressing room) reside in two wings. There are, as well, a handsome library, spacious home office and 3 full baths. The master suite contains an oversized bath incorporating marble tile, Waterworks fixtures and a walk in closet as well as an exquisite dressing area finished in rosewood.  Closets are numerous, well-placed and of generous size. Ceilings soar and all windows are new, double-glazed and large. Every room in the apartment faces outward and is therefore bright and blissful. 51 West 81 Street is located at the dynamic center of the Upper Westside where, within several blocks, My Fair Lady, a 1971 La Tache and sandals from St. Tropez compete for attention with the newly arrived Titanosaur?as well as the best value luxury apartment in Manhattan.