The Steeple Times

Tag: penthouse

  • Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed

    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed

    Steeply-pitched, unused mansard roof space in Manhattan heads to a slashed no reserve auction after failing to sell for £30.3 million

    A currently unused roof space with an existing apartment overlooking Central Park that has bopped on and off the market since 2013 is being placed in a no reserve online auction early next month. It follows on from the fire sale of another ritzy penthouse we featured in June this year that went on the market for 64% lower than it sold for in 2014.

     

    Featuring the existing 37th floor unit and having “pre-approved, shovel ready design, plans and permits” to extend into what was home to the mechanical systems of Hampshire House (alternatively known as ‘150 Central Park South), the potential triplex penthouse on offer could extend to 9,650 square foot.

     

    Offered initially in 2013 for £12.7 million, the development opportunity was bought by a London based Israeli developer and artist named Arnon Katz in 2014 and 2015 for a combined total said to be £16.6 million. He attempted to sell it on for £18.9 million in June 2018 and then increased the ask to a staggering £30.3 million more recently.

     

    Speaking of the 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom scheme – which also includes a “grand salon, formal living and dining rooms and an eat-in kitchen” – Katz remarked:

     

    “Years of passion and knowledge went into the planning, design, and obtaining of the permits necessary to offer this extraordinary offering.”

     

    “There is absolutely nothing else like it in the world, and this is what makes it truly special. I’m confident that Concierge Auctions’ incredible global reach and a team of top talent will identify the perfect buyer, an individual as unique as this property itself, who not only understands the value, but who also has the vision to complete this magnificent penthouse to its reality.”

     

    The Concierge Auctions online sale commences on 18th December and closes on 22nd December and if sold, the buyer will get to live in a building dating to 1931 which has counted the artist Frida Kahlo and the tenor Luciano Pavarotti amongst its former occupants.

     

    The Names & Numbers – The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America

     

    November 2020 – The roof space is to be offered for auction with “no reserve to the highest bidder” by Concierge Auctions against a previous price of £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million). The online auction commences on the 18th December and closes on 22nd December 2020.

     

    According to a press release from Concierge Auctions, the penthouse is “appraised at £75.6 million ($100 million, €84.4 million or درهم367.3million) on completion” and finish costs are estimated at upto £15.1 million ($20 million, €16.9 million or درهم73.5 million).

     

    Anticipated annual costs are described as “unusually low” and estimated at £45,400 per year ($60,000, €50,600 or درهم220,400 per year) to include taxes and co-op fees.

     

    June 2018 – The roof space is offered for sale by Douglas Elliman for £18.9 million ($25 million, €21.1 million or درهم91.8 million) according to Mansion Global.

     

    2014 to 2015 – UK based artist and real estate investor Arnon Katz purchased the 1,800 square foot penthouse of Hampshire House as well as the rights to develop the two floors of roof space above it. According to Forbes, he paid £16.6 million ($22 million, €18.6 million or درهم80.8 million) in total – of which, surprisingly, just £3 million ($4 million, €3.4 million or درهم14.7 million) was for the 37th floor space according to Mansion Global.

     

    January 2013 – Listed for sale for £12.7 million ($16.9 million, €14.2 million or درهم62.1 million) according to Zillow.

     

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    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – In what was formerly home to mechanical equipment, there is potential for some truly spectacular entertaining spaces.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – Hosting guests indoors and out with a ‘wow factor’ will be possible for the ultimate occupant.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – A dining room with a view and a striking open staircase are planned for the unit.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – Cooking with a view.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – It is proposed that the master bedroom will not only have huge windows, but also a feature fireplace.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – The master bathroom is certainly vast.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – One of several terraces.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – The view over Central Park.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – Looking towards Hampshire House from Central Park.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – The building is next door to the famous Essex House.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – An image of the penthouse and tower in its setting.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – Floor plans for the prosed 36th and 37th floors.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – Floor plans for the proposed 38th floor.
    Steeply Priced Roof Space Slashed – Space to create The Penthouse, Hampshire House, 150 Central Park South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019, United States of America heads to auction with no reserve after failing to sell for £30.3 million ($40 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.9 million) through Concierge Auctions.
    The Penthouse, Hampshire House – Floor plans for the proposed 39th floor.
  • A Priced Down Penthouse

    A Priced Down Penthouse

    After a ritzy New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014 during a government orchestrated fire sale, the building’s board go crackers

    A 5,955 square foot penthouse in New York’s 328-foot tall Walker Tower that sold for £41.2 million in 2014 went “into contract” recently for just £14.78 million much to the chagrin of the building’s other residents. The story of this massive 64% ‘discount’ echoes that of another penthouse we featured in April – that went on the market for a sum 48% lower than in 2012.

     

    Built in 1929 by Ralph Walker (1889 – 1973), a man described as “the architect of the century” by The New York Times and “the only other honest architect in America” by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Walker Tower was intended to be “as modern as the telephone activity it houses.” It originally was used by the New York Telephone Company and subsequently partly converted to provide 47 condominiums in 2013 by JDS Development Group.

     

    With units ranging in size from 1,100 to 6,500 square feet in size, Penthouse One is one of the largest. It includes 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms and aside from a kitchen that reportedly cost £200,000 to install, there are 3 wood-burning fireplaces and a 500 square foot private terrace.

     

    Of the penthouse, during a 7:58 minute tour he conducted in April 2019, self-declared “YouTuber and adventure filmmaker” Erik Conover remarked:

     

    “Penthouse One is widely considered to the most exclusive penthouse downtown in all of Manhattan… This [is] a one of a kind luxury apartment… You feel like the king of the kingdom here… I have no words for this place, it’s hands down my favourite apartment I’ve toured.”

     

    Speaking to Conover, realtor Shaun Osher, CEO of Core NYC, predictably went into overdrive with gushing praise of the unit:

     

    “The sky is the limit here… One of the great things about this apartment is that you separate public space from private space… The back of the house is not too shabby either… All of the views are protected forever… When guests come, their jaws will hit the floor.”

     

    Now, according to Mansion Global, a “battle is brewing” over Penthouse One – which is being sold on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice in the wake of being seized as part of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal – as other residents have sought to stop the sale and “buy the condo [themselves] for the same sum, then relist it for more.”

     

    Speaking on their behalf, David Berkey, an attorney for the condo board, remarked:

     

    “The contract price can only be described as steeply distressed and unrealistic and one which could adversely affect the market value of other homes at Walker Tower. The board is acting in the best interests of all Walker Tower owners by exercising its right of first refusal to ensure that its value is recognised.”

     

    A resident of the building, Vickey Barron, added:

     

    “We’re all scratching our heads saying, ‘How did this happen?’ What we’re talking about is almost 70% discount. It’s almost like a sample sale. Walker Tower is not a sample sale.”

     

    Bizarrely Ms Barron, herself a realtor with the Compass Group, sold the apartment back in 2014 when she worked for Douglas Elliman Real Estate. At the time, she gushed to The New York Times: “I feel like I blinked and I sold it… This was a man [the buyer] who knew what he wanted and had the money to pay for it.” He plainly passed due diligence back then – somewhat, with hindsight, one might argue most surprisingly.

     

    Meanwhile, elsewhere in the building – which has a lobby concierge, landscaped common roof deck, yoga room, sauna and a ‘library lounge’ with a bar for the use of residents – Penthouse Two is currently listed to rent by Knight Frank. They seek £69,000 per month for the 6,700 square foot space.

     

    Ironically, whilst Ralph Walker shot himself with a silver bullet he had forged himself in 1973, whomever next overpays for Penthouse One at Walker Tower might well be taking a bullet in terms of misfortune for their wallet.

     

    The Names & Numbers – Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York, NY 10011, United States of America

     

    June 2020 – Penthouse One goes “into contract” for just £14.78 million ($18.25 million, €16.33 million or درهم67.02 million), a discount of 64% on its sale price in 2014.

     

    April 2019 – Penthouse One marketed at a price of £28.3 million ($35 million, €31.3 million or درهم128.5 million) by Shaun Osher of Core NYC.

