Do you smell something?

If so, it's probably just the illustrious essence of the Plaza's new 'signature body perfume.' New York Times Blog In Transit claims the folks at the Plaza wanted to "create a modern fragrance that appeals to the senses and characteristics that the Plaza Hotel embodies." In other words, it might just smell like poor construction, foreign investors, and hamburgers.

This bottle of stuff, which will set you back $95, is probably as close as we'll ever get to owning a piece of the Plaza. That being said, we'll take five.

The Plaza Hotel Gets Its Own Perfume, In Transit

Duck Hunt on the UES

This warms our heart in so many ways. And you know that dog is having a 'what the duck?' moment, which is also fantastic.

via The Post.

New and Noteworthy: 69 E 82nd Street for $13M

Take a look at this $13 million townhouse on east 82nd street. The townhouse boasts 6,400 sf, a deep garden, and a painlessly (or painfully - it depends!) close commute to nearby PS 6.

69 East 82nd Street, Stribling
image via Google Maps

Things Are Lookin' Up on the UES

Literally, that is. Two recent filings with the Landmarks Preservation Commission show that the only way to go is up. Want some proof? Kgood. Up first is the 'as is' townhouse at 12 East 78th Street (shown on right). The townhouse traded for $9.75 million in 2009 with pre-approved plans for some serious expansion, including a glossy rooftop addition (rendering shown in middle). Unfortunately, it looks like those plans have expired or changed, as the current owners are scheduled to have yet another hearing in mid-May for a similar expansion.

Up next is the 1921 Fred French-designed Co-op at 21 East 66th Street, whose penthouse owners are greedily seeking a rooftop addition. More is more, as they say.

via Sotheby's and CityRealty

Outrageous Amenities in Matinecock, LI

Short of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, no house should be able list ice cream parlors, log cabins, personal tap rooms, and play houses with waterfalls that 'cascade into four separate ponds' as amenities.

Something tells us that whoever grew up in this $4.5 million gold coast estate is having some real problems hearing the word 'no.'

Matinecock Estate, Daniel Gale

What's in a name?

This little story about naming a Co-op really tickled our hearts. It also reaffirmed that Co-ops are by far the most thrilling source of debauchery the city has to offer, second only to the little warriors who try and sell them.

So what would we have named that Co-op - or any building for that matter? Good question. Let's run through some candidates, after the jump.

52 Lily Pond Lane: Martha's Dilemma

Brace yourselves, Hamptonites. It looks like the builder's acre next to Martha Stewart's Lily Pond Lane estate did in fact come on the market. And if Martha's previous track-record is to be any indication, we can safely expect the shrub line between Martha's pad and this new property to become the most volatile fault line south of the Sound.

The acre in question is listed for $7.5 million with Prudential. The listing says the parcel, which currently houses a converted carriage house, can support a 5,100 square foot main house, a pool, and a detached garage.

About a decade ago, Martha famously - and successfully - accused her old Georgica Pond neighbor of illegally "suburbanizing the area with inappropriate dark greenery." And those were just bushes. A 5,100 square foot McMansion? Oh hell no.

The humanitarian in us says Martha should just buy the property and be done with it. The blogger in us, however, wants to see what happens the first time her new Yuppie neighbors show up asking for sugar.

Image via Bing Maps; via The Real Deal
52 Lily Pond Lane, Prudential Elliman

10 Gracie Square: Unsurprisingly Nice

The apartment of the Cottages & Gardens magazines founder is every bit as nice as we assumed it would be.

That's all.

10 Gracie Square, Corcoran

610 Park Ave: Life's Not Chair

On paper (er, on StreetEasy), the new $15 million listing at 610 Park Ave gives chills: 4,400 SF, prewar condo, 27 windows?! On BHS, however, not so much. First, since when do you need eight chairs in a bedroom? Hint: When your bedroom is 25' too long. Second, since when do $15 million kitchens look like that? And why no chairs here? And last, why use phrases like 'discerning gourmand'? We don't like pulling up Dictionary.com just to get through a listing. (Mind you, this gem translates to 'a discriminating nondiscriminating eater' - 'eater' for short). File this under listings that leave us listless.

610 Park Ave, BHS

You Live in A Bachelor Pad When...

Take a look at this $6.495 million Soho loft. Like many other lofts, unit 7AB at 561 Broadway has all of the trappings of a typical bachelor pad. The television projector, the pool table, the sparse decor - it's nothing new. But that basketball hoop definitely puts this one over the edge and onto the bachelor pad hall of fame. Ironically, the owner isn't actually a bachelor.

The owners of apartment 6AB could not be reached for comment. But that's probably because they didn't hear the phone ring. File this under noisy neighbors we'd never want to have.

561 Broadway, Corcoran

13 East 94th Street: That's Morbid

The limestone townhouse at 13 East 94th Street has had a pretty notable history. In 2003, its $11.25 million selling price shattered Carnegie Hill's price per square foot record, which was previously held by Woody Allen and his 92nd street townhouse. In 2005, it traded at a loss for $10.8 million. Thereafter, it casually glided onto and off of the market for prices of up to $18.5 million. And now, its back on the market for $15.5 million. The current owners, Maren Properties LLC, also own property on South Main Street in Southampton.

While all of that's great, we're far more interested in the decor's symbolism. Exhibit A is shown above. The juxtaposition of the wild game and the animal skulls intrigues us. It's kinda morbid. And that decorative ladder off to the left: We guess you use that if you need a hand. Get it?

13 East 94th Street, Sotheby's

Duplex in One Beekman Gets Around

Everybody has that friend who gets around a little too much. And if apartments have friends (which they might, who knows) then unit 3/4C in One Beekman is that friend. The unit just came on with the Corcoran Group for $8.250 million. Normal enough. But before that, it had tumultuous stints with the now defunct Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy and Sotheby's. We hope this listing settles down - and sells! - with Corcoran. Also, just looking at photographs of those red walls helped us wake up this morning. (Nifty amenity for sure.)

Beekman Place, Corcoran
via StreetEasy

The Apartment of Duane Hampton

Because who doesn't want to look around the Park Avenue apartment of a society fixture? Also, needless to say, living with famed designer Mark Hampton (no relation to the villages thereof) had its perks. Several more shots after the jump.

Courtesy of the New York Times, Home & Garden.

219 East 67th Street: Worst Two-for-One Special, Ever

If we are going to take a serious, full-floor load off of the shoulders of not one, but two Loft 67 sellers, then we expect a discount. Will we get it? No. Enter the new $13.370 million listing in Loft 67, which now includes floors two and three - or the combination of a $6.875 million listing and a $6.495 million listing, respectively. We aren't math types, but we do know that this arrangement wouldn't save us a penny. But such is life, right? 

219 East 67th Street, Prudential

205 East 85th Street: The Brompton

Not that we have Robert A.M. Stern on the line, but we sort of feel compelled to give our two cents on The Brompton, or at least on the new $10 million unit that's listed in The Brompton with Corcoran.

What we like: fireplaces; Juliet balconies; built-ins (rarer than all get-out). What we don't like: no crown molding.

3-1, The Brompton.

205 East 85th Street, Corcoran

Let's Weigh in on Staging (And Green Apples Too)

The recent piece in the Observer about apartment staging left us dying to create a list of items that prospective buyers can expect to see - without fail - in any staged apartment. Needless to say, we've satisfied that urge. For some added interest, we decided to separate these items into highbrow and lowbrow categories.

See the list, add to the list...

Yet Another Awe-Inspiring Gold Coast Listing

Shocking! Another Gold Coast-era estate is now at least available for the taking. (It's reasonably priced - but 'free for the taking' would be an exaggeration, right?) The listing in question is a 31-acre estate in Brookville, NY. It's a fantastic stone manor house by architect Roger Bullar. The estate includes an impressive gate house, auxillary structures, pool/tennis, etc. It's listed for a compelling $12.9 million with Piping Rock Real Estate as of today.

