Rarely do apartment buildings come with a high-brow Willie Wonka.
Some say Pierre Marcolini makes the best chocolate in Belgium, while others describe his work simply as the “haute couture of chocolate.” Thankfully, with his only Manhattan location downstairs you can spend some time sampling before you decide.
After you’ve contemplated the merits of dark versus milk, enter your 11th-floor spot through a private entry hall opening into a marble foyer. The living room, dining room and library all look out onto Park Avenue, according to the Sotheby's listing. However, with a décor that includes wood paneling, gold trim, and wood-burning fireplaces, surely the best views are of the inside.
There’s also a private staff studio on the 15th floor, so you can keep the hired help close, but not too close.
Built in 1922 by the forgettable Dwight D. Robinson & Co., 485 Park Avenue has a mere 23 apartments. This, of course, means more chocolate for you. Rest assured, there’s still no shortage of Manhattan royalty, including a high-powered real estate broker, hotel exec Stanley Tollman, and the crowned king of pearls, Salvador Assael.
In another pleasant surprise, the price has dropped recently from $12 million to $10 million. Truffles still not included. - Laura Kusisto
Rarely do apartment buildings come with a high-brow Willie Wonka.