171 W 57TH Street #PH

This prewar palatial penthouse condominium is a true gem with panoramic views, state-of-the-art finishes, and a vast spectacular terrace. No detail has been overlooked in this beautiful home decorated by Charles Allem and featured in the April 2007 issue of Architectural Digest. Off your own private elevator landing is a grand entrance foyer that leads to a south-facing dramatic double-height living room with a barrel vaulted hand-painted silver leaf 19.5 foot ceiling, two monolithic stone woodburning fireplaces, and three bronze floor-to-ceiling French doors that lead to the enormous wrap terrace with breathtaking views. Also off the terrace is a wood panelled library with bar and a grand formal dining room with its own woodburning fireplace. The chef's top-of-the-line windowed eat-in kitchen has black granite countertops, a Traulsen refrigerator, Traulsen freezer, Traulsen wine cooler, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer drawers, Blue Star restaurant six burner range, double oven, and griddle, two Miele dishwashers, built-in Miele espresso machine, two microwaves, and two sinks. Off the kitchen is a large family room, full bathroom, maid's room and separate laundry room. The bedroom wing begins with an extraordinary master suite. It features floor-to-ceiling French doors to the terrace, a woodburning fireplace, a massive wood panelled dressing room, and a truly oversized luxurious master bathroom with two sinks, a huge multi-head steam shower, and separate jacuzzi bathtub. There are three additional bedroom suites all with en suite bathrooms, a gym, powder room, and an upstairs study. This home features southern, western, eastern, and northern exposures, twelve inch wide plank walnut floors, and Venetian plaster walls. There is a Crestron Total Home Technology system integrating the extensive audio/video components, central air conditioning, Lutron lighting system, and window treatments. True Perfection. This elegant, pre-war full service condominium was built in 1921. The building's penthouse is one of the most famous in the city. Its enormous ballroom (currently the living room) with extensive terraces was used for many lavish parties by its former owner, Earl Blackwell, the society publisher of The Celebrity Register.