The Dakota

The Dakota is one of the great real estate Icons of New York. It was built in the 1880’s and was an immediate success amongst the elite of the city.  It is easy to see it’s ‘age of innocence’ appeal.

Even though the exterior was influenced by North German architecture the interiors are laid out enfilade style, in the manner of great french palaces and homes such as Versaille.  The main living rooms are formally aligned with connecting doors running on a single axis;  providing an uninterrupted vista through the apartment when opened.  All very grand- and with a separate pathway for the servants.

At the time it was built the Dakota was a combination of luxury and modern convenience.  The drive Porte Cochere allowed carriages to park inside and an elevator lifted them to higher floors for storage.  The dumb waiter that brought food up from the dining hall was powered by the building’s private plant.

With the advent of the great classic apartment buildings of the 1920’s the Dakota may seem outmoded by today’s standards, though it greatly raised the bar in its day.  However to many, especially the artistic it has always had strong appeal.  Rudolph Nureyev and Leonard Bernstein called it home.  The most famous occupant of our time to live there was John Lennon.

Detail of mahogany fireplace and exterior wrought iron.

The opening sequence of Rosemary’s baby features the Dakota in the 1960’s.  Sadly a little run, down but you get a glimpse of it’s original grandeur.

4500 square foot three bedroom floor plan.

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