Featured in the NEW YORK TIMES. Townhouse in the Sky with Three Lush Terraces...and John Lennon Nostalgia. Steeped in history and classically renovated to the highest standards, this former home of John Lennon is unlike any other property in the city. Three gorgeous, planted terraces each say ’I’ll Follow the Sun’ at different times of day. The wrap terrace off of the living room/dining room is best in the morning and midday light and fabulous for gracious entertaining.

Upstairs, the Lover’s Terrace, off the primary bedroom suite, gets wonderful sunrises and has spectacular river views all day long. The small private terrace off of the den has sunset and nighttime city views (including a clear view of the Chrysler building!) Besides the sun and views, these terraces (about 1250SF) are complete with lush plantings, irrigation, built-in sound system, lighting and retractable awnings. This fabulous duplex apartment is located on a serene cul-de-sac in the East 50s.

With the touch of a button, the elevator whisks you to the penthouse floor of 434 East 52nd Street. Step into the elegant, upholstered semi-private landing and you immediately know you are about to enter a remarkable residence. Do you want to know a secret? This duplex penthouse consists of PHE, as well as the famous Tower apartment where John Lennon lived with May Pang, the time he referred to as his ’Lost Weekend’ in 1974-1975.

Details about this period are steeped in the walls of the upper floor: the Tower’s extra-large living room (currently the primary bedroom) was where John and May kept their bed. This is where they entertained Linda and Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and many others. During this time, John and May had their famous UFO sighting, and John also had his iconic photo taken (wearing the New York City T-shirt with cutoff sleeves) by Bob Gruen.

Downstairs, the inviting living room has a wood-burning fireplace, built-in speakers, French doors to the terrace, and beautiful Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors custom inlaid with pear wood. Extreme care was taken in the consistent design and renovation of this apartment: pear wood can also be seen accenting the media cabinet, the thresholds to the kitchen, dining room and in the skylight upstairs. The fully-equipped windowed, eat-in kitchen has a custom arched ceiling and green marble countertops and backsplash.

An adjacent laundry room has a full-size washing machine and an externally vented dryer, as well as a service entrance and plenty of storage/folding space. The grand dining room, with two exposures and access to the wraparound terrace, can easily seat 12 and is the perfect place for guests to come together. A windowed powder room and five large closets complete the entry floor.

Up the famed steps that John had to climb to reach his Tower apartment, immediately to your right is the primary bedroom suite with wood-burning fireplace and the Lover’s Terrace. The huge ensuite marble bathroom has double sinks and Jacuzzi shower. Down the hall there is another bedroom where Julian Lennon slept when he visited, and a second, windowed full bath with lovely subway tile and a deep jacuzzi tub.

Continuing down the hall is a spectacular den with high ceilings, arched windows, north, south, and west exposures and access to the small private terrace. This could easily be a primary or grand third bedroom. This apartment has the luxury of high, 10’-11’ ceilings and true central air, with ductwork throughout and two external compressors on the roof, one for each floor of the apartment.

These High-Efficiency York HDA Series compressors are on the building roof, not the terraces, which make them extremely quiet and unobtrusive. Other careful details such as custom plantation shutters, inlaid and marble floors throughout, audio system in each room, and private storage area make this wonderful home or pied-a-terre even more special. 434 East 52nd Street is a full-service, 24 hour doorman building with full-time resident manager, an art deco lobby, beautifully landscaped and furnished garden terrace, bike room and storage space for rent.

It is conveniently located for shopping, terrific restaurants (whether you are in the mood for French, Italian or American or almost anything you can imagine) and local transportation. All you need is love. Imagine living in this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. You’ll love it. Call to schedule a private viewing.

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