While best-known as the award-winning director/producer of “A Beautiful Mind” many people will remember Ron Howard from his role in the cult classic “Happy Days”. He is in the news at the moment after placing his Manhattan residence on the market for a staggering $12.5 million which would represent a doubling of his initial $5.575 million investment back in 2004. While this may seem like an optimistic selling price let us take a look at the property which is located in the prestigious Eldorado building.
What do you get for $12.5 million?
As we touched on above, the current asking price is more than double what Ron Howard and his wife paid for the 26th floor North Tower residence back in 2004. First of all it is worth noting that the apartment was totally renovated and now offers 3000 ft.² in what is described in the brochure as a spacious residence offering a “flexible layout”. It is also interesting to learn that one of the former bedrooms was converted into office space and could quite easily be converted back. However, this is not your stereotypical apartment and has much to offer.
Many will be surprised to learn that the property itself has a full-time doorman and concierge, fitness centre, basketball court and what is described as a bike room. This really is your one stop residence and that is before we even consider the amazing skyline views from 26 floors up. The fact that the property can only be accessed by a private elevator, which opens out into a small foyer, is something which is sometimes overlooked but critical for the privacy obsessed celebrity of today.
What else does the property offer?
Each room in the 26th floor apartment has a specific focus on the skyline Manhattan which is worth an awful lot in the current real estate market. The grand living room is perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests with a central fireplace dominating the decor. There is also a spacious library not to mention a formal dining room and three bedrooms.
The master bedroom is positioned in the corner of the apartment offering a place of solitude and panoramic views over the Manhattan skyline. There are also three closets and a bathroom which is also accessible through the office space created by Ron Howard. The main guest bedroom has an exquisite view of the Hudson River and, as you would expect, an ensuite bathroom. Again, in line with the celebrity world, the apartment has a full range of high-end amenities which include the latest home automation and security systems not to mention state of the art heating and cooling systems.
Location, location, location
The Eldorado building in Manhattan has a reputation for high-end apartments and Ron Howard’s property has enhanced this reputation if anything. The panoramic views over the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River add to the attractions of this apartment which is 26 floors up. There is no doubt there will be significant interest in this property which currently has three bedrooms but the office space introduced by Ron Howard could very easily be converted back to an additional bedroom. What kind of value that would add to the property is anybody’s guess………….
