Bernie Madoff’s Upper East Side penthouse, where he famously lived under house arrest before he was finally shipped off to a federal maximum security prison, has been sold for $14.5 million. Its new owner is Lawrence Benenson, whose family runs Benenson Capital Partners.
The penthouse was seized by the federal government along with all of Madoff’s other assets and sold in 2010. But there was a fire there soon after its new owners moved and so they left and re-listed it.
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The infamous Ponzi schemer who helped to bankrupt a number of prominent people as well as charitable organizations sure new how to spend his ill-gotten gains. He lived at Penthouse A at 133 E. 64th St., a building which is also home to someone who is Madoff’s polar opposite in personality and known as one of the nicest guys in America, Matt Lauer.
Built in 1927 for Manhattan’s elite super rich, the building is located at the corner of Lexington Ave. Architect Kenneth Murchison designed it in the neo-Classic style to be a co-op apartment building. It has 12 floors and features Greek-inspired window frames, attenuated pilasters and a Vitruvian wave in limestone.
The duplex penthouse has three bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and a wraparound terrace. It has a curving carpeted staircase with wood bannisters, fireplaces and, of course, hardwood floors. There are huge palladium windows offering views of many a New York landmark.
The master bedroom has southeastern exposures, a wood burning fireplace, a silver leaf ceiling, large walk-in closets and a five fixture en-suite marble bathroom. A library boasts mahogany paneled walls and millwork.
From the listing by Douglas Elliman: “Walkthrough an elegant oval shaped entry foyer with beautifully handcrafted millwork, coffered ceiling, crown moldings, and recessed lighting which opens onto a custom double height stair case. Designed to entertain the most discerning guests, the living and dining rooms offer unparalleled views of the Chrysler Building and immediate access to the fully landscaped terrace. Other details include original French doors, immaculate herringbone hardwood floors, high ceilings, and custom light fixtures designed for art collections. Beyond the eat-in kitchen there is a staff room, bathroom, and service entrance.”
Madoff hired Howard R. Goldin to renovate the apartment back in 1984.
