Today’s “Photo of the Week” takes a glimpse into one of Saddle River, New Jersey’s most lavish homes.  Last week, 105 Chestnut Ridge Road was filmed for an upcoming installment of HGTV’s “Top 10 Outrageous Homes in America,” with listing broker Michael Graves taking the entire camera crew on a tour of this spectacular French manor.  Displaying some of the most unique homes in the country, “Top 10 Outrageous Homes in America” showcases incredible properties that have extravagant features and amenities.  Listed at $17.5 million, the home’s well-appointed interior is highlighted by a spectacular indoor pool and custom infinity hot tub, situated in a separate entertainment area located off the foyer.  The photo above captures Michael in front of the camera as he continues the tour, leading the crew and TV producer Sara Ivey throughout the home.  This massive 25,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion features radiant heated floors, an elevator to each floor, Crestron home entertainment system, double height floor-to-ceiling windows, cabana, custom bar, outdoor USTA grade tennis court and two double parking garages at either side of the home.  For someone looking for a classically-configured home with amazingly unique amenities, this exquisite home is undoubtedly a home buyer’s dream, nestled just a short drive from New York City.

Where: 353 Central Park West, 15FL
Size: 4-bedrooms, 4-bathrooms
Asking: $7,750,000
Listed by: Shaun Osher and Emily Beare

This newly-listed property on the Upper West Side is perfect for anyone who appreciates entertaining, architectural detail and breathtaking views. Designed and beautifully renovated by world-renowned architect Ismael Leyva, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home boasts one-of-a-kind luxury. At 2,733-square feet, this full-floor home offers an open, flexible floor plan complete with a private elevator, Onyx wood burning fireplace, LED lighting, and balconies overlooking Central Park. Featured on The Real Deal, this home also has an integrated stereo and entertainment system, as well as modern architectural details that blend seamlessly with the state-of-the-art conveniences in the Italian lacquer kitchen. The intimate and unique condominium also offers a full-time doorman/concierge, spectacular gym and spectacular rooftop terrace with 360-degree views.

Dreaming of barbecues, cabanas and spectacular city views?  We are too.  Summer is just around the corner and Manhattan is buzzing with excitement.  Today’s New York Post profiles the hottest new outdoor spaces, including an exclusive look at 93 Worth’s beautiful roof deck and penthouse terrace! Be sure to check out the full outdoor kitchen, pergola and outdoor fireplace in the rendering above.

As the weather starts to warm up, many New Yorkers find all they want is to take a cool dip in the comfort of their own pool. However, homes with this luxury can be a rare find in the city. Below are three spectacular properties that allow for homeowners to privately lounge and relax beside the pool.

Where: 105 Chestnut Ridge Road
Asking: $17,500,000
Size: 5-bedrooms, 7-bathrooms
Listed by: Michael Graves

Located in Saddle River, NJ, this state of the art French manor offers the ultimate in luxury and sophistication on 4.4 acres of beautiful wooded land. Complete with an indoor pool with custom infinity tub, this home offers what most New York City properties cannot – space, serenity, and seclusion. Read the rest of this entry »

In spring 2012, I received a call from an international buyer interested in acquiring an entire building in prime Manhattan. The customer had a budget of $25M and was ready to buy sight unseen as he was unable to come to New York for some time, so he really needed an agent to help guide him. He also made it clear that he wanted a great deal and was intent on negotiating.

I shared with him a number of properties that met his criteria, but he quickly found that it was challenging to get what he wanted between price, building size, or the desired neighborhood. Similarly to what most NYC buyers experience in the search process, he realized that he was going to have to compromise.

In an attempt to think “outside the box,” I decided to look in emerging areas and found him a great deal uptown in East Harlem, an area that he had never considered before. This particular site would allow him to build a new building from the ground up, and the price was so attractive that it made economic sense for him. But my customer ruled it out immediately, saying that the price was too much to pay for the area.

Read the rest of this entry »

A sampling of last week’s press coverage of CORE and CORE properties.

