Features

La Fabrique, #PH9S (Sotheby's International Realty)

From Great Listings Luminous NYC apartments with sun rooms and solariums

By CityRealty Staff Thursday, March 2, 2023

"Shall we adjourn to the conservatory?"

A line from a Regency romance? Hardly - as the New York Post recently reported, a surprising number of apartments in present-day New York are home to glass-walled, glass-ceilinged spaces also known as solariums or sunrooms. Features such as these date back to ancient Egypt, but really caught on in 16th-century Europe as a way to preserve citrus fruits and delicate potted plants in the winter. In more recent days, they can also be found in a more unlikely place: New York City apartments. Even in the darkest days, they lend their rooms a sunny, airy ambiance. With the days getting longer from here, these units will enjoy ever more light.

As sunrooms require sky access, they would appear limited to top-floor units. Enterprising homeowners have the option to install them, but there is a chance that it may require approval from the Department of Buildings. Even if this turns out not to be the case, proper installation is key to prevent leaks.

Sunrooms are back in the news because of a lawsuit surrounding one at 40 Sutton Place, a postwar condo in Sutton Place. The owner of a top-floor unit has been accused of annexing the building’s public space for his own use when he installed his sunroom, and the building has asked him to remove them to allow for access to the building’s roof for repairs.

However, the condo board president has made it known that he wishes to combine this apartment with his own downstairs unit, and the owner is accusing him of slowing the sale. Crain’s New York Business identified the owner as Joseph Felner, a retired engineer who worked on the original World Trade Center; Mr. Felner points out that he installed the sunrooms in 1985 with no objection from the building and problems had never been reported since. As we wait to see how this plays out, we look at less contentious but equally bright sunrooms in New York City apartments.

Turtle Bay Towers, #17H
$1,120,000 (-10.4%)

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condop | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Turtle Bay Towers, #17H (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This dramatic space will draw you right in and through to your private terrace with open views north. Soaring ceilings! Greenhouse windows above the dining/home office platform! Large living room served by a gorgeous pass through kitchen with Insinkerator garbage disposal! Big bedroom with sliding barn door, has river view, closets galore and lofted space to be used in any way you like! Also, bedroom can be converted into two sleep spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

Imperial House, #14D
$1,199,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,051 ft²

Imperial House, #14D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This one-bedroom home has a large foyer, comfortably sized galley kitchen, dining room alcove, bright west-facing enclosed terrace / solarium, huge living room and oversized bedroom. The bedroom has a large walk in closet, en suite bathroom, and additional closet. The en-suite bathroom was recently renovated. The kitchen has a GE Refrigerator, Frigidaire Gallery Professional Series oven, Frigidaire Gallery Professional Series dishwasher and Farm sink. The dining room opens to the enclosed terrace / sun room. The sun room has space for reading, relaxing, and enjoying some sunlight. There is a half bath in the foyer as well as a large utility closet and coat closet. See floor plan and full details here.

356 West 23rd Street, #GC
$1,139,500 (-8.8%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

356 West 23rd Street, #GC (Compass)

From the Listing: No detail was overlooked in the masterful renovation of this one bedroom home featuring over 350 square feet of private outdoor space. The open-concept layout of the upper level is ideal for entertaining with a seamless flow from the foyer to the lush garden which is a perfect oasis for outdoor relaxation and entertainment complete with a blossoming red maple tree, ivy, and greenery galore. The kitchen is just as dreamy with a massive black granite waterfall island, Wolf induction cooktop, a Miele oven, two Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers, an additional KitchenAid refrigerator drawer and freezer drawer, and a Miele dishwasher. The solarium is flooded with light from the sunny southern exposure and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors. This space can easily be set up as an extended living room, a home office, or both! See floor plan and full details here.

259 Elizabeth Street, #1B
$1,795,000

NoLiTa/Little Italy | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,200 ft²

259 Elizabeth Street, #1B (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Apartment 1B is a very special offering at 259 Elizabeth Street. The entry foyer provides great hidden storage space and a grand entrance to the apartment. The kitchen was just renovated and features high-end finishes and appliances. The double height ceilings soar to 15' in the multi-functional living and dining area. On the first floor, there is a bedroom with sunroom-style windows that can be closed off with electric shades. The pristine bathroom has marble finishes. The full staircase leads to the second floor which features a second bedroom, bonus space that can be used as a home office or lounge area, and a huge walk-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.

