Edited by: Fern Sidman
In an effort to scale down and seek the pleasure of minimalism in life, Revlon cosmetics billionaire Ronald Perelman has officially listed his Lenox Hill townhouse at 36 East 63rd Street for a staggering $60 million smackers.
The ten bedroom, ten plus bathroom, 15,875 foot sprawling apartment could be aptly described as a truly unique mansion in practically every respect.
As was reported in the New York Post, last fall, Perelman conducted a few “under the radar” showings of his mansion with an asking price of $65 million last year. The second townhouse on the property that was once priced at about $10 million, is 7,000 square feet. It is not on the market, and would not be sold on its own, however, it could be available for sale to the buyer of the big mansion, sources say, according to the Post report.
Perelman and his family had considered this East 63rd Street luxurious pad as their primary residence until a few years ago. The cosmetics magnate decided that a move of residence was in order to a place where he could raise his two youngest children with his wife Anna Chapman, a psychiatrist, in a closer setting. It was then that they chose a smaller abode to call home.
Not only did Perelman decide to find a new owner for his East 63rd Street place but he sought new ownership for his art collection, one of his Gulfstream jets and a yacht, according to the Post report. Apparently, this was his strategy in helping to significantly scale back and simplify his life, as Perelman explained at the time. Concurrently, Perelman was handling his business’ reaction to one of the many casualties of the coronavirus pandemic; namely the moribund economy that emerged in its midst.
The Post also reported that the listing broker for the Lenox Hill townhouse is Serena Boardman of Sotheby’s. According to Ms. Boardman’s web site, the grand mansion is prominently situated mid-block on an especially picturesque tree-lined Upper East Side street, This exceptionally wide Neo-Georgian mansion has a stately presence that conveys a sense of quiet and understated magnificence. Distinctive features include a classic limestone and red brick facade that is enhanced by beautifully articulated stone ornamentation, and a handsome three-story bow front. This is a house with extraordinary presence, yet it flawlessly maintains a sense of warmth and intimacy that extends to the interior as well.
Entry into the residence is through wrought iron portals, flanking two sets of double wide doors. The lovely limed oak paneled Gallery beyond yields glimpses of an absolutely stunning Stair Hallway, that boasts an extraordinarily gracious and elegant original staircase. The first floor is completed by a book lined Study, a marvelous Family Room, a large Breakfast Room, an immaculate eat-in Kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, and a charming garden replete with a waterfall and glass pavilion.
The floor above showcases one of the prettiest and grandest Living Rooms in the city. It is anchored by two fireplaces, spans a width of 40 feet, and is punctuated by a bow-fronted window that highlights the verdant green outlooks of 63rd Street. There is also a huge landing that opens to a wonderful south facing Library and a vast Dining Room.
The Third Floor is dedicated to a fabulous Master Suite. The incredibly spacious bedroom has the same footprint as the Living Room below and there are his and her Dressing Rooms, a Sitting Room, and two bathrooms along with an extraordinary custom fitted closet. Above, the house continues for three more floors with a profusion of Bedroom Suites that afford a myriad of possibilities, and are complimented by large en-suite baths, further abundant closets and service kitchenettes.
Regarding the auxiliary spaces, the expansive roof with charming plantings has easy access from a very commodious service staircase that spans from the basement to the top of the house. Similarly, in terms of access and flow, there are front and back, office grade elevator cabins, and a dumb waiter that services the entertaining floors. Also, at entry level there is a service door and security office, while at the basement level there is a marvelous movie screening room, as well as a wine cellar, staff kitchen, exercise room, dedicated laundry room and storage rooms.
Designed in 1930 as the prestigious Hanger Club, (a meeting place for aviators) this residence of great dignity and harmonious restraint is an extraordinary example of great American early twentieth century architecture. Meanwhile, the amenities and modern conveniences of the 21st Century are very much in evidence and are exhibited in the impressive systems that govern temperature, security, music and lighting within the house. Moreover, the superb location on such a pretty, tranquil and coveted block, nestled amidst edifices of equivalent architectural merit, serves to further elevate 36 East 63rd St into the pantheon of truly great New York City mansions.
