Floor Plan Porn, Part 2: The Sherry Netherland

Floor plan porn seems to be a popular post on this blog. Now I don't know whether it's the floor plan part that's attracting all the hits, or the 'porn'? (But if it's the latter, shame on you! The only wickedness around here was the post on The Queen.) Whatever it is, it's prompted me to do another post about the, er, voyeuristic appeal of good lines and a great layout. So to speak.

Today, we're going to peek our noses into one of my favourite New York buildings, the Sherry Netherland. The Sherry, if you're not familiar with it, is that fabulously grand, chateau-style building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, opposite The Plaza. Its neighbour, The Pierre, tends to gets more attention (its penthouse was once owned by Lady Mary Fairfax, the Australian wife of the newspaper proprietor), but I think the Sherry is far more interesting. Current and past residents include Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Francis Ford Coppola, George Burns and Jack Warner. And you just know they wouldn't live anywhere boring.

The hotel's architect is recognisable for its high-peaked roof topped with an elaborate Gothic minaret, or fleche – a roofline that distinguishes the building as one of the most well-known in New York. The spire top houses the water tank and even has an observation balcony. If you wish to stay there – and it does have some of the best views in New York – part of the building is a hotel. The rest of the 97 residences are  co-op apartments, but even these are privileged to receive the full services of the five-star hotel – including hotel maid service twice a day. Imagine that? We'd love a bit of turn-down around here...

Here's a look at one of the suites. This is Diana Ross's, by the way.

Ms Ross had it on the market for $9 million at one stage. Which seems a lot considering there's no kitchen? Then again, the wee cooking space is probably all you'd need for a few pots of Beluga caviar and some bottles of Rothschild. It's also one of only the few tower units that comprises a full floor. These suites offer grand scaled rooms – the living room is almost 29 feet long – plus stunning views of the city and Central Park in all four directions. There's also a tiny maid's room, so you can have your butler to hand. I'd use it for the guests who would no doubt drop on your doorstep all the time. I wonder if Michael Jackson was given this room when he slept over?

Personally, I prefer the Dressing Room Penthouses (above). Which are so named because the extraordinarily large dressing rooms are the size of most New York studios. In fact, this one appears to be the same size as the bedroom AND the living room.

Yes, this would suit me fine. It's just a pity my clothes would only fill one-tenth of it.

Here's another one. This dressing room has pride of place in the apartment, right off the foyer. It's about ten times the size of the kitchen. I suspect the Carrie Bradshaws of New York would be delighted at this little number.

And here's a proposed floor plan for an empty floor. Of course, this residence hasn't been built yet. That's for you to do. You just need to pay the $22 million for the space first. Oh - and another $30,000 a month for the maintenance fees. (I don't know about you, but I'm thinking that janitor's doing okay on his Sherry wage...)

The large room has been dubbed 'The Great Room'. There's a gallery to the left. And a library, media room and staff rooms along the side. It does need a little work. As one humorous New York commenter said: "What's with all the sliding doors? Enough already!"

Oh – and if you're interested in property, Diana Ross's apartment still seems to be on the market. Yours for $9 million. Plus $18,000 a month for the building maintenance. Yep, that janitor again...