Prudential Douglas Elliman Brings NYC's Most Expensive and Luxurious Rental Apartment -- Ever -- to Market at $165K/Month

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- At The Plaza Hotel, Manhattan's celebrated hotel/condominium, the just-renovated, historical and luxurious Astor Suite, will come onto the residential market at $165,000 per month, announces Melanie Lazenby, an Executive Vice President at Prudential Douglas Elliman.  This will make the Astor Suite the most expensive rental apartment ever to hit Manhattan's residential Manhattan market. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111208/NY19163 )

"We are extremely excited to show this incomparable residence to perspective buyers," said Lazenby, the fourth highest grossing real estate broker at Elliman, New York City's largest brokerage firm.   "Offering sweeping views of Central Park, Fifth Avenue and beyond, this historic home has three bedrooms and five bathrooms with over-sized public rooms, including a living room, library, and dining room, and the guest apartment across the hall adds an additional bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room with a private terrace," she added.  In addition to being one of her firm's top agents, Lazenby is the daughter of the one-time James Bond 007, George Lazenby; the step-daughter of tennis hall of fame inductee, Pam Shriver; and the daughter of Gannett heiress, Christina Townson.

The Plaza was built in 1907 by Henry J. Hardenbergh and was originally envisioned as an apartment hotel with residents holding long leases.  The first guest to check in was Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, who took rooms on the fifth floor as it was considered to be the best floor in the building – and the corner suite, was not only the largest...but with the most desirable views. In the 1930s, John Jacob Astor VI lived in these rooms for several years – and after World War II, the rooms became the Presidential Suite, available on a nightly basis – and where it was occupied by guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and John F. Kennedy. 

"Never before has a residence with such historical significance been on the market," said Lazenby.  "It is a truly an honor for me to represent this stunning home and it will be an even more remarkable opportunity for someone to live and enjoy the gracious, spectacular spaces, as well as the amenities and location that the Plaza Hotel offers."

Spanning approximately 5,087 square feet on the most coveted corner of the building – facing both Central Park and Fifth Avenue, the Astor Suite has undergone an almost two-year, multi-million dollar renovation by renowned designer Steven Gambrel of S.R. Gambrel Inc. Gambrel travelled extensively through some of the greatest estates in Europe to gather inspiration for what is undoubtedly one of his most elaborate interior projects.  The oak library, doors, and windows were built by hand in Oxford, England and the same team of artisans who restored Windsor Castle after the fire installed the woodwork in the Astor Suite. 

The apartment is filled with 18th, 19th, and 20th century furniture and artifacts; intricate plaster moldings; remarkable antique marble fireplace mantles; and hand hammered leather walls created in France in a one-of-a-kind pattern, silk rugs, and herringbone patterned wood floors.  He sought to incorporate as many authentic details that speak to the history of the building as possible.  However, in contrast to old world details, the apartment boasts "state-of-the-art" technology including a new heating/cooling system with humidifiers for protecting artwork,  a Savant system that can control everything from the music to the lighting in every room from an i-Pad, and televisions hidden behind paintings on a hydraulic lift.  The owner of the apartment, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid almost $30,000,000 for the Astor Suite, which consists of two units, in 2007 and has spent millions to restore, upgrade, and furnish the apartment to the absolute highest standard.  The asking rent of $165,000 includes all furnishings, electronics, artwork, and maid service.

About Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate is New York's largest residential brokerage, with over 60 offices in New York City, Long Island, the Hamptons and Westchester/Putnam, more than 3,800 real estate agents and a network of national and international affiliates. They are exclusive strategic partners with London-based Knight Frank LLP for residential business in all of their New York markets. Prudential Douglas Elliman ranked in the top four of all real estate companies in the nation in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The company also controls a portfolio of real estate services, including Manhattan's largest residential property manager, Douglas Elliman Property Management, as well as PDE Title and DE Capital Mortgage. For more information on Prudential Douglas Elliman as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, visit the Prudential Douglas Elliman site at www.elliman.com

About The Plaza

One of the most celebrated hotels in the world, The Plaza was built in 1907 by architect Henry J. Hardenbergh (who also built the Dakota) in the French Renaissance style. The Plaza was accorded landmark status by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1969; it was designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL) in 1986. El Ad temporarily closed The Plaza on April 30, 2005, for extensive renovations.  The Plaza reopened on March 1, 2008.  Today the Plaza offers 282 hotel rooms and 152 private condominium hotel units; it is managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

About Melanie Lazenby

Melanie Lazenby is the fourth highest grossing real estate broker in Manhattan's largest brokerage firm, Prudential Douglas Elliman – where she is an Executive Vice President.  Ms. Lazenby has earned nearly every top honor at Prudential Douglas Elliman including the Legend Award; the Highest Grossing Broker company-wide; and is in the top 1% of real estate professionals in the national Prudential real estate network. Consistently ranked as one of the top brokers in Manhattan, Melanie is in the business of providing full-service brokerage. Featured in publications such as the New York Times, the New York Post, Gotham Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Observer, Ms. Lazenby has broken several records in real estate – most recently for selling the most expensive apartment ever sold in Downtown Manhattan for $31,500,000, representing both sides of the transaction. She hails from Santa Monica, California originally and currently lives in the West Village.  She works with fellow agent, Dina Lewis – also an Executive Vice President at Douglas Elliman. 

About Steven Gambrel

Recently inducted as one of Architectural Digest's "Top 100" designers, Steven Gambrel is the owner of S.R. Gambrel Incorporated.  Founded in 1995, three years after graduating from the University of Virginia – Mr. Gambrel has become one of the leading interior designers in the United States and has been widely published in magazines and newspapers, including House & Garden, Elle Decor, Interior Design, Departures, New York Times, and New York Magazine.  Mr. Gambrel currently resides in the West Village. Contact: 212-925-3380; [email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate