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| ph: Chester Higgins |
What do Katie Holmes and Carrie Leskowitz have in common? ~ Christopher Hyland. Christopher has been getting a lot of press lately. A, for his beautiful New York apartment and B, he happens to be Katie Holmes' new neighbor. And as Katie's new neighbor in the Chelsea building where she is taking refuge, I am sure he has welcomed her with open arms. Christopher takes us into his magnificent penthouse mansion in the sky; on the market for $22.25 million dollars. I had the pleasure of being invited to Christopher and Constantino's 4,000 sq. ft. 12 room apartment in May. It is exactly as you would expect from a legend in the textile industry, world traveler, art collector, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and iPad only magazine publisher ~ HYLAND. It's an upscale lifestyle magazine with fascinating contributors that is both beautifully photographed and culturally diverse. I highly recommend it!
I was there in the evening, so my shots are a little dark. What is apparent is that for such a large apartment, there is a sense of serenity, a warmth that expresses the people who inhabit it. Many large double doors can open and close off spaces as needed which makes for a very functional floor plan. An ode to Greek Revivalism is felt the minute you enter the foyer/gallery with its columns, high baseboards, and carved moldings.
Christopher's magnificent textiles are amply draped and displayed throughout. His was one of the first fabrics I used when I got into decorating.
The kitchen, with its English country charm, gothic inspired oak carvings, and acorn embellishments transports you to another time and place. Whether seating a small sit down dinner or a large fundraiser, the two have entertaining down to a science.
Somebody please tell me where the (purple) yam cake came from. It was out of this world!
Nik-naks and artifacts from their travels are displayed everywhere. Christopher says, "This apartment has a sense of soul." Diverse objects from different cultures from a lifetime of collecting sit comfortably with rocks, feathers, and antiques. It is like the Please Touch Museum. You feel comfortable the minute you enter.
A Robert Mapplethorp hangs casually in the hall along with other contemporary photographs. The collection of Hudson River paintings throughout the apartment has been exhibited in museums; the African and Asian art pieces live agreeably amongst them.
One of several guest rooms ~
Master Bedroom and bath ~
Always a scene stealer ~ Hudson. I'm sure Suri and Hudson will become fast friends.
I hope Katie finds the peace she is looking for to find herself again. No doubt Christopher and the people of the Chelsea Merchantile Building will be a big help. If all this attention helps Christopher sell his apartment, it's a win-win; but Christopher ~ I want to be invited to the next great escape .
For more info on the apartment see Nest Seekers. Ryan Serhant of Million Dollar Listing NY on Bravo is the listing agent. He was at one of those at the gathering, so I was picking his brain about the show, the people and the apartments, real estate, decorating, and living in NY....
phs:2,4,6,8,9,11 Rich Caplan via NY Daily News: 3,5,7,10,12,13,14-18 CLI
