For New Yorkers who crave the fast pace of the city but value the quietness of suburbia, townhouses offer the best of both worlds. Posh yet private, well-appointed townhouses are a rarity in this low-inventory market. Below are three spectacular private homes that represent some of New York’s best townhouses on the market.

Where: 135 West 69^th Street
Asking: $12,000,000
Size: 5-bedrooms, 4-bathrooms
Listed by: Shaun Osher, Tom Postilio, and Mickey Conlon

Built at the turn of the last century, this magnificent, 19-foot wide, single-family townhouse is located on the Upper West Side’s handsomest row of brownstones. Abundant original details include pristine millwork and hardwood inlaid floors, which complement the modern amenities of a well-appointed chef’s kitchen and spa-like baths. Offering both a prime location and exquisite craftsmanship, this special home will exceed the expectations of even the most particular brownstone purist.

Where: 407 East 75^th Street
Asking: $12,500,000
Size: 6-bedrooms, 9-bathrooms
Listed by: Emily Beare and Elizabeth Beare

Situated in the Upper East Side, this 25-foot wide, 4-story renovated townhouse is the ideal mix of historic grace and modern sophistication. Previously a carriage house, this single-family, 8,475-square-foot home is a dream for anyone that desires a spacious and versatile residence. The central entrance of the home leads you to the beautifully landscaped private garden and terrace, providing the ultimate tranquil escape from the city. Meticulously repointed and internally upgraded, no cost has been spared in making this home luxurious.

Where: 152 Willow Street
Asking: $3,295,000
Size: 3-bedrooms, 3.5-bathrooms
Listed by: Doug Bowen

This unique, turn-key, single-family home  is nestled on one of Brooklyn Heights’ best blocks. Originally built as an apartment house nearly 100 years ago, each level of the home has been converted and customized, including a chef’s kitchen, marble spa, walnut floors and a fully built-out, private roof terrace. Located in one of the most coveted communities in the borough, Brooklyn Heights is known for its rich history and heritage, and replete with services and amenities conducive to convenience and an exceptional quality of living.

Throughout 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, Brooklyn’s real estate market has been booming with sales on new developments, townhouses and brownstones, and practically everything in between. Below are three properties located throughout Brooklyn that can easily explain why the borough’s real estate market has hit new highs.

Where: 122 West Street, PH K
Size: 2-Bedroom/2-Bathroom
Asking: $1,500,000
Listed By: Ivana Nikolic and Winchester Brown III

Located in Greenpoint, this duplex penthouse offers a 3 terraces, one of which spans 1,000-square feet. In addition to its expansive outdoor space, we are drawn to the apartment’s beautiful open layout, architectural staircase and 42-inch fireplace. (more…)

Downtown Nudges Out Uptown as Priciest Destination for Luxury Buyers

The Real Deal

For the first time in a decade, the asking prices for luxury Downtown apartments have outpaced those in Midtown and Uptown. Walker Tower is highlighted as one of Chelsea’s most desirable developments.

Wallabout Refloats Next to the Navy Yard

The Wall Street Journal

The Wallabout neighborhood in Brooklyn is featured in last week’s Wall Street Journal. Doug Bowen gives insight into the revival of this area, spurred by bolstered activity in the nearby Navy yard, thriving businesses, and the development of a new mixed-use complex.

Go for Brooke

New York Post

Sofia Vergara visited Jeff Smith’s 301 East 52^nd Street penthouse listing.

This week’s photo of the week was provided by CORE’s Brooklyn specialist, Doug Bowen. Taken from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and close to his new townhouse exclusive at 152 Willow Street, this image captures some of Downtown Manhattan’s architectural gems. From left to right, you can see 40 Wall Street’s green copper spire, 60 Wall Street’s post modern, neoclassical columns, and 120 Wall Street’s Art Deco-style setbacks. Recently landmarked, 70 Pine is capped with a Gothic-style spire, and progress on One World Trade Center can be seen as well.

