Mr Gatsbys - Travel and Fine Living

Is Lenox Hill New York’s version of Paris’ Eighth?

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:17:15 +0000

Sitting at Amaranth for dinner on a Sunday night next to a very loud and tipsy Carla Bruni with her husband, the President of France, I thought for a moment that I was in the 8^th Arrondissement. It’s easy to draw a parallel between the two neighborhoods. Both have fabulous restaurants and are home to Hermès. Both have an international flare and boast well healed residents wearing $800 footwear. And, both have veneer of respectability that seems to melt off when one enters the local haunts.

I am a recent transplant to the neighborhood having moved to a floor through apartment in a brownstone located on 63^rd off 5th, a swank address indeed. My apartment once belonged to Zsa Zsa and Eva’s mother and was home to Edie Sedgwick in her Factory Girl days. But, why was my rent so much less expensive than something half as grand in the West Village? Not even for a moment did I think I would end up on the Upper Eastside, until by chance, I was recommended to a sublet of an editor returning to Italy.

The benefits and amenities of Lenox Hill were pleasantly surprising. The first joy I discovered is that the area south of 72^nd and west of Lexington, is an unofficial stroller free zone. And the spawn that are allowed access are most well behaved. The proximity to the Park was another unexpected delight. There is a true luxury in being able to step into the Park or take a run with no notice. The only drawback to the neighborhood is that there are no grocery stores in ten block radius, and there is the temptation to order take-out from Nello or walk to the Pierre for a snack.

The elegance of the people I have discovered has been a true delight. Doorman along residential Park Avenue often open the doors to taxis even if the passenger aren’t arriving guests or residents to their buildings. The streets are cleaned every day and the restauranteurs and shopkeepers say good morning and smile.

People leave their apartments with their hair combed, though they may return slightly disheveled from a martini or two too many later in the evening.

Like the 8^th, the neighborhood is a mix of elegance residents and tourists. But, only in New York would the First Couple of France be seated adjacent to two lady tourists from the mid-West dressed in vintage Acid Washed jeans who seem to use formaldehyde as lip moisturizer…

Mr Gatsby’s Haunts

Amaranth

21 East 62^nd

www.amaranthrestaurant.com

Le Bilboquet

25 E. 63^rd

Monkey Bar

60 E. 54^th

Rouge Tomate

14 E. 60th

Wainscott Cottage and Barn

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:26:03 +0000

Five Acre Estate adjacent to Vineyard and Stables

admin — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:37:37 +0000

Four bedroom/Four and half bath main house. Three bedroom two bath guest house. Tennis court and putting green.

$80,000 for July

Decorator’s Cottage

admin — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:51:11 +0000

Four bedroom, three and a half bath cottage decorated by Christopher Maya feels like the quintessential Hamptons cottage experience. Privet. Boxwoods. Bluestone pool floated in immaculate green lawn. Bike to beach or East Hampton Village.

Super Perks: The bathrooms of this home are quite a treat.

Drawbacks: Old-school televisions.

East Hampton Cottage Garden

East Hampton Cottage Gazebo

East Hampton Cottage Pool

East Hampton Cottage Living Room

Sag Harbor Modernist Estate

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:48:03 +0000

Available August 2009 to Labor Day $80,000

Four Full Bedrooms and Four Full Baths plus Maid’s Room and half-bath.

One and a half acres overlooking the harbor. Walk to Village and Marinas

East Hampton Village – South of Highway

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:34:03 +0000

South of Highway. Three minute walk to the Jitney and Luxury Liner stop in the Village of East Hampton. This four bedroom, two and a half bath cottage features a swimming pool and garage. The property is just under an acre with a wide lawn which is perfect for pets.

Memorial Day Weekend: $3000

June Rates: $795 per night or $12,000 monthly

July Rates: $20,000 monthly

August Rates: $35,000 monthly

Sunset Strip Villa

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:32:03 +0000

3 Bedrooms 3 Baths

Greenwich Village Townhouse Apartment

admin — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:33:41 +0000

Bright, airy and chic! 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 Floors and a Terrace

View Larger Map

Southampton Estate

admin — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:53:53 +0000

A true 5 acre estate with world-class landscaping and a grand house.

Features 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, central air, 4 fireplaces, a full basement and heated pool.

Available Summer 2009

The Fish Shack on North Sea Harbor

admin — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:20:08 +0000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Fireplace, Screened Porch

Tons of charm for the ultimate summer getaway with it’s own private beach… clamming, canoeing, fishing… An Adirondacks feel in the Hamptons!