The Benjamin N. Duke House, NYC’s “last true mansion,” was recently listed at a whopping $80 million, and a look inside makes us all wish we were nepo babies.
The five-level, 20,000-square-foot mansion is one of New York City’s most historic private homes, and is one of Fifth Avenue’s few surviving great residences–majority of the other town houses built during this time unfortunately were replaced by apartment buildings after falling victim to rising property values, according to New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Built during the Gilded Age in 1899-1901, the limestone and red-brick facade showcases Italy’s Renaissance palazzo style along with strong Beaux Arts elements, says real estate firm Compass.
Eight bedrooms and ten bedrooms make up the 20,000-square-feet of interior living space, where grand and spacious rooms pair with high ceilings and large windows to offer endless natural light and sweeping views of the NYC skyline.
Beyond the bedrooms and bathrooms, the property also features ample living and entertaining spaces, a terrace, and a rooftop that boasts gorgeous Central Park views. A grand staircase climbs through all five levels of the house, with elegant marble fireplaces and ornate moldings throughout.
This rare mansion has an impressive history. After completion it was purchased by Benjamin N. Duke, a director of the American Tobacco Company formed in 1890 with his brother James B. Duke. Benjamin N. Duke sold it to his brother James in 1907, and the house was then occupied by Benjamin’s son Angier B. Duke after James’ new mansion was completed in 1912.
Angier Duke’s sister, Mary, also lived in the home after marrying husband A. J. Drexel Biddle in 1919, before their daughter, Mrs. Mary D.B. Semans, became owner.
The Duke family owned the home for over a century, until it was purchased for $40 million in 2006 by billionaire Tamir Sapir, reports Forbes.
The mansion was designated as an official landmark in February 1974 on the basis of the house having “a special character, special historical and aesthetic interest, and value as part of the development, heritage, and cultural characteristics of New York City.
Separated from the street by a moat-like areaway and cast-iron railing, the mansion stands tall on Fifth Avenue, stretching 27 feet along Fifth Avenue and 100 feet along 82nd Street.
It’s currently owned by billionaire owner of Latin America’s biggest mobile telecom firm, Carlos Slim, who purchased it in 2010 for $44 million. Though it’s served as a private residence up until now, the listing suggests it can also be reimagined as a gallery, store, museum, or foundation.
So, how can you make this mansion yours? First, you’d have to shell out a whopping $80 million to purchase it.
According to COMPASS’ payment calculator, with a 30 Years Fixed term, an interest rate of 6.09%, and a down payment of $16 million, property taxes would run you an additional $23,000 while principal and interest would cost $387,423.
So, basically, if you’re anything like us, you’ll unfortunately have to keep dreaming.