GAINSBOROUGH STUDIOS at 222 Central Park South #14A

For more than a century, a privileged succession of artists and writers have enjoyed this duplex apartments staggering view of Central Park through 18-foot windows. Occupying the entire eastern half of the buildings 14th and 15th floors, it is one of the jewels of the Gainsborough Studios, whose classical bas-relief and multicolored ceramic faade, designed by Thomas Buckham in 1908, regularly stop pedestrians as they pass the pillared entrance at 222 Central Park South. In summer, French doors open to the parks breezes and clip-clopping of horse-drawn carriages. In winter, wood-burning fireplaces add a glow to the pristine panorama of trees and fields under snow. Originally configured as a six-room, three-bedroom space, the front part of this exquisite residence has been reshaped into a high-ceilinged, 30-foot loft, gleaming contemporary kitchen, balcony master bedroom with maximum view, en suite bathroom and adjoining library/workspace. Moving to the windowed rear of the building, there are two more baths, a dressing-room, and 28ft X 23ft tabula rasa dining room/den that could be reconfigured into its previous 2-BR format. Every element of the two-story unit has been restored to contemporary perfection. The full-service Gainsborough Studios is dedicated to the memory of the great English painter whose bust presides over the front door. One of Manhattans legendary addresses, it is known for the exclusivity of its small group of residents.