When we went searching for the most exquisite, unusual, and—these things, alas, often go together—expensive property on the market in New York to have our way with, we considered the $70 million penthouse atop the Pierre (nice view) and the $50 million Duke Semans mansion across from the Met (where Lenny Kravitz was looking, too). But when we found two Georgian townhouses being sold as one on Sutton Square for $42 million, we knew that was that. It’s not the most expensive, but it’s truly the most unique: 40 rooms, 20,000 square feet, twelve fireplaces, and greenery out back that calls to mind Connecticut if not the Cotswolds. Yes, the garden overlooking the river is shared with other residents of this enclave, but by neighbors we’re talking Kofi Annan and I. M. Pei, and who knows how often they’re home. The location itself is legendary. Part of the lost New York of the Vanderbilt era, Sutton Square is just one small block between Sutton Place and the East River. The mansion would make a swell family home, and for one imaginary family, here are our suggestions—a freshly half-painted red wall, some Danish chairs, a Rachel Feinstein mirror-painting—for redecorating.
6, 8-12 Sutton Square
$42 million.
2 townhouses, 40 rooms.
Broker: Barbara Evans-Butler, Stribling & Associates.
Credits:Gucci cyclamen evening sandal with bee, $575 at gucci.com; 800-234-8224. Beverly Feldman black Swarovski ankle tie, $215 at Beverly Feldman, 7 W. 56th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-484-0000. Jimmy Choo purple “Koo” pump with cutouts, $520 at Jimmy Choo. Brian Atwood open-toe d’orsay pump in orange python with Swarovski crystals, $685 at Jeffrey New York, 449 14th St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-206-1272. Michael Kors suede “Lava” cork-heel sandals, $325 at Michael Kors, 974 Madison Ave., at 76th St.; 212-452-4685. Bottega Veneta “Tivoli” sandal, $550 at Bottega Veneta. Marc Jacobs blue velvet flats, $478 at Marc Jacobs, 163 Mercer St., nr. Houston St.; 212-343-1490. Christian Louboutin “Décolleté-315” shoes, $610 at Christian Louboutin, 59 Horatio St., at Greenwich St.; 212-255-1910. Franklin Elman turquoise white patterned satin pump, $490 at neimanmarcus.com. Etro faux-croc delauney heel, $525 at Etro, 720 Madison Ave., nr. 64th St.; 212-317-9096. Louis Vuitton orange satin sandals, $540 at Louis Vuitton. Le Silla green velvet pump with flower, $610 at Georgina, Manhasset, N.Y.; 516-627-1504. Brian Atwood pink lamé mule with Swarovski crystals, $471 at brianatwood.com. Yves Saint Laurent Arlecchino-print “Yves” slingback, $480 at Yves Saint Laurent, 3 E. 57th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-980-2970. Chanel satin heels, $865 at Chanel, 15 E. 57th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-355-5050. Michael Kors suede “Lava” cork heel sandals, $325 at Michael Kors. Brian Atwood printed floral wedge with Swarovski crystals, $515 at neimanmarcus.com. Dior by John Galliano green espadrille, $375 at Dior, 21 E. 57th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-931-2950. Dolce & Gabbana multicolored snake pumps, $625 at Dolce & Gabbana boutiques; 877-703-4872. Donna Karan Collection beige and fire-colored muslin shoes, $545 at Donna Karan New York, 819 Madison Ave., nr. 68th St.; 866-240-4700. Salvatore Ferragamo butterfly wedges, $370 at Salvatore Ferragamo. Franklin Elman blue satin patterned flat, $400 at Saks Fifth Ave., 611 Fifth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-753-4000. Etro teal satin sling, $475 at Etro. Franklin Elman magenta stamped crocodile sandal with silver metal inserts, $620 at Saks Fifth Ave. Yves Saint Laurent leopard print fauve crisscross sandal, $695 at Yves Saint Laurent. René Caovilla leather slingback with mesh and hand-embroidered beading, $960 at Bergdorf Goodman. Jimmy Choo mandarin slingback “Rumer” sandal with blue glass drops, $520 at Jimmy Choo. Salvatore Ferragamo peep-toe sandal, $390, at Salvatore Ferragamo. Brian Atwood printed floral open-toe d’orsay pump with Swarovski crystals, $575 at neimanmarcus.com. Sergio Rossi gold paillete peep-toe pump, $690 at Sergio Rossi, 114 Wooster St., nr. Spring St.; 212-941-0529. Beverly Feldman leopard mule with Swarovski ornament, $175 at Beverly Feldman. Ralph Lauren Collection red-and-blue-lacquer wedge sandal, $650 at Ralph Lauren, 867 Madison Ave., at 72nd St.; 212-606-2100. Franklin Elman stamped cobalt crocodile sandal, $580 at Fred Segal Feet, Los Angeles, Calif.; 323-655-9500. Etro red suede Deco heel, $525 at Etro. Salvatore Ferragamo blue wedge, $380 at Salvatore Ferragamo. Le Silla green pump with Swarovski crystals, $1,250, at Chuckies, 1073 Third Ave., nr. 63rd St.; 212-593-9898. Brian Atwood green velvet mule with Swarovski crystals, $461 at Saks Fifth Ave. Franklin Elman python slide, $588 at neimanmarcus.com.
Shoes on the floor: Dior by John Galliano white satin sandal; call 800-929-3467 for similar styles.