TOWNHOUSE TREASURE

By W.A. Muller

In the heart of Manhattan's bustling Midtown East, between the coveted Kips Bay neighborhood and the elegant Sutton Place area stands 241 East 52nd Street. This understated yet handsome four-story single family home is currently offered for sale for the first time in decades. And, it comes with a piece of its own history. Its past may not be as significant for world's affairs as are many events convened in the nearby United Nations headquarters, just a few city blocks south. However, this home brings a different kind of prominence – the pop-culture's distinction 'par excellence.'

Not a long time ago, this was the home where the legendary musician, writer and 11-time Grammy winner Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, once lived, composed and produced his award winning music.

Babyface wrote number-one songs such as "I'm Your Baby Tonight" for Whitney Houston and "Take a Bow" for Madonna. His collection of awards includes the "Album of the Year" for the original soundtrack of the 1994 movie hit The Bodyguard, starring Kevin Kostner and Whitney Houston. A number of his own famous billboard hits were recorded in the sound studio he constructed in the lower level of this house. Since, the recording space was converted into a wine cellar holding over 300 bottles of wine. Today, only a 5-inch thick soundproof door remains, as does the extensive music system throughout the home.

241 East 52nd Street is a 3650 SF residence with a gated and fenced front yard and a serene back garden.

The property features a classic New York townhouse layout with a chef's country-style kitchen and a dining/family room on the entrance level. There is a floor-through living room with two Juliet balconies, 11foot ceilings and a fireplace as well as a library with a terrace overlooking the garden on the parlor level. The third floor is, in its entirety, the master suite with an oversized dressing room and a windowed en-suite bath, including a steam shower and a fireplace.  The top floor has two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The home is fully wired for sound (needless to say), and comes with a state-of-the art security system.

This lovingly restored home features the highest-end finishes. It is unlike any townhouse on the market today.  "It is one of those rarely available, beautifully proportioned properties that are just perfect – in its size, condition, features and location," says Tristan Harper, a broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate who is marketing the property.  The house at 241 East 52nd Street is also a serene urban oasis in the midst of a dynamic metropolis. It is truly a place to call – home.

For more information about this property
or to get in touch with Tristan Harper,
please call: 917697.7845