Observer » Sharon Elizabeth Samuel

It’s Free to Look: Nothing Like a Pulverized Pearl Floor

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Thu, 12 May 2011 21:14:58 -0400

There's no easier way to own the most stylish pad in town than to inherit the home of a "world renowned fashion designer." Not only did this Nest Seekers listing used to be two separate units, but it also used to sport humdrum finishings like tile and wood.

The apartment now contains a "unique flooring," made of "a one of a kind combination of pulverized mother of pearl and cement," and then "finished off in polyurethane." The former owner's personal creation, this "lavish material" also covers several walls throughout the home. Twenty 8-foot windows and a custom crystal chandelier also help the pearly walls reflect sunlight.

To give this home even more of a glisten, "[t]he master bedroom is a magical oasis" with a neat floating tub. There are also, for some reason, fifteen custom closets, all of which can be yours for a cool $8 million.

SLIDESHOW >> Inside 145 6th Avenue

It’s Free to Look: Nothing Like a Pulverized Pearl Floor

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:13:38 -0400

It’s Free to Look: Pin-Drop Silence in Tribeca

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:30:16 -0400

To those who decided to nest in the city for its quiet and solitude, this is the home for you. Priced at $12.5 million, 92 Laight Street has been customized to offer abundant views of northern Manhattan, without any of the noise.

The Platinum Properties listing promises "acoustical attenuation throughout," with each wall "insulated with two layers of sheetrock" and a ceiling constructed "using a neoprene system to isolate noise from above." To drown out the revelers next door, "Quiet Rock was used on walls shared by adjacent apartment and building hallway."

Thoroughly impenetrable to outside noises, the interior of the loft has been fitted with more than enough technology to keep you occupied: an automated system controls the lighting, sound system, window shades, security, temperature, and humidity. To make your life even easier, "each individual room features a Crestron touchpad interface with individual zones for specific comfort requirements". Sounds like every hermit's dream.

SLIDESHOW >> Inside 92 Laight Street

It’s Free to Look: Pin-Drop Silence in Tribeca

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:41:09 -0400

It’s Free to Look: Don’t Look Down!

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:18:11 -0400

This apartment might make your ears pop. The New York Residence listing notes, "Even in a city accustomed to high buildings an apartment on the 69th floor, 700 ft up in the air, is exceedingly rare." $16.9 million will buy you windows galore, with slightly intimidating views of Columbus Circle and silent motorized window shades for rainy days and added gadgetry.

The listing promises that the layout, with several multi-purpose rooms, allows for a "personal style of living." Indeed, there's a custom gourmet kitchen, "private sleeping chambers," and a whole host of building amenities. Yet the most versatile space of them all might be the bedroom closet--it's a dressing room "fully fitted in soft chocolate brown leather," which could easily double as a fourth bedroom.

SLIDESHOW >> Sunny at 25 Columbus Circle. >>

It’s Free to Look: Don’t Look Down!

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:59:54 -0400

It’s Free to Look: ‘Swellegant!’

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:28:35 -0400

That's right, Stribling calls it "swellegant"--the perfect mix between swell and elegant, casual and upscale. Yet we're finding it a bit difficult to see the casual side of this $10.8 million, five-story townhouse. Built in 1899, 15 Sutton Place is a historic building with 10 rooms and an elevator to help you navigate the complex you call home. There are separate staff quarters, four working fireplaces and high ceilings.

But believe it or not, ultimate "swellegance" is to be found outdoors. You'll have access to the gardens of Sutton Square--all the manicured grass and antique garden furniture needed to satisfy your outdoorsy side. In fact, between the ground-floor patio, top floor terrace, and numerous balconies, you could even skip the arduous trek and gaze at the East River from the comfort of your own home.

SLIDESHOW >> Inside 15 Sutton Place

It’s Free to Look: Take in the Scenery

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:07:50 -0400

It’s Free to Look: Do Not Disturb

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:40:21 -0400

New York City might not seem like the best place to lay your head if you're weary of noise, but for the easily disturbed 949 Park Avenue may be the perfect sanctuary. The condo building provides "the privacy of just six duplexes," with "pin-drop quiet interiors" and private outdoor space in every apartment, according to the Douglas Elliman listing.

Except for some rather loud wallpaper, everything in Unit 2 feels under your control: automated shades, heated flooring, central air conditioning, and a sound system in every room, so you can blast Enya throughout your $4.4 million, Upper East Side oasis.

SLIDESHOW: Inside 949 Park Avenue >>

It’s Free to Look: Shhhh!!!

Sharon Elizabeth Samuel — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:19:18 -0400