lamaison: Astor Place

[The Lovely Mrs. Astor]

[Famed Albert Hadley Library]

[Close Up in the Library]

[Astor's Bedroom]

[Street Front]

The property to which I am referring is the famed estate of late New York City philanthropist and former House & Garden editor, Brook Astor. The Astor home, located at 778 Park Avenue (at 73rd and Park) is beyond valuable. Not because of its ideal Park Avenue location, but for the legend of the beloved Astor that it helps to preserve. Following Astor's death in August of 2007, the sale of this specific property in her vast estate involved a great deal of speculation and concern. There was embittered fear and duress surrounding the revered library and formal sitting rooms. Speculation swirled that the apartment, following its resale, would be entirely dismantled.

While the listing did find a new owner, there is still uncertainty as to whether key aspects of the famed 14 room apartment would be safeguarded.

[14 Room Floor Plan]

Astor, a philanthropist, author, editor and New York City icon shared the Park Avenue apartment with her third husband, Vincent Astor. The property, which went on the market at $46 Million (100% up front in cash no less) showcases a living room with breathtaking views (a modest 28' by 19'), a library with red lacquer shelves (21' by 17', which is said to be one of New York's most photographed rooms), full pantry (larger than most NYC studio apartments: 15' by 8'11"), formal dining room (19' by 10'), five wood-burning fireplaces, a vault, a private landing, 30-foot-long gallery (wet bar and elevator included, naturally), 20 closets, a dressing room in addition to the walk-in-closet off a guest bedroom, servant's hall (3 maids' rooms) and six terraces. Listed on Corcoran real estate's web page, it has quickly become no secret that the duplex's monthly maintenance is more than $17,000 dollars.

But coming up with the $46 Million? My dear that's the easy part - now try impressing the gents who sit on board of the building's co-op.