Be sure to watch the video for additional context. The Dakota is the crown jewel among the most extraordinary residences of Central Park West. It is the most storied residential building in New York's long history. The late 1870s was a time of burgeoning prosperity. A post-war boom saw the proliferation of mansion and townhouse living for the affluent; it was a representation of status. It was then that Edward Cabot Clark, architect of the Singer Sewing Machine Company fortune, conceived of an apartment house to be built, as an alternative, for precisely those affluent who preferred not to manage the responsibilities of caring for a house. His vision was to preserve the aspirational and distinctive way of life characterized by sophistication, exquisite taste, privacy, pleasure and service for those accustomed. This was to be a house of a different kind. Clark commissioned Henry Janeway Hardenbergh to design what would become the most magnificent residence in all of Manhattan. A "genteel fortress," as it was once described, monumental in scale yet with the intimacy of home. A fortress in that it was built with nearly four-foot thick walls at its base, tapering to approximately two feet at the roof line. The breadth of the floors, made of thick layers of massive timber, earth and mortar provide an energy of stillness and peace. The facade possesses an eclectic mix of steep gables, oriel windows, dormers, cupolas, finials and nostalgic gas lanterns. As you pass through the elaborate iron gates you are transported to a private open-air garden court. Together this remarkable assemblage of features has made it difficult to pinpoint an exact style which has been described in prior writings as a mix between German and French Renaissance styles; even as Victorian Chateau, Victorian Kremlin, Brewery Brick, Pseudo-Gothic and Middle European Post Office. No two apartments are structurally the same.Within we find residence fifty-six; at approximately four thousand five hundred square feet it is one of the largest natural layouts within the entire house. Upon entering the home not only do you see the grandeur of Hardenbergh's unique design you feel it. You feel the elegance, the history, and the stories. You observe both artisanship and elegance from a past architectural time. You are struck by twelve-point-five-foot ceilings balanced by scale and proportion that must be experienced; ten-foot mahogany doors; seducing passageways; and stately corner living room which is adjoined by a warm and inviting parlour. Together they comprise a forty-six-foot living expanse; you can just imagine social gatherings and events happening there. Rivaling this living room is grand dining room quite unlike anything you see today. This home further provides four to five voluminous bedrooms along with additional chambers that can be used as library media room or game room whatever your needs require.The residence showcases exquisite handcrafted woodwork along with custom paneling refined crown moldings that frame rooms with quiet grandeur—expansive light-filled windows bordered by classic shutters enhance sense space grace—discreetly placed sliding pocket doors preserve both flow privacy while gracefully appointed functioning fireplaces serve warm focal points—ample closets generous built-in storage reflect thoughtful nineteenth-century practicality while spacious eat-in kitchen lends tradition comfort hospitality that defines this enduringly elegant home.Constructed between eighteen eighty-one-eighty-four lore The Dakota captivates all us At time center city's activity some fifty blocks south Clark's concept considered bold risky opposed pioneering Clark proved everyone wrong building immediate eminent success.Each generation experiences sense pride their preservation stewardship Like no other Dakota established itself among most renowned recognizable residences world It's unrivaled singularity rich history celebrated occupants architectural significance remains day Built last timeless This is home truly captures everything had imagined lives up its legendClark whose own apartment said have designed sterling silver inlaid floors passed eighteen eighty-two two years prior its completion Hardenbergh would go on design Plaza HotelThe Dakota offers full-time doormen concierge service fitness center private storage There is three percent flip tax paid by buyer