Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty does some real window shopping at a magnificent Upper East Side apartment now on the market through Halstead Property.

If an Upper East Side condominium is what you hanker for but you would rather not bump into the neighbours in the hall then this magnificent 6265 sq ft apartment is for you.  The thing is it occupies an entire enormous floor of this large building and is in fact really two apartments in one – ideal if you would like your extended family or staff next door but in self-contained accommodation.

Consequently the views are wrap around with scenes of Central Park and the reservoir, the East River, Lexington Avenue heading Downtown, and the Manhattan skyline, giving this sumptuous palace of an apartment a world class backdrop.

But despite the jaw-dropping views the interior really holds its own with its 14 ft ceilings and fabulous finish.

This building was originally a Gimbels department store.  Once Gimbels was the largest department store chain in the United States with 36 branches.  But it competed with Macy’s – and eventually lost!  The company shut down in 1986.  But there is no doubt that this Gimbels building wins out against Macy’s as a condominium.  The location sees to that – situated just off Fifth Avenue and near Central Park and smart Madison Avenue shops.

Top building amenities here include 24-hour doorman, concierge, full service gym, indoor swimming pool, yoga studio, playroom, garage and porters.  But let’s get back to the apartment – or rather outside the apartment – for there is a superb private terrace overlooking Central Park.  Another terrace was glassed-in to create a billiard room with what must be the best view anywhere – from a billiard room!

With wrap around views, wrap around service and wrap around privacy this fabulous Manhattan apartment should be a wrap.