     

    2013 – Units in the residential conversion are listed for sale, with the highest priced penthouse priced at £47.8 million ($59 million, €52.8 million or درهم216.7 million). According to Wallpaper in November 2013, Penthouse One sold “after less than a month on the market.” It comanded a sum of £41.2 million ($50.9 million, €45.5 million or درهم186.9 million) on an asking price of £44.5 million ($55 million, €49.2 million or درهم292 million).

     

    2016 – Of the building, realtor Vickey Barron, who purchased a unit there herself ultimately, remarked: “You don’t need to give its address. You just say ‘Walker Tower’ like ‘the Plaza’ and people know what you’re referring to.”

     

    2013 – Construction completed with the residential units given their own entrance at 212 West 18th Street separate from the commercial space, entered at 17th Street.

     

    2011 – Construction commences on the scheme.

     

    2009 – Part sold for conversion to 53 residential units, the number is later reduced to 47 in total. The buyer was Michael Stern, managing partner of JDS Development Group whilst Verizon, the sellers, kept the lowest eight floors.

     

    In January 2016, of his buy, Stern told Multi Family Executive: “I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to see it, back in 2009, when a broker called… But I went up to the roof and was astonished by the unobstructed views. It was the tallest building in Chelsea, since it had been built before zoning limited heights… [It was the] most complex residential conversion I’ve undertaken, and ever may.”

     

    1929 – Constructed to the designs of Ralph Walker as a telecommunications centre and offices. The building is described as “of concrete-encased steel frame” and reflecting “the importance of its era’s telephone technology.” It featured chevron-patterned brickwork and what was termed a “wedding cake setback.”

     

     

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    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
    A Priced Down Penthouse – £14m for NYC penthouse sold for £41m in 2014 – After a New York penthouse goes into contract for a sum 64% lower than it sold for in 2014, the building’s board go crackers – £14.78 million for Penthouse One, Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York through Shaun Osher of Core NYC angers building’s board.
  • Punting a Penthouse

    Punting a Penthouse

    Duplex penthouse in The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park for sale for £39.7 million or a sum 48% lower than in 2012; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier and has a ‘ballroom’ in a colour scheme that would make Katie Price blush

    Built in 1930 to 1931 to the designs of the Hungarian-Jewish architect Emery Roth (1871 – 1948), 50 Central Park South – a building formerly known as the St. Moritz Hotel – has been variously owned by Harry Helmsley, Donald Trump, Alan Bond and Ian Schrager. In 2002, as part of a remodelling, the building reopened as The Ritz Carlton New York, Central Park and now one of the ten apartments that subsequently were created in the upper part of the building is again for sale.

     

    Occupying the 34th and 35th floors, a “horseshoe-shaped” unit described as ‘Penthouse 34/35’ totals 6,405 square foot including roof terraces. It was first configured as a 4 bedroom and 4.5-bathroom unit, but was reconfigured after being purchased by the Harvard educated founder of Gamechange Solar and CEO of Barron Group Holdings, Andrew Barron Worden, in 2006 into a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom property with a 40-foot long ‘great room’ that has been used for “very, very frequent entertaining” and a 49-foot ‘solarium’ above.

     

    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    Andrew Barron Worden and the exterior of The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park, 50 Central Park South at the south-east corner of Sixth Avenue, Midtown West, New York, NY 10019.
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    The main reception room of Mr. Worden’s apartment is lauded as a “grand ballroom” and measures 42” in length and 24’7” in width. If it were a person it’d be a “cross between Katie Price and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen” and is adjoined by a library.
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    Guests at parties in the space are said to have included Russell Simmons – the businessman and music executive now in exile in Bali (after being accused of multiple sexual assaults).

    Worden, described as “a ballroom dancer – Argentine tango, to be precise” in an article in The New York Times in August 2012, supposedly spent £5.7 million transforming the space and then tried to sell it for the very ambitious sum of £77 million that year. He did not succeed and again placed it on the market for £39.7 million last August.

     

    Other owners of the ‘residences’ at 50 Central Park South have variously included the hedge fund tycoon Scott Bommer, the financier Howard Marks and the casino mogul Steve Wynn.