We just don't know what to make of this behavior. Over the past several weeks, a little under 130 acres worth of Gold Coast estate land has come onto the market. Is there something in that blue-blooded, jaw-locked water? Regardless, we're enjoying the constant one-upmanship between Manhattan and Long Island.

Magnificent 1929 Manor House, Piping Rock Real Estate

Russian Exec Lists at Mandarin for $5M Above '07 Purchase Price

Russian Executive Oleg Baibakov has listed his apartment at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for $18.5 million. He purchased the unit in 2007 for $13.5 million after offering $500K above the asking price. This deal also came after Baibakov 'turned up his nose at a penthouse at the Plaza' because the developer, 'in an effort to maintain a sense of mystery, did not allow an inspection of the raw space.' Yeah, well we all know how that mystery turned out. 

Anyways, before the 2007 sale, the apartment was purchased in 2005 for $9.4 million. Looks like things are only looking up for the residences at the Mandarin. Have a peak at the floorplan after the jump.

80 Columbus Circle, Brown Harris Stevens; Soft Market? What Soft Market?

Image via NY Guide to Hotels

863 Park Ave: Questionable Marketing

This $2.995 million tenth-floor unit at 863 Park Ave has a lot going for it: tall ceilings; attractive building; pretty good location; nice price. So why point out its flaws? And better yet, why point out its flaws by describing them as selling points? For example, 'best fixtures and finishes' generally doesn't refer to aluminum ceiling fans; and 'wired for sound' generally doesn't mean you've got a speaker perched in the corner of your prewar dining room. That said, we'd take it in a heartbeat.

863 Park Ave, Corcoran

Video Tour of The 8,300 sf 'Stanhope Stunner'

Courtesy of New York Magazine and Selling New York's Michele Kleier. And for the record, that is one long LONG hallway. Also, if the player doesn't load properly, give the page a refresh or two. 

Awsomely Camp CPW 'Star Map' From A 90s Issue of New York Mag

Take a look at this priceless 'star map' from a 1996 issue of New York Magazine. They should really make these things for every avenue - but that's just our opinion.

Click here to read the accompanying article via Google Books. It delves into the sudden stardom CPW saw during the 1990s. Definitely required reading.

Enjoy.

'$20 Million' Is The New Black

If you're selling your apartment anytime soon, you might just want to throw a $20 million price tag on it - just to see. That seems to be what everybody else is doing, including the owners of the 87th Street penthouse shown above. What do we think: Is this 6,000 sf +/- Century Condominium penthouse worth it? Also, we're always torn over enclosing outdoor space into solariums. These people clearly chose the latter. Hello oddly religious-looking tree.

120 East 87th Street, Prudential Elliman

AD Top 100 Designer, Ambition Fail to Achieve Desired Results

What happens when you mix ambition, a classic prewar apartment, and the forward-thinking stylings of an AD Top 100 interior designer? If apartment 3D at 116 East 63rd Street is to be any indication, other than an impromptu before-and-after - not much.

Unit 3D was purchased in 2008 for $3.045 million. It was then spruced up, re-furnished, and repainted from a deep red to what we will call a nice shade of 'not-red'. The kicker? It was re-listed thereafter for a mere $2.995 million. The real kicker? The price has subsequently dropped to $2.650 million. We think an above-asking offer is in order here.

116 East 63rd Street, Prudential Elliman
via Street Easy

Oxygen Network Co-Founder Lists at 41 CPW for $14.5 Million

Notable television executive Geraldine Laybourne and her husband, Kit, have decided to list their $14.5 million Central Park West apartment. The eight-room unit boasts a 75-foot park-front terrace and several wood-burning fireplaces, one of which bears an inscription of the Latin saying "Strive to be the Highest." (How appropriate for a penthouse.) The apartment is located in Harpley Hall, the famed 'Arts and Crafts' style prewar building by architect Henry Wilhelm Wilkinson.

