David bowie apartment
Inside David Bowie’s $17m Manhattan apartment – The Irish Times
David Bowie in New York in 2002. Photograph: Theo Wargo/WireImage via Getty
It features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, three terraces and a recent past as the New York home of David Bowie – and it could have been yours for a mortgage repayment of just over €50,000 a month. Five years after the singer’s death, and less than a month after going on the market, Bowie’s apartment in the city has sold for $16.8 million, or about €14.2 million.
The 470sq m (5,090sq ft) residence is in the SoHo/Nolita area of Manhattan, at 285 Lafayette Street. The singer bought the property for $3.81 million in 1999 and lived there with his wife Iman until his death, in 2016. The sale, handled by Corcoran Group, was the first time the apartment had come on the market since then.
The listing describes it as a "grand yet intimate condominium residence with three perfectly situated terraces. The interior was beautifully crafted by one of Europe's most renowned architect/designers. Direct elevator access to the apartment's entrance gallery leads to a 56 x 22 foot great room with three exposures and a western terrace. Eleven foot ceiling heights, a fireplace, adjacent library (w/bath), and open kitchen add to the space's character and function.
“The main bedroom suite measures over 1,000 sq ft and features a fireplace, dressing room, oversized bath and terrace. There are an additional three bedrooms, three baths, and a powder room.
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David Bowie’s New York apartment: the living room. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the dining area and informal living space. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the library. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the kitchen.
Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the kitchen features island seating. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the main bedroom. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the main bathroom. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: the rooftop terrace. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
David Bowie’s New York apartment: part of the rooftop terrace. Photograph: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
“Originally built in 1886 and served as the Hawley & Hoops chocolate factory, 285 Lafayette Street was converted to a full-service condominium building in 1999.”
The real-estate agent estimates the mortgage repayments at about $60,350 (or about €51,150) a month, plus property taxes of $8,900 and maintenance and common charges of $7,802.
The listing describes the SoHo/Nolita area as an “architectural time capsule from the days when cast iron was all the rage”. In the 1960s artists began converting properties in the area into apartments and studios. “Today, high-end retail and restaurants occupy lower floors in what has become one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Nolita comprises the 16 blocks west of SoHo, over to the Bowery. The new hyper-specific portmanteau (for “North of Little Italy”) was bestowed in the 1990s to delineate its distinct, more-residential feel.”
David Bowie
Inside David Bowie’s New York apartment – for $16.8 million
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
Life on Mars? No, it’s life in SoHo. After less than one month on the market, David Bowie’s former New York apartment is under contract to be sold for $16.8 million. Located in stylish Nolita, the nine-story building dates back to 1886, when it served as the Hawley & Hoops chocolate factory.
After being converted into an apartment building in the 1990s, reports* suggest David purchased the home in 1999 for $3.81 million. He then moved to the property full-time with his wife Iman in 2002.
As one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, David Bowie was awarded 10 platinum album certifications in the UK and a further five in the US. He was also listed as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time – and the Greatest Rock Star Ever by Rolling Stone after his death in 2016.
It is perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that the legend owned one of Manhattan’s chicest properties.
Today, the music icon’s former home is a curated utopia of artworks, fashion books, and a rattan-filed kitchen – serving as a trove of interior design tips from the heart of SoHo.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
Hidden inside the 19th-century property, David Bowie’s apartment epitomizes Manhattan’s laid-back sophistication through its vibrantly patterned soft furnishings and colorful accessories.
We’re stealing neutral living room ideas from the monochromatic open-plan living space, including its retro-inspired light fixtures and statement orchid that acts as the focal point of the dining table. While we can’t quite recreate the apartment’s unrivaled view of the One World Trade Center, we can always dream.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
In contrast, the eclectic library space combines interior styles – channeling a traditional aesthetic through its book-filled wooden shelves and contemporary printed decor that graces the patterned floor.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
Meanwhile, the expansive kitchen area is equally as stylish, boasting a metallic breakfast bar and backsplash that create a juxtaposition against the 1970s style rattan wall and chocolate-hued wood details.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
There are bathroom ideas galore, too: the metallic features continue into the bathroom space with a freestanding silver tub and dark marble worktops that stand out against the neutral-toned tiles.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
This scheme continues into the bedroom, whose soft palette frames the colors of New York beyond the window.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
The library adjoins the apartment’s most notable asset – the terrace. The space boasts outdoor dining space and room for sun loungers, and of course, an unequaled view across lower Manhattan. This apartment takes our roof garden ideas to new heights.
