16 East 98th St. #PH10A

Ask any buyer what makes a perfect terrace. The answer is likely to be: “Direct access from the living room and large enough for wining and dining with lush vegetation and maximum privacy!” Terraces like this are so rare that owners hold on to them like vintage watches, a classic cars or paintings. And the only thing rarer than a home with a “direct living” terrace, is a true penthouse with protected views, high ceilings, a wood burning fireplace, and a wrap-around terrace wide enough for entertaining.

16 East 98th Street is one such unicorn. Approximately 1,200 square feet, this sun-flooded penthouse has a 1,200 square foot south-facing “direct living” terrace (10 feet wide at its narrowest point) offering unexpected privacy and protected views of Central Park.

The terrace is perfectly configured with 3 distinct areas: the west side, with sunset views over Central Park, perfectly suited for relaxing and reflecting, the east side, with its proximity to the kitchen, ideal for entertaining and the arboretum that separates the two.

Most penthouses on top of pre-war buildings have a low ceiling, as the space was originally used to house servants. However, this penthouse was blessed with generous 10 foot ceilings which, along with the 18 × 25 foot living room, give the home a loft-like feeling, albeit a loft with views of the sun setting over Central Park.

Currently configured as a two-bedroom with a home office and one and a half bath apartment with a washer and dryer, Penthouse A has a windowed kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances. However, with glorious natural light all day from 3 exposures (East, South and West), great ceiling heights throughout and plumbing stacks on both sides of the home, the space offers great flexibility.

Ideally located just off 5th Avenue and Central Park, this elegant Prewar co-op (circa 1924) has a porter, live-in super, separate storage and is pet-friendly. Pied-a-terre, guarantors and co-purchasing are permitted on a case by case basis, as is 80% financing.

Try to catch a unicorn!