By Kim Velsey 1/14 1:21pm

Manhattan Transfers

The princess poses. (Patrick McMullan).

Russian Royal Tries to Double Her Rubles on Liberty Lofts Condo

She may not wield political power in her homeland, but emigré princess Kristina Kovalenko is definitely trying to harness the power of the Manhattan real estate market.

The Russian royal, who hails from the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, bought her four-bedroom, four bath condo for $4.2 million back in August 2009, city records show. In the meantime, Ms. Kovalenko has kitted out the luxurious Lincoln Square condo at 43 West 64th Street in a fashion befitting an Eastern European monarch. There is lots of black leather, bright red and metallic accents and in the living room, not one but two baby grands (one in white, one in black). Now she’s asking $8 million for the place. Read More

By Matt Chaban and Kim Velsey 9/24/12 12:24pm

Manhattan Transfers

Hyde Pierce loves 260 West End Avenue.

David Hyde Pierce and Husband Expanding Their UWS Penthouse Yet Again

We doubt that David Hyde Pierce and husband David Hargrove made a scene when they signed the paperwork to buy another penthouse at 260 West End Avenue. After all, what deal to secure more space in Manhattan wouldn’t be marked by smiles? But the sitcom star and Mr. Hargrove, a television writer and producer, certainly could have pulled off something magnificent if so inclined. Read More

By Kim Velsey 9/07/12 8:55am

Manhattan Transfers

13 Photos

Bathroom after glorious bathroom

Gold Diggers: Asking $44 M., 15 CPW Pad Is Trying To Double Its Money

How important is a bathroom to you? Really, really important? How about $44 million important? This was the question we kept on asking ourselves as we flicked through the photos of 24A/24B at 15 Central Park West. Bathrooms figured heavily into this photo gallery and the 5.5 bathrooms were truly the most stunning thing about the pricey pad.

Besides marble in such abundance that our head was soon swimming, there is a Jacuzzi, media systems and an aroma/chroma-therapy steam shower—a set-up where you can add essential oils to the showerhead, then watch a kind of light show as you shower to regulate your moods. Read More

By Kim Velsey 8/21/12 4:39pm

Manhattan Transfers

Ms. Wendt.

Famous Divorcée Lorna Wendt Buys Lincoln Square Co-op

Lorna Wendt, the patron saint of first wives everywhere, has achieved yet another victory in her post-divorce life. Ms. Wendt, who waged a very public battle to get half the money that her CEO husband earned during their 32-year marriage, has purchased an Upper West Side co-op for $1.9 million, city records show.

We can’t be sure if the apartment at 61 West 62nd Street will be a pied-a-terre or a primary residence for Ms. Wendt, but it’s good to know that after so many years of playing corporate wife, and then corporate ex-wife, in Connecticut, she will no longer be sequestered in the suburbs. Read More