This Might Be the Most Opulent Real Estate Listing We’ve Ever Seen
It’s a rare occasion when a property as objectively glamorous as the House of Cassini—the Upper East Side atelier of legendary fashion designer Oleg Cassini—goes on the market. It’s even rarer still when millions of dollars get lopped off the price tag.
That’s precisely what’s happened with the eight-story Gilded Age mansion at 15 East 63rd Street. It was put up for sale back in March, but its price was recently slashed by $5 million. This puts it at a cool $49.5 million now, which might be inaccessible to anyone who’s not part of the tax-exempt set, yes, but also makes us hungry to learn what exactly can be found inside its walls. Equally curious? Step inside!
The limestone residence, whose listing is held by Louise Beit of Sotheby’s International Realty, is one of the few Upper East Side manses from the Gilded Age that remain architecturally intact. Built in 1901 by architect John H. Duncan, it has seven bedrooms, four partial bathrooms, and eight full ones. In layman’s terms: It’s huge (clocking in at about 18,000 square feet, if you were wondering).
Fashionistas and history buffs will be drawn to the House of Cassini for another reason. Oleg Cassini (who died in 2006) was arguably Jackie Kennedy’s favorite fashion designer. Indeed, Cassini custom-made more than 300 outfits for Jackie while she was first lady and can thus be credited for being the creative genius behind some 0f her most famous looks.
Rooms of grand scale transition into rooms of even grander scale: punctuated by herringbone floors, soaring ceilings, ornate crown moldings, dramatic fireplaces (14 in total!), and other to-die-for touches. Those seeking a bit of fresh air can take full advantage of 15 East 63rd Street’s three terraces, with city and Central Park views sure to stun. If you’re a bookworm, there’s a wood-paneled library for your enjoyment. Gym rat? This property has one inside too.
Historical drama is just the tip of the iceberg with this Gilded Age gem: It’s also part of a legal battle (in fact, the Sotheby's listing says “sale subject to court approval,” which might explain why it has lingered on the market for this long). In a nutshell, the colloquial tea revolves around Cassini’s widow, Marianne, fighting a battle for her husband’s fortune, per the New York Post.
Don’t let this dissuade you from taking out a loan in the shape of nearly $50 million, however. Owning this mansion, after all, will be owning a piece of history.
Entrance
Even the townhouse's entrance spares no glamour—bedecked, as it is, with portraits of seemingly noble and affluent individuals back in the day.
Marble Staircase
A curved white marble staircase connects the floors, offering a smooth transition from one gorgeous interior to another.
Sitting Room
Arched windows add vigor to this space, where antique furniture pieces beckon you to relax in comfort... and style!
Living Room
This room, featuring intricate crown moldings and velvet-clad sofas, is just one of the places where you can repose inside the manse and take stock of your newly improved fortunes.
Dining Room
This circular dining room can be entered through beautiful glass doors and has its own fireplace and herringbone floors, because being rich means eating cereal amid transparent opulence.
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