Friday Real Estate Porn

This is the Dakota in New York, unfortunately more famous for John Lennon's murder (he and Yoko Ono lived at the Dakota, he was hot outside) and Rosemary's Baby, then for its history. It was named the Dakota because at the time it was built, there were not other houses around, so it was like living in the Dakotas.

According to the Brown, Harris, Stevens website: "this magnificent home is one of the largest in the building, and is rich in history and architectural grandeur. The 10-room residence has been beautifully renovated and restored, while the original 19th-Century details and appointments remain perfectly preserved. A stunning array of grand-scale public rooms begins in the generous 16' entrance gallery with its original fireplace mantel. There is a vast 29' corner living room with exquisite original moldings and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows framing open views to the North and West.

Accessed through a set of pocket-doors, the adjacent library offers an elegant fireplace and wonderful double exposure to the South and West. On the other side of the gallery, the 24' formal dining features original wainscoting, and a fireplace. Overlooking the building's charming central courtyard, the voluminous Chef's kitchen and family room have ample space for dining and a large butler's pantry with temperature-controlled wine storage. Outfitted with beautiful custom cabinetry and appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf, the sundrenched kitchen features multiple Franke sinks with Water Works fixtures, marble countertops, a large island and a separate laundry room with washer/dryer. There are four large bedrooms, including the oversized master suite with a luxuriously-appointed marble bath with double-sinks and a separate steam shower and tub.

Designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh, The Dakota was built in 1884 and its ornate finials and Gothic gables make it one of the most striking structures on the Upper West Side. When it was built it was full service, with room service, the elevator was so big that you could drive your carriage into it so that you could be dropped off at your front door.

This apartment is selling for $24,000,000. That's right, you read it correctly. That's like $2MM per room. And the maintenance on this place is almost $8,000 a month. Seriously, you could buy like 5 townhouses in Brooklyn for that kind of money. Or even in Manhattan. Okay, maybe not 5 townhouses, but you could buy like 2 or 3, particularly in my neighborhood.

You know there is someone out there with that kind of cash who will buy this if only for the status alone. Lauren Bacall and Roberta Flack live in the Dakota, and its a national landmark almost. Plus Central Park is across the street. Still that's a crazy price for an apartment