8 E 68TH Street #5

Encompassing the entire fifth floor of a converted mansion, 8 East 68th Street, Apartment 5 is a rare architectural masterpiece created by architect Scott Koniecko, a former colleague of the late iconic figure, I. M. Pei. Located on a beautiful tree-lined street just off Fifth Avenue, half a block from Central Park and high-end fashion boutiques along New York City's famous Madison Avenue, this mansion is right in the heart of the Upper East Side's exclusive Gold Coast. This classic and elegantly proportioned two-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been renovated with high-end modern finishes that blend alongside a rich, pre-war aesthetic. The entire apartment is flooded with light from both Southern and Northern exposures. Accessed by a key-controlled elevator which leads directly into the home, this floor-through apartment opens to a generous entry foyer adjoined by an expansive living area. The elegance and sophistication of the living room is enriched by pristine honey-hued oak floors, a contemporary crystal chandelier that hangs above the open dining area, and a working fireplace with a gorgeously restored 19th century ornate marble fireplace mantel. With ceiling heights of 10 feet in the living room, the apartment is a perfect environment to showcase art. Natural light pours in from oversized windows that face north. There is additional storage under the window nooks. The newly complete Parisian galley kitchen comes well-equipped with professional grade stainless-steel appliances and abundant storage. Appliances include a Miele washer/dryer and range hood, Subzero fridge, Wolf gas/induction hybrid cooktop and convection, and a Bosch dishwasher. The kitchen floor has been renovated with custom-designed tiles to complement the lining of the handmade wet bar complete with sophisticated woodwork. A South-facing bedroom wing separates the private and public quarters of the home. The luxurious primary bedroom offers a welcoming window alcove with additional storage and design details include a pair of oversized architectural black steel casement windows. The generously proportioned bedroom also has its own spa-like en suite full-marble bathroom with a double vanity sink and a large dressing area that includes a sizeable walk-in closet with custom built-ins. All marble tiles are by AKDO or custom made. Through a pair of elegant French doors is the second bedroom featuring its own walk-in closet. Just outside the bedroom wing is the second bathroom. The exquisite full-marble bathroom is designed in a fashion that is in keeping with the lavish finishes found throughout this triple mint home. Other features include Lutron lighting system installed throughout the home; a 24-hour virtual doorman; a video intercom security system; tenant access to 24-hour live feed of the building's video cameras; HVAC units for heating and air conditioning; a working gas fireplace; 4 closets, including 3 generous walk-ins; a clandestine wet bar which can easily be converted to a powder room. Originally built in 1882, this Lamb & Wheeler Mansion is an intimate 7-story, 7-unit cooperative that has gone through a chic renovation in 1919 by Harry Allen Jacobs under the direction of Otto Khan, the “King of New York” and a great patron of the arts.