Fashion legend, Gianni Versace doesn’t need an introduction, a designer to celebrities and royalty, his creations made him world-famous. His talent left a mark on many aspects of his life including his opulent former Manhattan mansion now on the real estate runway for $70 million.
Gracing Manhattan’s Upper East Side on a quiet section of East 64th Street, ‘a truly opulent property takes its place in luxury real estate and fashion history, explains Nikki Field, Senior Global Real Estate Advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty in Manhattan. Versace purchased this neoclassical 1950s building in 1995 for $7.5 million and completely redesigned it into an Italian Baroque masterpiece. Overlooking Fifth Avenue and bordering Central Park, 17 ornately decorated rooms spread across the six elevator-serviced floors.
The late fashion designer infused the décor with his unique ‘over-the-top couture’ details including lavish Italian marble and Austrian parquet floors and exquisitely painted ceilings and walls. ‘Versace’s genius and vision are revealed over the first 4 floors, each presenting the designer’s legendary taste,’ continues Field.
The entry-level gives way to a dramatic marble gallery showcasing a circular sweeping staircase and the grand reception opens to the full-width balcony overlooking the garden, as described in the Sotheby’s listing.
On the garden level, the stunning dining room canvas walls were painted by hand drawing inspiration from Robert Adam’s Etruscan Room in Osterley Park.
Beyond is a dreamy secluded garden, a Manhattan gem. Going up to the third and fourth levels, opulence continues to impress with restored 19th-century panels sourced by Versace himself from a Florentine palazzo depicting Elysian scenes. Equally magnificent is an exquisite marble bathroom adorned with gold mouldings. One of the grandest in the city is the double bathroom spa and a massive polished sunken marble jacuzzi according to the listing. The sixth level is about fun and entertaining in style complete with a game lounge and a Moroccan-style theatre. The icing on the cake are the views from the expansive rooftop terrace and gazebo overlooking Manhattan’s Midtown skyline.
Versace’s former mansion takes luxury up many notches whereas opulent residential living takes on new meaning
This stunning property is represented by top producers Nikki and Amanda Field at Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage. More about this property here.