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

“Race to the Top (Price) at a Tony Address”
The Wall Street Journal

A profile on 15 Central Park West’s continuously soaring and record-breaking resale and closing prices featured Emily Beare on the pricing of her $95M exclusive, which stretches across 6,000-square feet and offers panoramic views of Central Park and the Hudson River.

“93 Worth Launches, with Revised Price-Tags”
The Real Deal

The launch of sales at CORE’s new development 93 Worth was featured in various outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Curbed, and Tribeca Citizen. Visit 93 Worth’s website for more information on this building’s residences and amenities.

(more…)

Penthouse are the epitome of luxe living. They are the crowning residence of a building and their high perch affords them the most spectacular views. When it comes to New York City real estate, acquiring a penthouse home solidifies your place at the top. Below are three listings, each embodying the expected grandeur of penthouse residences.

Where: 310 West 52nd Street, PHA
Asking: $5,950,000
Size: 2,022-SF
Listed by: Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon

When it comes to a home with views it’s hard to top this listing. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an open floor plan, the penthouse at the Link offers scenic views of Manhattan including Central Park and Times Square. As if that wasn’t enough, an adjacent, private terrace allows for panoramic spectating of the city.

(more…)

Chelsea has recently become known for having a strong presence of new developments sprouting up throughout the neighborhood. However, Chelsea is home to several prewar buildings, each with its own desirable set of characteristics which are true representations of the neighborhood’s historic charms. Here’s a look at three prewar classics currently available.

Where: 357 West 29^th Street, 3B
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Asking: $697,000
Listed by: Doug Bowen

When walking through North Chelsea, you’re bound to stumble upon tree-lined streets with rows of classic prewar buildings. This recently renovated 1-bedroom with a working fireplace happens to be located on one of those quintessential New York blocks. This apartment’s private terrace also overlooks the building’s lush backyard.

(more…)

Now that summer’s peak is in the rear-view, it’s time to start thinking about spending more time indoors. Just because the temperature dips doesn’t mean that your entertaining has to as well. Fall brings the crowds indoors, to kitchen, dining and living room spaces. With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of our favorite apartments on the market with flowing spaces to make entertaining a breeze.

Where: 210 Lafayette Street, #5
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $2,700,000
Listed by: David Beare

With its open spaces and fabulous proportions, a boutique SoHo loft is a natural fit for entertaining in the home, and this one — located inside the 51 Crosby Street portion of the beautiful 210 Lafayette development — was conceived by the master of entertaining, famed hotelier Andre Balazs. The apartment has direct elevator access that opens right in the kitchen, dining and living areas, and for anyone seeking a respite from the crowd, the bedrooms are tucked away in the other wing.

(more…)

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean we’re tired of great private outdoor spaces quite yet. Here are three great properties on the market that can give summer the sendoff it deserves.

Where: 114 West 13th Street
Size: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
Asking: $11,995,000
Listed by: Vickey Barron and Doug Bowen

On the inside this historic Greenwich Village brownstone is totally restored and renovated for contemporary living, but the outdoor spaces stand out as well. There are two private terraces, but we really want to focus on the backyard, which is a charming space in one of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods that can handle the busiest holiday celebration. And if you need a moment alone, you can sneak off to that private terrace off the master bedroom.

(more…)

Fantasizing about what’s behind the front doors of unique buildings and townhouses is a favorite New York pastime, and sometimes the reality is just as interesting as the fantasy. Here’s your chance to get a peek inside three incredibly unique properties currently on the market.

Where: 141 Clermont Avenue
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $875,000
Listed by: Win Brown and Doug Bowen

This rare detached house in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, dates back to the Civil War, which makes it ancient even for historic brownstone Brooklyn. What’s remarkable is that a lot of the character of this old home has survived — original entrance enframements and denticulated and bracketed cornices are in place, as well as the original wide-plank wood floors. Now the property ready for its next chapter, with expansion possibilities an alluring option in the house-crazy Brooklyn real estate market.

(more…)