163 E 64th Street

163 East 64th St. is located on one of the finest townhouse blocks in NYC. Built by John Prague in 1872 the original Victorian house was converted by architect R.D. Graham to become possibly the finest Neo-Georgian facade in NY, so fine that landmark preservation recommended it as a national landmark. The facade was restored by the same craftsmen that restored The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. In addition the owners on this block have an association that maintains close relationships with city government to maintain the street to the highest standards. As you stand on the street you will notice the magnificent bluestone which also has a hidden heating system underneath to melt snow/ice. Entering into the foyer you are surrounded by hand painted wall coverings. Proceeding into the house you enter a landing with a grand staircase and an elevator which goes to all levels. To the rear, you will find a large gym. In the hallway to the kitchen there is a bathroom, closet space and a second staircase. The French Country eat-in kitchen includes a large granite island, two double sub zero refrigerators, a wine cellar, two sinks and three ovens. The kitchen opens into the back garden patio–perfect for grilling or letting out the family pet. The parlor floor greets you with a gracious landing, Versaille wood floors and soaring 13.5 ft ceilings. Next, a powder room and a library with the original pine from 1872 and a bronze chandelier from the early 1800’s. Towards the back of the house is the grand living room with custom faux Fragonards, a grand piano and a venetian chandelier. This mansion also has 8 fireplaces. Continuing on: a striking Belle Epoque American Walnut bar with a Lalique french crystal ceiling designed by Roman Petr. This allows natural light to pour through and exemplify the custom bar with a sumptuous wood floor by Stephen Pusey. At the back of this floor you will find a sun drenched dining room with large windows (all windows in this house are double pane). On the wall is a gorgeous tapestry from the Provencal area of France, from the 1750’s which was restored by the Metropolitan Museum. The third floor features three bedrooms each with a full bathroom and large closet space. The front bedroom features fabrics from Paris and a surround sound system that plays in the bathroom as well. The bathroom features masterful marble work, a bidet, jacuzzi bath and shower. The center bedroom receives plenty of sunlight as it is next to the atrium. The third bedroom is unique, it is accessible from the back staircase of the house which allows for many uses. This bedroom displays fine fabrics from Paris and a bathroom with a beautiful marble walk in shower. As you walk up the stairs to the fourth floor you will notice the natural light from the skylight above. This floor has two bedrooms, currently the floor is set up as the primary bedroom in the front with an office in the back that leads to the rooftop terrace. The primary bedroom is bright from the three large windows and two electronic skylights. The bathroom features a sky light, jacuzzi and shower/steam room. The second bedroom/office on this floor receives natural light and a powder room. A custom sound system is wired through the whole floor and out to the roof. The extension is light and airy, tastefully decorated and features a never used coal fireplace. This extension leads you to the roof deck. The roof deck has bluestone and marble floors with a snow melting system underneath. There is a TV outlet, and a gorgeous fountain that lights up fits graciously with the strategically set lanterns all over. The basement has a cedar walk in closet, 300 bottle wine cellar, laundry room and a storage. Mechanical room has a double boiler with two pumps and a 90 gal hot water tank. Owner will consider at additional cost the inclusion of his chandeliers, Lalique glass ceiling over the bar, and other fine furniture and fixtures.