House Porn, New York City-Style
Share News:
Before I leave the Big Apple I must treat you to a little House Porn. This unit is small by Texas standards at 629 square feet, but perfect if NYC is your second home. You just don’t need a Sam’s closet in Manhattan; Duane Reade is a block away, they are open 24/7 and even have food.¬†
Here’s what you get: Phillipe Johnson-Alan Ritchie architects; smooth natural hardwood floors, Bulthaup kitchens with integrated appliances all in a smooth white enamel finish that cleans like a dream. Fisher & Paykel dishdrawer is great. I mean, I wouldn’t want to do a holiday dinner in this kitchen, but I did a couple nights of chili¬†and it was a dream. A hall closet is loaded with a Miele (be still, my heart, I love Miele) stack washer and dryer, which is worth more than gold in this town. Brokers tell me that if you¬†want¬†an in-house washer and dryer in Manhattan, the lease is at least $3500 a month.¬†¬†¬†Negatives: the elevators open right into the units, which is actually way cool for schlepping your luggage in if you travel like me and bring half the house. But it is a little noisy at night since you hear your neighbors going up and down. I think the problem could be solved by creating an artificial door with sound-proofing. The closets are small, but that’s what you get in NYC. No microwave— easily fixed — and no garbage disposal, but I’ve been living with that for years at the beach house. I do like the garbage chute in the kitchen, and you simply take recycles to the basement.
And let me tell you, no developer will do this again: when #5 was built in 2006/2007, every master bath got that Tota Neorest I am trying to fit into my suitcase. The master bath has heated stone floors and great floor-to-ceiling glass subway tiles.
I like the small lobby, who wants to pay for common space?, and after 11:00 p.m. you get a virtual doorman, which may be why the monthly dues are only $503.  The $649,000 price is reduced. When this building was born the real estate world was a vastly different animal, and the agent, Elena Sarkissian, tells me initial pricing was $1414 psf, now down to $1000.
The Neorest is practically free!
Best thing: location. Located between Madison and Fifth, I have walked the four blocks east to Times Square countless times and it is a piece of cake. SoHo is a quick subway ride and Grand Central is so close I can see it while I’m writing. I’ll take more photos after I pack up.
Mid-town, Neorest, Bulthaup: I’m in love. Anyone want to share a one bedroom in Manhattan?
No Comments
Leave a Comment
[…] House Porn, New York City-Style | Second Shelters […]
[…] House Porn, New York City-Style | Second Shelters […]
Wow Candace, you really took me there!
As a real estate agent, I love reading your stories and truly appreciate them as a vacation enthusiast as well!! After reading your article, I think the family and I will do a spring trip to N.Y.C.
By the way, we've used Urban Living (www.urbanliving.net) for short term furnished apt./condo rentals in N.Y. Do you have other interesting suggestions or recommendations for stays a week or longer.
James Ryder
Dallas, Tx.
Wow Candace, you really took me there!
As a real estate agent, I love reading your stories and truly appreciate them as a vacation enthusiast as well!! After reading your article, I think the family and I will do a spring trip to N.Y.C.
By the way, we've used Urban Living (www.urbanliving.net) for short term furnished apt./condo rentals in N.Y. Do you have other interesting suggestions or recommendations for stays a week or longer.
James Ryder
Dallas, Tx.
How lovely! And it's true that having an in-unit washer and dryer. Most Manhattan residents consider themselves lucky to have machines somewhere in their building, let alone their apartment. You'll sometimes find them at lower price points in less desirable/accessible areas and in high-floor walkup homes (I assume as an incentive to rent where you might not otherwise rent). That garbage chute in the kitchen is an awesome – and strangely fun — feature. I'm jealous of whoever ends up owning this beauty.
How lovely! And it's true that having an in-unit washer and dryer. Most Manhattan residents consider themselves lucky to have machines somewhere in their building, let alone their apartment. You'll sometimes find them at lower price points in less desirable/accessible areas and in high-floor walkup homes (I assume as an incentive to rent where you might not otherwise rent). That garbage chute in the kitchen is an awesome – and strangely fun — feature. I'm jealous of whoever ends up owning this beauty.
What was really curious is that it had a lock on it, as if someone would crawl up through the chute. Or maybe to keep the chute locked from small children? I could look at NYC apartments all day and I came home determined to de-clutter and "minimalize" my home. My daughter laughed at me tonight when I said I want to downsize my house… she said I will need to have ten garage sales!
What was really curious is that it had a lock on it, as if someone would crawl up through the chute. Or maybe to keep the chute locked from small children? I could look at NYC apartments all day and I came home determined to de-clutter and "minimalize" my home. My daughter laughed at me tonight when I said I want to downsize my house… she said I will need to have ten garage sales!