‘Historic’ Doesn’t Rule Out ‘New’
The New York Times
The launch of sales at 241 Fifth is highlighted in this New York Times feature.  The 20-story tower, located in the Madison Square North neighborhood, is set to accommodate 46 units upon completion, ranging from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom apartments.  Doron Zwickel provides additional insight about the project in this article as well.

Helping Agents Pursue Dreams
Herald Sun
Shaun Osher is featured in this Australian publication, discussing the importance of real estate agents understanding the needs of their clients. Shaun will be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Australian Real Estate Conference, providing insight about personal branding techniques for highly-successful agents.

Living Large
CBS2
Michael Graves’ listing at 7 Bond Street is featured in the CBS2 segment of “Living Large” with Emily Smith. Affectionately named “Double-O Seven Bond Street,” this exquisite NoHo penthouse strikes the perfect balance of turn-of-the-century charm and modern sophistication.

CORE is delighted to confirm that sales have officially launched at 241 Fifth!  The New York Times got an exclusive look at the project and spoke with the project’s Director of Sales, Doron Zwickel.

Boasting 46 condominium units conveniently situated between 27th and 28th streets, 241 Fifth also carries the unique distinction of being the only ground-up construction residential project in the trendy neighborhood of NoMad.  Designed by Eran Chen of ODA-Architecture, these homes offer an inspired blend of sophisticated and contemporary style right in the heart of the Manhattan.

Residents will enjoy views overlooking the historic Flatiron District and Madison Square Park.  Thoroughly modern interior design elements will include stained white oak flooring and white-finished fixtures from the Zuchetti-Kos Faraway Collection.  Residences also feature oversize windows, kitchens with a suite of Miele appliances, bathrooms with a deep-soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower and solid teak wall detailing.

The building’s amenities package features 24/7 concierge, a rooftop terrace, a fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and weightlifting equipment, a Zen tranquility room for yoga, Pilates or meditation, a residence lounge and private wellness treatment room, which offers a serene space for massage or beauty treatments.

An exclusive landmark address with unparalleled detail, 241 Fifth promises to be the most desirable residential destination in NoMad.  We’ll have more news soon, including details on the 241 Fifth launch party!

On Thursday, May 9th, Michael Graves’ penthouse listing at 7 Bond Street was showcased on CBS2’s segment of “Living Large” with Emily Smith. Affectionately named “Double-O Seven Bond Street,” this modern home is centrally located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, overlooking Lafayette Street and beyond.  Featuring turn-of-the-century details accentuated by modern designs, the 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers soaring 14 foot ceilings, bright south and east exposures, polished Zebra wood floors, multiple skylights and a private 1,200 square-foot roof-garden.  Exquisite details include a designer floating glass staircase, bespoke glass “drop” lighting imported from Murano, Italy, seven skylights and a gas fireplace set into a stunning wave patterned feature wall.  Check out the segment above to experience what this unique home has to offer.

Where: 101 West 24th Street, 18A
Size: 2-bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $2,525,000
Listed by: Ralph Modica and Vickey Barron

This newly-listed condo represents modern Chelsea living at its finest.  Detach from the city in this beautifully decorated, corner condo with open city and river views.  The living room is impeccably furnished with a gray Lazzoni sectional and an adjustable coffee/dining table, seamlessly offering both comfort and style in this spacious area.  The open kitchen is custom designed and appointed with top of the line appliances, Pietra Cardosa stone countertops and sleek lacquer cabinetry.  Located in The Chelsea Stratus, this building features several premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor basketball court and sophisticated lounge area, making this home an ideal place for both entertaining and relaxation in the city.

Only a few weeks after CORE Madison Avenue opened its doors, agents at the new location have wasted no time learning even more about their surroundings on the Upper East Side.  In order to expand on their first-hand knowledge of residential buildings in the area, several agents joined the new “Walking Tour” initiative spearheaded by Madison Avenue’s Director of Sales, Reba Miller.  In preparation for the tour, agents were designated to a specific building and asked to become an expert on the property with the purpose of presenting their findings to the group. Read the rest of this entry »