     

    Agents Christie’s International Real Estate are currently marketing the “fully soundproofed” penthouse and describe it as an “heirloom unit” that could be “easily converted back as per the approved architectural plans.”

     

    The Numbers – Penthouse 34/35, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America

     

    August 2019 – Relisted for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate for £39.7 million ($49 million, €45.4 million or درهم180 million).

     

    August 2012 – Listed for sale for £77 million ($95 million, €88.1 million or درهم349 million) by Dianne Weston of Halstead Property. At the time, she claimed the owner “understands the metrics of the market.”

     

    “Late 2000s” – Supposedly underwent a “renovation” costing £5.7 million ($7 million, €6.5 million or درهم25.7 million). Of this, The New York Times remarked: “[The apartment was subject to a] complete renovation, designed by the architectural firm Gustavson/Dundes, which gave the space a very contemporary look, including a sleek steel and glass staircase with treads that can be lighted from below.”

     

    2006 – Sold to Andrew Barron Worden for £16.2 million ($19.95 million, €18.5 million or درهم73.4 million).

     

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    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    The dining room is said to have “magnificent views.”
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    There is a chef’s kitchen also.
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    The 35th floor ‘solarium’ leads onto a vast 700-square-foot terrace beyond.
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    A view of the ‘residences’ at 50 Central Park South from Central Park.
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    The floor plan “as is.”
    Punting a Penthouse – £39.7 million ($49 million) for Andrew Barron Worden owned Penthouse 34/35, 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States of America through Christie’s International Real Estate. Reduced from £77 million ($95 million) through Halstead Property; it’s currently home to an Argentine tango dancer whom moonlights as a financier.
    The floor plan of the 34th floor “as could be.”
  • A Price-Cut Penthouse

    A Price-Cut Penthouse

    Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than in 1999

    Constructed between 1961 and 1962 by builders Gilbert Ash, Collier House is not the most attractive structure in Knightsbridge externally. Whilst retailers Reiss and Nespresso – lucky residents get George Clooney’s ugly ‘mug’ stuck on the façade as a bonus (excuse the pun) – occupy the ground floor, the top floor ‘space’ was sold for the creation of a two-storey penthouse in 1999 for £230,000.

     

    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    The exterior of the building in which the sixth and seventh floor penthouse is situated – Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    The ground floor of the building is occupied by Reiss and Nespresso. A large image of actor George Clooney dominates the frontage of the latter.

    Developed to provide a 4,615 square foot duplex over two floors, the apartment is currently on the market for the considerably higher figure of £16 million through agents Merchants Row. It includes 2 reception rooms that are some 70-foot in length in total, a bar area, a media room, 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and comes with wrap-around terraces with skyline views towards Harrods and the Brompton Oratory.

     

    From October 2014 to July 2019, the penthouse was the registered office of Elaph Publishing Limited. Founded in 2001 by Othman Al Omeir – a man “considered close to King Salman of Saudi Arabia” – Elaph is described as “the first daily Arabic independent online newspaper.” It has at various times been banned in both Saudi Arabia and Yemen and its former managing director was the EMMY award winning producer Nicholas Claxton.

     

    The long leasehold penthouse, which was offered for the even more outrageous sum of £22 million in November 2012, has direct lift access to the sixth floor and comes with secure underground parking. It is subject to a service charge of £10,800 per year, has been offered to rent for £10,000 per week previously and what the agents neglect to mention is that it is situated directly above one of London’s most polluted stretches of road.

     

    The Numbers – Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom

     

    April 2020 – For sale for £16 million ($20 million, €18.4 million or درهم73.4 million) through agents Merchants Row.

     

    November 2012 – For sale for £22 million ($27.5 million, €25.3 million or درهم101 million) through agents Wilfords.

     

    July 1999 – “As then was” space for penthouse sold for £230,000 ($287,000, €264,000 or درهم1.1 million) according to Land Registry records.

