490 West End Ave. #2F

At the turn of the last century, the most desirable place to live in the City was in a venerable townhouse of brown-or-more-noble stone, many of which still survive. Apartment houses like 490 West End, exquisitely designed by Neville and Bagge in 1912, emulated these structures, their familiar details worked into the architectural vocabulary of the next generation of residential housing. In excellent, move-in condition, Apartment 2F is a scaled-down version of those historic Manhattan dwellings replete with high ceilings, large windows and tall doorways still encased by their original, splendid wooden frames and a handsome, decorative mantelpiece crowned by a wonderful, mirrored over-mantel, lending this stylish residence an air of refinement and grandeur. Its ingenious plan allows a four room apartment to function as a six with two fine bedroom chambers, a large, attractive, well-equipped eat-in kitchen, an ample living room and dining area occupying distinct spaces in the main salon and an over-sized entry gallery which serves as a home office. 490 West End is known for its attentive 24 hour doorman service, a beautiful lobby restored to its original elegance and the most agreeable and convenient location on the Avenue. To paraphrase Henry James, It takes a great many townhouses to produce an apartment as engaging as this one.