If you’re looking for a neo-French classical haven in the middle of New York City, Joan Rivers’ home just may be for you.
The palatial triplex property, located steps away from Fifth Avenue, holds beautiful Central Park Views and just hit the market for $38 million. The late actress and comedian lived in the Upper West Side home for 28 years before her death in 2014.
The Pre-War Condominium was designed by Horace Trumbauer and was bought for $28 million, reportedly by a member of a Middle Eastern royal family, according to TheRealDeal. After museum-trained artisans restored the building’s original architecture, the unit is back on the market.
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Sitting on the top floors of the limestone-sheathed building, the unit spans 5,100 square feet with opulent interiors which Rivers described as “Louis XIV meets Fred and Ginger.” Arriving via private elevator, the entry hall leads to a dramatic two-story gallery.
The penthouse features 11 rooms, including four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a corner paneled library with original 18th-century wood paneling. The master bedroom on the second floor opens up to a south-facing terrace with expansive views of the city.
A ballroom, two terraces and five wood-burning fireplaces make this luxurious abode perfect for entertaining. Boasting 23-foot ceilings and elegant parque-de-Versailles flooring in the reception room, a grand staircase connects the second and third floors to the main entertainment space. Rivers herself was known for throwing extravagant parties in the property, housing celebrities and the late Princess Diana.
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Rivers first bought the apartment in 1988, a year after the death of her husband Edgar Rosenberg, according to the New York Post. She was the president of the condominium board, but would jokingly refer to herself as the “scary lady upstairs.”
Just like any palace, Rivers’ penthouse had its fair share of haunted stories. While living in the property, Rivers claimed the place was haunted by the ghost of former resident Mrs. Spencer. She reportedly sought counsel from a voodoo expert, and hung a portrait of the spirit to prevent further haunting, which stopped the ghost.
For more information on Rivers’ former penthouse and to see pictures, check out the official listing.
Photography by: Neil Rasmus/BFA
