Source: BobVila.com
Best known for his role as expert host of “This Old House,” it’s hard to picture bearded DIY-er Bob Vila in a luxury home. Apparently he had a hard time picturing himself there as well, because according to Curbed, he has the Flatiron District apartment back on the New York real estate market for $5.7 million.
Vila purchased the penthouse in 2009 with wife Diana Barrett. Although the 2,500-sq ft, 2-bedroom home sits in a pre-war commercial building, when Vila moved in, the place had already been completely remodeled into luxury condos.
The penthouse occupies the top floor in the Flatiron District in central Manhattan. Median Flatiron home prices are $1,147,300 at this time. The condo faces Madison Square Park and is within walking distance of Park Avenue South, Chelsea, Gramercy Park, and the rest of Midtown.
Vila must have noted the flexible floor plan when he purchased the place; he and his wife opened the wall between the living room and the second bedroom “creating a massive expanse of public space fronting the park.”
The master suite has unobstructed views of the New York City skyline, as well as a marble bath with Waterworks fixtures, soaking tub, and double sink. The rest of the home features a gourmet kitchen with white quartz counter tops, and high-end appliances by Sub-Zero, Miele and Viking. A central staircase leads to the private 700-square-foot roof-top terrace overlooking the city.
The condo building also has a spa, fitness center, wine storage room and children’s’ playroom.
According to The New York Times, this posh place wasn’t Vila’s first Big Apple purchase. He also previously owned two apartments at Museum Tower above the Museum of Modern Art: a 1-bedroom apartment he used as an office and a second apartment. He sold both in the past few years.