     

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    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
    A Price-Cut Penthouse – £16 million for Sixth and Seventh Floor Penthouse at Collier House, 163 – 169 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1PY, United Kingdom through Merchants Row – Vast Knightsbridge penthouse for sale for 27% less than the £22 million sum in 2012 but extraordinarily 6,900% more than the £230,000 sum in 1999. Near Harrods and Brompton Oratory.
  • A Moral Vacuum

    A Moral Vacuum

    Billionaire Brexiteer James Dyson (yet again) shows himself as nothing but a self-serving prick in relocating his HQ to Singapore

     

    Yesterday, in the wake of the crappy hoover manufacturer Sir James Dyson announcing he’d be relocating his headquarters to Singapore, the journalist Tim Walker tweeted: “Need a moral vacuum? Get a Dyson” and followed up with: “People are becoming legitimately angry about the sheer hypocrisy of the Brexiteers. We see them for what they are.”

     

    A Moral Vacuum – Brexiteer Sir James Dyson is nothing but a hypocrite – Billionaire Brexiteer James Dyson (yet again) shows himself as nothing but a self-serving prick in relocating his HQ to Singapore.
    Journalist Tim Walker tweets about James Dyson’s “moral vacuum”

     

    This morning, in a similar vein, a spoof news site named Evening Harold ran a story titled ‘Dyson launch moral vacuum’ in which they declared the billionaire’s products to have: “100% less integrity than rival products and comes in cordless, bagless, spineless and gutless models.”

     

    They are right: This tax avoider – whom also recently spent £57 million ($74 million) on a Manhattan penthouse – and his dreary overpriced rugmaker wife Deirdre are the finest examples of hypocrites on the planet; they pompously tell the populous what to do and do exactly the opposite. It’s time this “it’s one rule for us and another for everyone else” duo just bogged off to whatever tax haven they feel most comfortable in.

     

    #BoycottDyson #MoralVacuum #ExitBrexit

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

  • A Silo in SoHo

    A Silo in SoHo

    Penthouse in SoHo, New York for sale for 48% more than it was marketed for in 2007; it comes come complete with structures resembling a barn and a silo on its roof

     

    This week the popular New York real estate blog 6sqft reported that a 1,250 square foot condo loft had gone on sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million). What makes it unusual is that it comes with structures resembling a silo and a barn on its roof deck.

     

    Described as being “in need of updating” but featuring ceiling heights of upto 20-foot, the propery includes living and dining spaces along with an open plan “sleeping nook”, walk-in closet, an office area and a bathroom on one of its two levels. Above, one finds an 800 square foot outdoor space with a built-in bar and pergola. The apartment was previously offered for sale in 2007 for £1.367 million ($1.795 million, €1.546 million or درهم6.590 million).

     

    The penthouse at 118 Wooster Street is within a 6-storey, 13 unit building and is offered to the market by City Realty. Of it, the firm comments: “You won’t be able to duplicate this unit anywhere in Manhattan. This quiet space can be configured to your exact needs [and the roof deck offers] potential for a second-level addition.”

     

    A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty. A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty. A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty.A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty.A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty.A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty. A Silo in SoHo – 118 Wooster Street, #PHB, Between Spring Street and Prince Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012 – For sale for £2.018 million ($2.649 million, €2.282 million or درهم9.726 million) through City Realty.

  • A Sloane Home

    A Sloane Home

    Belgravia apartment for sale for £27.5 million in spite of being a 1980s timewarp; the Sloaney home forms part of a building at one-time home the residence of one half of Gilbert and Sullivan

     

    A penthouse on the “favoured northern side” of Belgravia’s Eaton Square is on sale for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) in spite of not been refurbished or updated since the 1980s.

     

    Part of a building that was the London home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) – one half of the Victorian theatrical partnership Gilbert and Sullivan – from 1907 until his death, 90 Eaton Square now spans four buildings and is some 117-foot wide. Its penthouse sits on the fourth floor and extends to some 5,570 square foot.

     

    Featuring 3 reception rooms, a study, 5 bedroom suites, a wine cellar, a terrace and 2 balconies, the vast property is described as having “unusually large picture windows at the front to take advantage of the superior southerly aspect, and a low front parapet wall, allowing superb views of the expansive Eaton Square communal gardens.” Images shown in a sales brochure for it show not only some rather serious works of modern art, but also 1980s ‘Sloane Ranger essentials’ including shagpile rugs, marble bathrooms and chrome-steel cantilever dining chairs.

     

    Previously offered for £30 million ($39.9 million, €33.8 million or درهم146.6 million) by agents Savills, the penthouse at 90 Eaton Square is now currently being marketed by Strutt & Parker. It comes with a surprisingly long lease that expires in 2256.

     

    A Sloane Home – Fourth floor penthouse, 90 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AG – For sale through Strutt & Parker for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) – Part of building that home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) from 1907 until 1911 and presented as a 1980s timewarp A Sloane Home – Fourth floor penthouse, 90 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AG – For sale through Strutt & Parker for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) – Part of building that home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) from 1907 until 1911 and presented as a 1980s timewarp A Sloane Home – Fourth floor penthouse, 90 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AG – For sale through Strutt & Parker for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) – Part of building that home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) from 1907 until 1911 and presented as a 1980s timewarpA Sloane Home – Fourth floor penthouse, 90 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AG – For sale through Strutt & Parker for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) – Part of building that home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) from 1907 until 1911 and presented as a 1980s timewarp A Sloane Home – Fourth floor penthouse, 90 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AG – For sale through Strutt & Parker for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) – Part of building that home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) from 1907 until 1911 and presented as a 1980s timewarpA Sloane Home – Fourth floor penthouse, 90 Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AG – For sale through Strutt & Parker for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 million or درهم134.5 million) – Part of building that home of Sir William Gilbert (1836 – 1911) from 1907 until 1911 and presented as a 1980s timewarp

  • Bungling Bernie

    Bungling Bernie

    Bernie Ecclestone accused of bribing F1 drivers by an Australian F1 legend

     

    Bernie Ecclestone – whose Christian name is often used in the context of bungs and bribes – is just the kind of person whose past mistakes keep coming back to haunt him. An encounter with an Australian driver named Alan Jones in 1985 is an example of such.

     

    Gnome-like Ecclestone – not to be confused with Theresa May’s relatively innocent garden gnome-like little hubby – supposedly, according to a new autobiography, it now turns out, supposedly paid Jones to “feign illness and miss the controversial 1985 South African Grand Prix in order to avoid sparking outrage with a team backer.”

     

    In an extract, published by News.com.au, Jones reveals:

     

    I was summoned to see Bernie Ecclestone in his penthouse. Not sure what I had done this time, I fronted up. As I went in the door Bernie said, “How do you feel?” Standard greeting, although he had a look in his eye, I gave him a standard reply, “Pretty good, thanks.”

     

    “What do you think your chances are of winning the race tomorrow?” he asked.

     

    Again, I felt no need to be subtle: “Bernie, I think you know the answer to that question. If I start now, probably pretty good.”

     

    “Well, I’ve got a bit of an idea. If you pull up sick and can’t run again this weekend, we’ll give you first-place prize money. Go home and visit Australia.”

     

    The background was that US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson had said that if a Beatrice car raced in South Africa he was going to get all of the black workers — thousands of them — at Beatrice around the US to go on strike. Beatrice couldn’t be seen to be backing down to an individual like him, but if they didn’t back down there was a chance of the strike.

     

    So Bernie came up with an idea. “If the driver falls crook and can’t drive, then the Beatrice car doesn’t race. It’s a force majeure. Jesse Jackson can’t get on his soapbox and say, ‘I forced that company to withdraw,’ and he also couldn’t call a strike because the car didn’t race.”

     

    The idea was that I would wait until Saturday morning when everyone went to the circuit. I would quietly check out, and jump on a plane to Harare to get home (because Qantas wouldn’t fly to South Africa).

     

    This could not afford to leak at all. I’m pretty sure only Teddy and Carl knew from inside the team. I could not tell the mechanics or anybody.

     

    And so, on the Saturday morning I was gone. I just didn’t turn up. They had the car out ready to go, when they were told, “AJ’s been struck down by a virus and we are not racing.”