1 Gracie Terrace, #2B/1B
$2,250,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

1 Gracie Terrace, #2B/1B (Compass)

From the Listing: This unique 3-bedroom 2-bathroom combination apartment has breathtaking direct river views, a townhouse feel and is just off the esplanade. As you enter the first floor there is a foyer, a full bathroom, two bedrooms, and a bonus separate home office. As one ascends the gracious U staircase to the second floor, you will immediately be dazzled by the sunlight streaming through the oversized picturesque living room window and unobstructed water views. Adjacent to the living room is a king-sized primary bedroom with a renovated en-suite marble bathroom. Just off the bedroom, there is a sunroom where you can enjoy your morning coffee while taking in the brilliant direct views of the East River. The updated kitchen has stainless steel appliances, with a dishwasher and a microwave. As a bonus, there is a small outdoor terrace that you can turn into your own private urban oasis. See floor plan and full details here.

The 155 Condominium, #12JK
$2,275,000 (-8.8%)

Murray Hill | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The 155 Condominium, #12JK (Compass)

From the Listing: This corner residence features an expansive living room with options for multiple seating arrangements and a wall of sunny southern and western windows providing beautiful light all day long. A separate dining area is spacious enough for the largest of dinner parties and an additional solarium space creates options for bonus living space, a breakfast nook, or a gallery all with stunning southwest exposures and city views including the Empire State Building. The generously sized setback terrace is accessed from the solarium and the primary bedroom. The recently renovated kitchen has all the bells and whistles including custom white cabinetry, Caesarstone counters, and stainless-steel appliances. The large and separate primary bedroom suite features a built-in office, a walk-in California closet, and access to the terrace. See floor plan and full details here.

18 Mercer Street, #1
$2,495,000 (-7.4%)

SoHo | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

18 Mercer Street, #1 (Compass)

From the Listing: The main floor of this authentic duplex loft has soaring ceiling heights approaching 15 feet, with exposed brick and original hardwood flooring. In the rear discover a stunning old-world solarium - a unique feature to first-floor homes from this era. A winding steel staircase reaches for the sky, with the surrounding kitchen basking in natural light. Multiple mezzanines are configured for home office and sleeping areas. See floor plan and full details here.

25 West 15th Street, #DUPLEX
$2,600,000 (-8.8%)

Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,759 ft²

25 West 15th Street, #DUPLEX (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: History meets NYC loft-style living at this amazing duplex apartment at 25 West 15th Street in Flatiron. The apartment offers an expansive layout, with the kitchen, foyer, and dining area separated from the rest of the living space. You'll be stunned by the professional chef's kitchen with more stainless-steel counter space, shelving, and pantry storage space than you'll ever need. Featuring all professional stainless-steel appliances including a double Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Wolf stove and salamander broiler/warmer, this kitchen was actually home to a James Beard Award winning and published professional chef! A long hallway doubles as an art gallery and opens into the grand living room and solarium, which is a spacious 19'x 22'. The expansive wall and ceiling of windows gives the solarium an open and outdoor feel. The living room has elegant built-in bookshelves to house your library and collectibles. You will love the luxurious feel of this space, perfect for entertaining or just winding down at the end of the day. See floor plan and full details here.

910 Fifth Avenue, #2DE
$3,495,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,400 ft²

910 Fifth Avenue, #2DE (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This rarely available home is in estate condition, providing the perfect opportunity for a discerning buyer to reimagine something spectacular. From the elevator, one enters the apartments own private landing, leading to a gracious foyer into a grand 25' living room, separate dining room, and comfortable library. In its current configuration, three spacious, primary-sized bedrooms outfit the back wing of the apartment, all with ensuite baths, and the alternate floor plan provided offers ideas for a four-bedroom home as well. A windowed sunroom overlooks East 72nd Street's iconic, turn-of-the-century architecture with side-views of Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

340 East 72nd Street, #PH
$4,900,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

340 East 72nd Street, #PH (Compass)

From the Listing: This stunning and sun drenched eight-room prewar penthouse with wrap terrace is an exceptional and unique residence. The elevator opens directly into an entrance gallery adjacent to a dramatic living room with wood-burning fireplace, framed by a wall of south-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows and access to the sweeping south terrace. The floor-to-ceiling windows continue across the dining room with both rooms offering wide open dazzling views of the Manhattan skyline and sunsets. The 18-foot windowed eat-in kitchen with solarium is fully equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and finishes and completes this wing of the home. The primary bedroom contained in its own wing with wood-burning fire place has ample storage including a generous walk-in closet and large bathroom with separate bathtub and shower. See floor plan and full details here.