Laybourne is known for reinventing the Nickelodeon network, co-founding the Oxygen Network with Oprah Winfrey, and performing lots of other do-goodings. She also likes to name networks after stuff she has a lot of (e.g., fresh air). 

Arts and Crafts Masterpiece, Brown Harris Stevens

Portfolio.com

Video Tour of The Georgica

Barge on into the sales and design center at The Georgica - a new condominium on east 85th street. We love how they allude to 85th street's 'quintessential' tree-lined character and then, BAM, point your attention to this  20-story glass tower. Regardless, looks pretty nice inside.

The Apartment of Fashion Designer Nanette Lepore

Sneak a peak of the quirky west village townhouse that the equally quirky fashion designer Nanette Lepore calls home. The townhouse's overall look is quite nice, but once you start to focus in on details, expect some 'Huh?' moments. Examples: parquet floors on the ceiling; Evita portraits; and pirate ship-shaped crystal chandeliers. Whatever floats your boat, 60 watt or otherwise.  

Living Large, ED. More Photos after the jump.

Ralph Lauren & His Domineering Ways

If you haven't heard by now, Ralph Lauren is well on its way to open another store on the corner of Madison and 72nd street. The new four/five-story structure will house the brand's women's collection and, more importantly, complete Ralph's Madison Avenue takeover.

As with East Hampton's main street, Madison Avenue in the 70s might as well go by 'Big Pony Blvd.' After all, once the new building's completed, every storefront on that block will bear the Lauren logo besides the St. James Church. And let's face, it's only a matter of time (enter Pastor Lauren).

The above image depicts Ralph's new store in Greenwich, CT. We've only heard good things about the new Madison Avenue store, so we imagine it'll look something like the rendering above, albeit taller. Hut Sachs Studio is the architecture firm in charge.

Via DNAinfo & Curbed

Update: North Shore, LI, Luxury Market Continues to Amaze Us

If you're keeping track, the $20 million listing shown here in tony Mill Neck, NY, marks the third $20 million +/- listing to hit the Long Island market in less than two weeks. The house is currently owned by a 'real estate family' that once owned the Chrysler building. More photos after the jump.

via Real LI

In Other 10 Gracie Square News

The new owners of apartment 3G at 10 Gracie Square, which they purchased for $7.525 in February, is about to go from a respectable 8/10 on our just-invented rating scale to a serious 10/10. Recent filings show the owners intend to renovate the place with the help of John B. Murray Architects. In other words, we're not going to be able to tolerate just how nice of an apartment this is about to become. Don't believe us? Have a look at some of Murray's work here.  

Expired 10 Gracie Square, Corcoran

1035 Fifth Ave: Lookin' for A Profit

For some (e.g., not us), 1035 Fifth Ave represents a fine opportunity to make a nice little profit. Take apartment 2B, which hit the market today for $5.350 million with Brown Harris Stevens. The listing sold a mere three years ago for $3.9 million to what appears to be an out-of-town lawyer and his wife. Let's wait and see if their recent renovation with "the finest materials" translates into a nice appreciation!

Via Street Easy; image via The City Review
1035 Fifth Ave, Brown Harris Stevens

Action & Expansion at the Hotel Plaza Athenee?

It looks like the Hotel Plaza Athenee on east 64th street is about to embark on yet another renovation. In addition to the dozens of newly-renovated rooms it just opened, ownership appears to want to add hotel rooms via an adjacent landmarked building at 35 east 64th street.

Recently disapproved plans filed with the Department of Buildings show that ownership petitioned to re-classify the adjacent building, which it already owns, from 'Residential' to 'Residential: Hotels, Dormitories.' The project - whatever it might be - was estimated to cost $2.5 million. And fear not, ye anti-NYU activist; we doubt they meant those types of dormitories.

