The Beresford - Elegant Upper Westside Manhattan Co-Operative - New York City

Three illuminated finials top off the towers of what is unmistakably one of the three grandest, most prestigious residential buildings on Manhattan's Upper Westside. The Beresford, The Dakota, and The San Remo, each have their own advocates who list the merits of their favorite.  The San Remo is the tallest, and has the best location; The Dakota is the oldest of the three, and has a mystery about it; but the Beresford is simply overwhelming. The  brass elevator doors have a dragon crested shield with a bear and the motto "Fronta Nulle Fides," which means "Place no trust in appearances." The building has a three-story limestone base topped with beige brick, and the motifs at the entrances are reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. The three relatively small lobbies have elegant details that complement the lavish moldings and marbles. Standing only 22 stories high, the building is nonetheless impressive due to its large scale created by the three aforementioned large towers that are spaced far apart, and have pyramid roofs capped with copper lanterns. The building is U-shaped, and has a courtyard that contains a beautiful fountain and garden.

It is one of the masterpieces of the famous architect Emery Roth, who also designed the San Remo a few blocks to the south; and the firm, Emery Roth & Sons, would go on to design more office buildings than any other architectural firm in New York City.  The Beresford was completed one month before the Stock Market crash of 1929, and was sold in 1940 for $25,000 more than the existing mortgage. The San Remo (another Emery Roth project) was just under construction when the market crashed, and it suffered the same fate as The Beresford.

If this is the place you want to live, be aware that the co-operative allows maximum financing of 50%, and requires strong personal financials.  There was a 2-bedroom on the market for $3,150,000, but it's now in contract. Currently you can choose from a 2-bedroom apartment on the 6^th floor for $2,490,000, or a fabulous 2300 square foot 2-bedroom on the 19^th floor for $10,800,000. This glamorous apartment faces east over Central Park, south looking at the Planetarium, and all the way down the park to the Manhattan skyline. It has a grand 19x25 foot corner living room with a wood burning fireplace, two large terraces accessed by multiple sets of French doors, two studies, a guest room, and a large new kitchen/dining room with Park views. Call me if you're ready to enjoy elegant living on Manhattan's Upper Westside.