(Image credit: MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for The Corcoran Group)
The apartment is under contract for $16.8 million with Stuart Moss of The Corcoran Group . * Property history via New York listing site Street Easy .
Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces.
Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
Interior from the cover: a bright apartment in London for a fan of David Bowie
Apartments
Living room. The reversible sofa is designed by Owl Design at the Recoire factory, upholstered in Mohair Powder velvet by Amy Somerville. Carpet Reese, Maman Rugs, woven to order in the color of the interior. Ekstrem armchair, Terje Ekstrøm design 1984. Red side table, designed by Daniel Schofield for the Conran Shop. Table Puddle, Massproductions. Rack, designed by Owl Design, manufactured by HUX.
Electric fireplace Gazco Radiance 105R from Stoves Are Us.
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- RACHAEL SMITH/Living Inside
“Just one rule: no rules!” The client, a famous singer and songwriter, wanted something completely different from the rather restrained interior of the country cottage where he lives permanently. In this London apartment, he planned to visit from time to time. And I wanted to make its interior brighter than the building - the project of the famous architectural bureau Foster and Partners. And even more enticing than the views from the windows, and they are simply incredible here!
The existing kitchen was painted to match the walls. The apron was tiled with Grid 04 tiles from Bert & May. Chandelier, Doozie Light Studio.
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- RACHAEL SMITH/Living Inside
“The apartment came with a turnkey 'demonstration' interior,” says Simone and Sophie.
“Having seen the “beige on beige” palette typical for such cases, the client issued an unequivocal verdict: “What a bore! That's exactly what I don't want." And although the layout was good, it immediately became clear that almost everything would have to be redone. ”
Bar cabinet, designed by Owl Design, manufactured by HUX, painted by Little Greene.
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- RACHAEL SMITH/Living Inside
"What a bore!" exclaimed the customer upon seeing the original turnkey interior. Floor lamp Helio, Utu Soulful Lighting.
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- RACHAEL SMITH/Living Inside
Portrait inspired for the new interior David Bowie (David Bowie) from the owner's collection, done in red and blue.
One of the first decisions was to replace the existing hardwood floors in the lobby with marmoleum, a modern, sustainable variant of linoleum that continues into the living room and other key living areas, tying them together.
Hall. Marmoleum floor by Forbo, designed by Owl Design. Wall decoration - matte enamel from Dulux. Echo ceiling lamp by Souda. Portrait of David Bowie from the client's collection.
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- RACHAEL SMITH /Living Inside
Dining room. A built-in sofa instead of a window sill - one of the requirements of the client - was made according to sketches by Owl Design, upholstered in Alvar Arctic fabric from Clarke & Clarke, production - Recoire. Dining table, designed by Owl Design, manufactured by HUX. Gropius CS1 chairs by Noom. Chandelier Carousel, Utu Soulful Lighting. Natural marmoleum floor by Forbo based on sketches by Owl Design.
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- RACHAEL SMITH /Living Inside
View from the hall into the dining room. Bar stools Ladies Pond from Sella Concept. The painting by LRNCE was custom-made specifically for this interior.
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- RACHAEL SMITH / Living Inside
The walls and ceiling of the hall where the portrait was placed were plastered in blue. In the living room, it fades into a delicate shade of aqua, creating a soft backdrop for brighter accents. “We immediately remembered the extravagant creations of the legendary Italian group Memphis, founded by designer Ettore Sottsass in the early 1980s,” says Simone Gordon. “We didn't want to copy the style, but create a sense of playfulness and fun inherent in their objects.
So, for example, there was a pattern of floors. It is a modern interpretation of the classic terrazzo pattern, transferred to soft marmoleum, which provides additional sound absorption - an important characteristic for the client, who likes to party.
Hall fragment. Pillar console, HKliving. Mirror Diamond, Reflections Copenhagen. Sconce Bronte, Porta Romana.