The Stephens B Jacobs Group, PC, was the architect on file. SBJ specializes in hospitality development, including work at the Mansfield and the Gotham.

Does anybody have a better idea of what's going on here? Look at the filing here.

Image via 365Hotel

'Giant Tennis Bubbles Proposed in Central Park'

The Department of Parks and Recreation has proposed the construction of four inflatable bubbles, which will house several of Central Park's tennis courts for five months of the year. Friends of the UES is concerned that the bubbles will cause undue 'air, noise, and light pollution' and significant spikes in usage fees. If you're against the bubbles, then sign this petition. Campaign title: Pop That Bubble!, perhaps?

Via the Friends of the UES Newsletter

155 East 72nd Street: We're Confused

It would be much appreciated if somebody could explain the downright confusing sales and listing history of apartment 11/12B at 155 East 72nd Street. The duplex apartment was listed in 2009 with Brown Harris Stevens for $4.895 million and subsequently closed in August of '09 for the discount price of $3.8 million. Now the apartment is back on the market for the same $4.895 million in ostensibly the same condition. Sure, it's a great prewar apartment in a nice area, but what gives? Further, the current owner appears to be tied to 'The Cattle Magazine' of Beaumont, Texas. Like we said, nothing adds up here.

155 East 72nd Street, Stribling
via Street Easy

The Apartment of Photographer James Bleecker

Do those photographs look familiar? If so, that's because they're shot by famed photographer James Bleecker, who's known for capturing bold images of New York and for being his own best customer (not that we blame him). We found these pictures in  NYSD's House archives, which also includes an insightful interview. Highlights include Bleecker's Oyster Bay, LI, upbringing, his affinity for 'lonely empty places' (e.g., the High Line pre-"High Line"), and his relative anonymity while at RISD.

Via NYSD House. More pictures after the jump. 

1068 Fifth Ave: That Was Fast!

Like something out of a dream 2007, the stellar full-floor apartment at 1068 Fifth Avenue, which hit the market a mere 17 days ago for $17.5 million, is already under contract. The Observer reports that there might have even been a bidding war and an above-asking sale price. Perhaps the past owners - who had something of a 'keeping-up-with-the-Jones' engagement with the nearby Guggenheim museum - threw in some prized works of art to help move the sale along.

Regardless, we feel sort of snubbed by this apartment: We just got to know you!

via the Observer
2 East 88th Street, Corcoran

The Apartment of Kelly Bensimon, Part Deux

Have another look around the apartment of RHNY Kelly Bensimon. Some of the apartment's newcomers include a purple velvet sofa ("hot, awsome, purple velvet couch"), a cow-hide rug, and some glossy white floors.

Things are lookin' good, but our favorite part was definitely when she casually said 'hi' to the big, fake elephant horse in the room.

Via Kelly's Youtube page

Cottages & Gardens Founder Lists at 10 Gracie Square

Founder of Cottages & Gardens Media, Richard Ekstract, just listed his two-bedroom unit in the enviable 10 Gracie Square with the Corcoran Group. The apartment, which is asking $3.750, includes East River views and a refrigerated walk-in 'wine cave.' Hm, wine caves.

Cottages & Gardens Media publishes design magazines for the Hamptons, Connecticut, Palm Beach, and Westchester. Ekstract sold the collection of magazines in 2009.

10 Gracie Square, Corcoran; Image via City Realty

149 East 73rd Street: Welcome Back!

After a year with Gumley Haft Kleier and an extremely brief hiatus, apartment 3A at 149 East 73rd street is back on the market. Though the unit has ditched GHK for Warburg Realty, it has kept the same $4.995 million asking price - the result of a $1 million price cut from last year.

The apartment has great exposures and some serious space (24'6" living rooms are not a joking matter). But we'd recommend sprucing up the study for a quicker sale.    

