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ew York's most enigmatic mansion, a triplex maisonette at 660 Park Ave., has been put up for sale after decades of being off-limits. The property, which boasts an impressive 21-27 rooms, is now on the market as its owner, Dame Jillian Sackler, passed away in June.
The maisonette, with its own entry and separate entrance, is a rarefied gem even within Manhattan's elite real estate scene. Its developer, Frederick Ecker, deliberately designed it to be traditional and conservative, contrasting with the modernism of the time. The result is an English country-style estate that features 18th-century pine paneling from Spetisbury House in Dorset, early 17th-century French Chinoiserie from the Château de Courcelles, and a vast collection of antiques.
Arthur Sackler, Dame Jillian's late husband, was a member of the Purdue Pharma family. He amassed an impressive art collection, including Renaissance majolica, Shang dynasty oracle bones, and Post-Impressionist paintings. The interior is described as "offensively old-fashioned" by some, but Andrew Alpern, who has visited the property, believes that it remains largely unchanged since its construction in 1927.
The maisonette's unique address, 666 Park Ave., was chosen by Virginia Fair Vanderbilt, a socialite who commissioned the property in 1926. She insisted on a separate entrance and address to outdo her ex-husband's new home across the street. The building has had only four owners in nearly 100 years, with Imelda Marcos and singers Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo being among the few who have seen inside.
Corcoran broker Kane Manera believes that maisonettes are a niche market, attracting buyers who value their unique character over modern amenities. However, he notes that the building's tough board and cash-only sales requirements may deter potential buyers. Real-estate appraiser Jonathan Miller estimates that the property could sell for around $40 million.
The Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis has raised questions about the property's future. A $7.4 billion judgment was recently awarded against Purdue Pharma, with roughly $6.5 billion coming from the family's personal fortunes. However, Arthur Sackler purchased the property before the company started its OxyContin campaign, and it is unclear who will inherit the home or if it will be tied up in the settlement.
For some, the opportunity to own a piece of history like this could be too good to pass up. As Miller puts it, "If I were a wealthy enough person to buy something like this, just the fact that it was No. 666 would appeal to me as an FU to society."