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- RACHAEL SMITH /Living Inside
"The new interior was inspired by a portrait of David Bowie from the owner's collection"
Bedroom. The bed was designed by Owl Design, produced by Cotswold Bed company. Upholstery in Fjord by Warwick, Rif by Noblis, Adamo & Eva by Dedar. A pair of sconces, Utu Soulful Lighting, hangs against a backdrop of Lucky O's marquetry panels from the Tokyo Blue collection, designed by Moooi for Arte.
Bedside tables, designed by Owl Design, manufactured by Carpenter & Carpenter.
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- RACHAEL SMITH/Living Inside
The walls of the bathroom are shimmery mosaic, Shimmer Walls, inspired by David Bowie and designed by Owl Design.
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- Rachel Smith (Rachael Smith) /Living Inside
Chesova Polina
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House where David Bowie lived - DW - 01/15/2016
Photo: picture-alliance/dpa/J.Kalaene
Ella Volodina15 January 2016 After David's sudden death 9003 Bowie's grieving fans want to name a street in Berlin after the legendary musician.
https://p.dw.com/p/1HcV3
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On January 15, David Bowie fans will honor his memory by gathering together at Berlin's Hansa-Tonstudio recording studio, where several of his legendary albums were made. But this is not the only initiative with which Berliners want to express their love for the deceased musician.
David Bowie Strasse
Bowie lived in the 1970s on Hauptstrasse (German for Main Street) in the West Berlin district of Schöneberg. "There are many main streets in Berlin, but not a single David-Bowie-Straße," says an online petition that appeared on January 12 on the Change.org platform. It has already been signed by more than 9,000 people. In Berlin, London and New York, Bowie is remembered by flowers, photographs and candles outside the houses where he lived. The musician died on January 10, just two days after he turned 69.years from cancer. Virtually no one knew about his illness.
According to the dpa news agency, Daniel Krüger, a spokesman for the district city council in charge of Hauptstrasse in Schöneberg, does not rule out the possibility of renaming the street. But in Berlin, he says, there is a law according to which a street can only be named after someone five years after their death. It is also possible, the politician pointed out, to install a plaque on the house where David Bowie lived.
Petitioner Astrid Knauer said in the meantime that one of the signatories to her appeal suggested naming a bike path in honor of David Bowie, for example, leading through a park in the Gleisdryack area, if renaming the street is fraught with difficulties. During his stay in Berlin, Bowie writes, he cycled a lot, including through this park, on the way from his apartment in Schöneberg to the Hansa-Tonstudio recording studio near Potsdamer Platz.
Candles outside David Bowie's house in Berlin Photo: DW/R.KrauseSeven rooms on Hauptstrasse
David Bowie has lived in Berlin since 1976.
At that time, the remnants of the extra-parliamentary opposition rallied on the streets of the city and the establishment was terrorized by activists of the "second generation" of the radical left "Red Army Faction".
The storm winds of the revolution also reached the owner of a residential building at number 155 on Hauptstrasse - a commune was formed in one of her apartments. The seven-room apartment of Frau Rosa Morath, as the German newspaper Tagesspiegel writes in its report, was rented out to a seemingly respectable tenant, a lawyer. But he converted the apartment into a bohemian salon, painted the walls black and covered the windows with black curtains. Visitors to the salon often and protesters from the streets.
One fine day, the patience of the owner of the property burst, she called the lawyer out of his lair and read morality to him for so long, until he eventually moved out of the apartment, leaving behind black walls. And while the hostess was thinking about where to get money for whitewashing, now there was a knock on her door, and the guest reported that she was ready to rent an apartment for a British client.
On one condition, though. The hostess must allow him to carry out major repairs in all seven rooms - to his taste, but also at his expense. Frau Morath, of course, did not think long. In the fall, a new tenant moved into the apartment.
David Bowie, already a musical celebrity in 1976, moved into the house at 155 Hauptstrasse not alone, but in company with Iggy Pop. He, however, later moved to a separate apartment in the same building, allegedly due to the fact that too often he took food from the refrigerator that belonged to Bowie. In his new apartment, again, according to legend, the punk rocker liked to sit with his guitar on the windowsill of an open window overlooking the courtyard.
David Bowie and Iggy Pop. March 1977 Photo: Getty Images/Evening StandardBowie's neighbors in this quintessentially high-ceilinged, dreary-façade Berlin high-rise building were the most ordinary people, from Turkish expatriates to owners of an auto parts store with a window to the street.