149 East 73rd Street, GHK

via StreetEasy

North Shore, LI, Luxury Market Strikes Back – With Or Without Us

It looks like the North Shore's luxury market is ready to rebound, even if home-buyers aren't. So if you’re looking to quit the city in a serious way, now's the time!

Enter the five new listings that hit the market over the past few days, ranging from a little under $5 million to well over $20 million. Some have been on and off the market for years; others have been quietly enjoyed for the past two decades. But they're all big-time listings yearning for wide-eyed buyers.

The recently-listed $21 million estate in Lloyd Neck is the most notable of the bunch. It was designed by gilded-age architect Stanford White. The estate appears to be in original condition, which includes numerous outbuildings and 55 ACRES of waterfront land. It sits a few hundred feet away from the estate that Bragenlina was rumored to rent. We don't recommend bragging about almost renters, though.

Get the skinny on the rest of the listings after the jump!

As Promised...

...The Rally:

Let's work this out, eh?

Another shot after the jump.

Friendly Notice to Those with Relatively Notable Parents

If you're young, married, and akin to reasonably famous parents, then chances are you'll be buying or selling in New York as soon as yesterday. To corroborate this statement, we'd like to point your attention to the following items:

First, apartment 10C at 850 Park Ave, which was just listed for $3.750 with Warburg Realty. The household's current Mister is the son of the late author of the Jaws novels - and subsequent ocean activisit - Peter Benchley.

Second, apartment 7A at 771 West End Ave. The apartment sold last week for $2 million to the daughter of Howard Socol, the ex-top exec of Barney's, who resigned in mid-2008. Howard Socol was listed as one of the buyers; perhaps a little somethin' to compensate for the recent absence of free shoes?

Well-wishings are in order for both parties. And dont' say we didn't warn ya!

Via StreetEasy, Forbes, & the NYT

850 Park Ave 10C, Warburg Realty

820 Park Ave: Holy Foliage!

Most apartments can't list private rain forests as amenities, but the new listing at 820 Park Ave isn't most apartments. This 17th-floor unit, which hit the market today for $6.5 million, has some serious outdoor space. If you look closely, you'll see the apartment even comes with exotic wildlife (of the plastic variety, of course). Add to that a past appearance in Architectural Digest, and you've got yourself one serious 'sigh' for sore eyes.

820 Park Ave, Prudential Elliman

Building image via The City Review

12-18 East 62nd Street: Enviable Rentals

Feast your eyes the luxury rental townhouse/condominium units at 12-18 East 62nd street. The development consists of four twentieth century mansions, which have been restored and renovated into two-to-five bedroom units. The thoughtful renovation was executed by Joseph Pell Lombardi architects. 

The architects were able to work in a central dispatch, which will house the property's doorman. The doorman will even have access to refrigeration space so that he can accept deliveries from Fresh Direct. (Cue the huge sigh of relief.) Additional amenities include the usual fireplace, outdoor space, tall ceilings, prewar details, etc. Take a look at some floor plans after the jump. 

File this under things we had no idea existed until today.

Rendering via Joseph Pell Lomardi Architects; Floor plans via 62nd Townhomes

Park Ave Preps for Doormen Rally

We found these signs sprinkled along Park Ave in the mid 70s and 80s. Spring is evidently not the only thing in the air: We smell revolution!

Hello Continued UES Controversy

As if 949 Park wasn't enough, it looks like the Doormen Strike is looking to spark some controversy - and results - around Park and 83rd tomorrow at 5:30 PM. As Brick Underground explains, this will definitely add some spice to our commute tomorrow. Regardless, we look forward to snapping as many pictures as possible.

NYC doormen to rally on UES tomorrow, Brick Underground NY

Image via Google Maps

Renovation at 56 East Sesame Street

The five-story townhouse at 56 east 81st  Sesame Street is poised to undergo a modest renovation under the eye of McBride & Associates Architects.

The townhouse sold on February 20, 2010 for $10.650 million and according to records, appears to be tied to Joan Ganz Cooney and Peter Peterson.