     

    I made a miraculous recovery for the Australian Grand Prix, which was just as well.

     

    And still, some wonder: “Why doesn’t Bernie Ecclestone have a knighthood?” The answer is clear.

     

    Pictured above: Alan Jones and Bernie Ecclestone.

     

  • A Cottage in the Clouds

    A Cottage in the Clouds

    New York penthouse complete with a ‘Nantucket style cottage’ on the roof goes on sale

     

    A New York penthouse with a difference has gone on sale for £2.7 million ($3.5 million, €3.1 million or درهم12.9 million).

     

    Situated in Minthorne House at 72 East 1st Street in the East Village, a fourth to sixth floor 3,000 square foot walk-up comes with not only a duplex with a ‘great room’ with 18-foot ceiling heights but also a ‘Nantucket style roof cottage’ with weathered shingles, a cupola and a wrap-around terrace.

     

    Offered by realtors Compass, the 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom penthouse is one of just three residential units in a building constructed in 1841. It truly is a one-of-a-kind and is described as having “low monthlies” also.

     

    A Cottage in the Clouds – Penthouse at Minthorne House, 72 East 1st Street, East Village, New York, NY 10003, United States of America – For sale for £2.7 million ($3.5 million, €3.1 million or درهم12.9 million) through CompassA Cottage in the Clouds – Penthouse at Minthorne House, 72 East 1st Street, East Village, New York, NY 10003, United States of America – For sale for £2.7 million ($3.5 million, €3.1 million or درهم12.9 million) through CompassA Cottage in the Clouds – Penthouse at Minthorne House, 72 East 1st Street, East Village, New York, NY 10003, United States of America – For sale for £2.7 million ($3.5 million, €3.1 million or درهم12.9 million) through CompassA Cottage in the Clouds – Penthouse at Minthorne House, 72 East 1st Street, East Village, New York, NY 10003, United States of America – For sale for £2.7 million ($3.5 million, €3.1 million or درهم12.9 million) through Compass A Cottage in the Clouds – Penthouse at Minthorne House, 72 East 1st Street, East Village, New York, NY 10003, United States of America – For sale for £2.7 million ($3.5 million, €3.1 million or درهم12.9 million) through Compass

  • A Slumping Square

    A Slumping Square

    Eaton Square penthouse offered for £825,000 or 30% lower sum than it was marketed for two years ago; it comes with several catches

     

    A penthouse in Eaton Square, Belgravia has gone on sale for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) in spite of being held on a lease with just 16 years remaining and being in a building with a Blue Plaque to the paedophile politician Lord Boothby (1900 – 1906).

     

    A Slumping Square – Flat K, 1 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9DA, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) with 16 years left on lease. Paedophile politician Lord Boothby lived in the building until his death.
    1 Eaton Square was home to Lord Boothby until his death in 1986

     

    The fourth floor lateral flat – complete with colourful wallpaper and furnishings that would make even Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen blush – on offer at 1 Eaton Square spans two buildings and was previously offered for £2.750 million ($3.548 million, €3.111 million or درهم13.029 million) two years ago. It totals 1,202 square foot and includes a reception room, a dining kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a roof terrace.

     

    For sale through Savills, the Grade II listed, portered apartment is subject to a service charge and ground rent totaling £10,000 per annum ($12,900, €11,300 or درهم47,400 per annum) also.

     

    A Slumping Square – Flat K, 1 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9DA, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) with 16 years left on lease. Paedophile politician Lord Boothby lived in the building until his death.A Slumping Square – Flat K, 1 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9DA, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) with 16 years left on lease. Paedophile politician Lord Boothby lived in the building until his death. A Slumping Square – Flat K, 1 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9DA, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) with 16 years left on lease. Paedophile politician Lord Boothby lived in the building until his death.A Slumping Square – Flat K, 1 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9DA, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) with 16 years left on lease. Paedophile politician Lord Boothby lived in the building until his death. A Slumping Square – Flat K, 1 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9DA, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £1.925 million ($2.483 million, €2.178 million or درهم9.121 million) with 16 years left on lease. Paedophile politician Lord Boothby lived in the building until his death.