This Park Avenue penthouse is having an identity crisis. Decked out with some serious Victorian style?defined by excessive ornamentation, so, um, yeah ?the 2BR/2.5BA top floor of 820 Park Avenue has a greenhouse plus terraces on three sides overflowing with flora. That's about the only part that's move-in ready for anyone besides Versailles mastermind Louis XIV, which, along with its mere six-room size, might explain the surprisingly low price tag of $4.5 million.
Thanks to a tipster who alerted us to the listing (you see something interesting and tell us, it's easy), we've been ogling the interior shots. The carved dark wood paneling and OTT chandeliers. The tufted, overstuffed seating plastered with a bright floral pattern. The thick gold frames outlining paintings of putti who watch over you while you sleep. The dizzying mirrored bathroom. And, oh, the kitchen, an odd mishmash of rustic tile that clashes with stainless steel appliances and cabinetry. Despite its prime location between 75th and 76th streets and those verdant balconies, is this visual barrage of outdated decor what's prevented it from selling over the last three years?
There's been some major broker switcheroos, too. This pad has been on the market since 2010, first with Douglas Elliman, and then it suffered two visits from the PriceChopper. Initially listed at $5.85M, it went down to $4.7M after the owners switched over to Brown Harris Stevens. And now Sotheby's is trying to pawn it off for 4.5. Here's the floorplan they're working with, which is admittedly quite attractive on its own... if you haven't seen the inside shots.
Obviously, the brokerbabble makes no mention of the bizarre setup. Emphasizing the faultless outdoor space, it exclaims, "the apartment feels more like a Parisian flat than a prewar New York City apartment. The living room has a wood burning fireplace, tall ceilings, period detail, and access to a solarium that leads to a truly magnificent terrace." The only question is: which period?
· Official listing: 820 Park Avenue #PH [Sotheby's via Streeteasy]
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