If Cooney intends to live in the home, she'll be right across the street from the UES's PS6. How appropriate for the co-founder of the Children's Television Workshop and Sesame Street. If not, she'll remain mighty comfortable in her $37.5 million Fifth Ave penthouse.

Image via Google Maps

The (New) Apartment of Actress Melissa George

Actress Melissa George from HBO's 'In Treatment' just closed on unit #5 at the glossy 141 Fifth Ave in the Flatiron, reports the New York Times. The listing was held by Emily Beare of the Core Group, which has ostensibly sold more New York than their HGTV co-stars over at Gumley Haft Kleier (if the show's to be any indication).

At a little over 1,200 SF, the one bedroom unit asked - and sold for! - $1.85 million after hitting the market in mid-2007. In addition to the unit's nice outdoor space and her Golden Globe nod, George can now also brag about living next store to a past Burger King CEO.

Convenient to Ketchup, New York Times: Big Deal
141 Fifth Ave 5, the Core Group

Take a look at a sales video of 141 Fifth after the jump.

5 East 66th St: the Lotus Club

Have a look at the library of the Lotus Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in America. The club's current headquarters are in a townhouse 5 east 66th street. Mark Twain apparently referred to the Lotus Club as "The Ace of Clubs." Well, Mr. Twain, we think the club's townhouse is a real ace too. It's a shame we aren't learned enough to gain entrance.

Image via The Lotus Club

Inside the 'Fifth Ave PH' from Sex and the City

Have a look around the enviable 'Fifth Avenue Penthouse' from the first SATC flick. We use those terms loosely since the crew actually filmed in an even more enviable townhouse at 2 East 63rd street. The building has an extremely large courtyard and an even larger price tag - the scouting company explains it's a "VERY EXPENSIVE" film location. There's also a lot going on inside, so plan on setting a few minutes aside to get through everything. Lots more photos after the jump!

Images via The Location Company and Screen Musing

Perfectionists Reign at 55 East 65th Street

Records show the 7-story prewar apartment coop at 55 east 65th street just filed for a $150K facade renovation. The circa 1910 building is pretty nice as is, but there's definitely room for improvement (enter thoses pesky fire-stairs). The filing was recently assigned an examiner, so our fingers remained crossed.

We imagine that this renovation will help the sale of the already seemingly perfect two bedroom unit that's listed for $1.1 million with Sotheby's Realty. After all, perfect apartments go well with perfect buildings.

Designer Prewar Perfection, Sotheby's Realty

Della Femina's Oceanfront Estate: Picture Perfect as Expected

News that Jerry Della Femina (of East Hampton's Della Femina) was to sell his oceanfront estate on Drew Lane left us hungry for a look inside the 'ad man's' pad. And today, that hunger was fulfilled not because the listing's new photos portray a remarkably grand or beautiful estate, but because the shots have "I'm in Advertising!" proudly written all over them. 

We've seen staging before, but never like this! Check the blue and white dishware peaking out of the kitchen cabinetry. $40 million price tags be dammed when you can whip up an omelet in that.

Lily Pond Lane Magnificence, Corcoran Group

Jerry Della Femina asks $40 million for East Hampton home, Real LI

The Apartment of John Demsey

Sneak a very literal peak of the town house of 'cosmetic executive' John Demsey (Estee Lauder, M.A.C, Sean John, etc.).

The picture was snapped during a private birthday party he held for himself. Join us in a communal sigh of envy.

Via New York Social Diary

The Apartment of Gerard Butler

Have a look at Gerard Butler's loft, as captured in the most recent edition of Architectural Digest.

In the loft, architect Alexander Gorlin and designer Elvis Restaino attempted to "recreat[e] things that came into Gerry’s life" - and they weren't kidding! The decor definitely contains hints of Butler's rustic Titan past - excluding that baby-blue bowler hat, of course. We aren't quite sure if or when that thing ever came into play.

Another shot after the jump.

Gerard Butler at Home, Architectural Digest