The Silk Building, #PH1104
$5,200,000 (-11.9%)

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,130 ft²

The Silk Building, #PH1104 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This home has been totally reconfigured to an architectural paradise. Each floor has been meticulously crafted. The entrance level boasts a primary suite with ample living space for working and relaxing alongside a fully equipped ensuite bathroom. The second floor includes 10-foot ceilings and has 2 bedrooms and 2 beautifully appointed baths. The larger bedroom has an ensuite bathroom that includes a rain shower and deep soaking tub. The third bedroom has a private fireplace. There is also an additional custom-built floor-to-ceiling storage space. The third floor of the triplex will reveal a stunning all-glass enclosed living room, dining room, study alcove and open kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

Butterfield House, #4J
$5,750,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

Butterfield House, #4J (Compass)

From the Listing: With interiors designed by Sara Gilbane and featured in Better Homes and Gardens, apartment 4J is an open concept floor plan with distinct spaces, architectural detail and perfectly-proportioned rooms that define comfort and elegance. A grand entry foyer, lacquered in a dramatic teal blue, leads to a spacious living room with inspiring views over the building's iconic perennial garden. Sunny southern exposure makes this room a delight all year round, and the adjacent winterized sunroom is perfect for reading or working, and overlooks the garden. Bold printed wallpapers set a tropical meets mid-century tone of sophistication throughout. The kitchen is open to the dining area and clad with custom white cabinetry, white Caesarstone countertops and a fresh green and white tile backsplash. The four generously-sized bedrooms are sunny and bright. See floor plan and full details here.

La Fabrique, #PH9S
$5,850,000 (-2.4%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,654 ft²

La Fabrique, #PH9S (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Perched on the 9th floor of a boutique coop at the crossroads of Chelsea, Flatiron and Greenwich Village, the contemporary open loft is bathed in natural light all day from oversized double-paned windows. The corner living area faces south and east and is centered by a wood-burning fireplace. There is a separate dining area that can accommodate a large table, perfect for dinner parties, and is adjacent to a high end industrial kitchen by Boffi. The modern primary suite highlights stunning and unobstructed views south all the way Downtown. The focal point of the home can be found upstairs in the solarium, with a massive skylight and floor to ceiling glass doors, allowing for easy indoor/outdoor living. At approximately 1,500 square feet, the roof terrace is nothing short of extraordinary. See floor plan and full details here.

875 Park Avenue, #PHCD
$9,880,000 (-9.2%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

875 Park Avenue, #PHCD (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This sprawling Park Avenue penthouse features four exposures with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views, beautifully planted wraparound terrace with irrigation system, enclosed sun room, library with a wet bar, chef's state-of-the-art kitchen, formal dining room, pantry with full size wine cooler, private keyed-elevator, multi-zone central air conditioning, unique mahogany doors, oak hardwood floors, two wood-burning fireplaces, laundry room, and generous closet space. The graceful layout provides an easy flow into each room with ultra-high ceilings and charming prewar details. See floor plan and full details here.

385 West 12th Street, #PHWEST
$15,000,000 (-9.1%)

West Village | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,844 ft²

385 West 12th Street, #PHWEST (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Enjoy the utmost privacy and tranquility in this stunning duplex penthouse featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms and three private terraces with river views located in a boutique, full-service condominium in prime West Village. Key-locked elevator access and a custom copper foyer usher you into the 3,844-square-foot residence's entertaining level, where wide-plank walnut floors, soaring ceilings and expansive art walls are wrapped in southern, western and northern exposures. Just inside the entry, the double-height solarium dining area and fireplace lounge make a dramatic first impression while framing glorious Hudson River sunset views. Ahead, an expansive living room with a wall of built-ins are flanked by two private terraces, each with water vistas and verdant planter boxes. Chefs will love the sleek open kitchen, where custom maple cabinetry and lustrous countertops surround upscale appliances, including a vented Viking six-burner range and two dishwashers. See floor plan and full details here.

555 West End Avenue, #TheSolarium
$18,000,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,420 ft²

555 West End Avenue, #TheSolarium (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: The Solarium Penthouse at 555 West End Avenue is the kind of apartment that people see in movies and dream about. Formerly the gymnasium of the school, it has dramatic architecture but is also an apartment that is easy to live in. The Great Room has a 19-foot arched ceiling with a full glass wall opening to a terrace big enough for an outdoor dinner party. The open kitchen, hand-crafted in white fumed oak by Christopher Peacock with Arabescato slab marble counters and slab backsplashes has multiple spots for people to pull up a stool and be part of the cooking action or even to eat a meal, but it is set back from the living room to allow for formality if needed. The primary bedroom has two walk-in closets and a 5-fixture primary bath with Calacatta Gold marble slabs. See floor plan and full details here.

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