Bette Midler’s NYC Triplex Penthouse Hits the Market at $50M

Just wait until you see the postcard-worthy views of the Central Park Reservoir.
Text by

Bette Midler is parting ways with the 14-room apartment that she and her family have called home for more than 20 years. Located right off of Fifth Avenue, the Upper East Side residence is perched at the top of an iconic Neo-Renaissance building that was designed by Emery Roth, a prominent twentieth century architect who designed many of the city's iconic Art Deco and Beaux-Arts hotels and apartment buildings, in 1925.

Although the main entrance to the penthouse (which includes levels 15, 16, and 17) is located on the 16th floor, private elevator service is also available to the 15th floor.

Although the main entrance to the penthouse (which includes levels 15, 16, and 17) is located on the 16th floor, private elevator service is also available to the 15th floor.

After the award-winning entertainer bought the penthouse in 1996 with her husband, performance artist Martin von Haselberg, the couple tapped Frederick Fisher and Partners to remodel the home into a flowing, loft-like space. 

Upon entering the home's main entrance, a large gallery flows into a lustrous entertaining space, including a double living room, an open dining room, and an eat-in kitchen. 

Upon entering the home's main entrance, a large gallery flows into a lustrous entertaining space, including a double living room, an open dining room, and an eat-in kitchen. 

Sprawling across 7,000 square feet, the impressive residence features four bedrooms and six and a half baths. There is also a home gym, which can be easily converted into another bedroom. While there is elevator service to the first two floors, all levels are connected via a striking curved stairway with brass balusters.

Beautifully illuminated with natural light, the living room is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, which is surrounded with ceramic tiles handmade by artist Kim Dickey.

Beautifully illuminated with natural light, the living room is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, which is surrounded with ceramic tiles handmade by artist Kim Dickey.

On the west side of the main floor sits an expansive 24-by-25-foot living room, which has direct access to one of the home's wraparound terraces. As an avid animal lover, Midler reportedly added birdbaths and birdhouses across the outdoor space, while also taping purple ribbons on the windows to serve as a safeguard for flying birds. 

The bright and airy kitchen is idyllic for entertaining. It boasts top-of-the-line appliances, such as a six-burner Garland stove and grill, Sub Zero refrigerator, and Miele dishwasher. 

The bright and airy kitchen is idyllic for entertaining. It boasts top-of-the-line appliances, such as a six-burner Garland stove and grill, Sub Zero refrigerator, and Miele dishwasher. 

The east side of the main floor houses the formal dining area and the chef-worthy kitchen, which includes custom cabinets, marble countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and ample storage. This space leads to yet another vast terrace, complete with an herb garden.

A sun-drenched library occupies the entire top floor of the home. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the west and south capture sweeping Central Park and Reservoir views.

A sun-drenched library occupies the entire top floor of the home. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the west and south capture sweeping Central Park and Reservoir views.

En-suite bedrooms are located on the lowest level, all of which include oversized picture windows. Along with a large dressing room, the corner master suite also has a small beauty parlor and two steam rooms. A full-service laundry and pressing room is additionally housed on this floor.

A look inside one of the bedrooms. While there are currently four bedrooms in the home, the layout offers plenty of flexibility for more to be incorporated.

A look inside one of the bedrooms. While there are currently four bedrooms in the home, the layout offers plenty of flexibility for more to be incorporated.

In addition to the terraces situated off the living room, kitchen, and library, the penthouse also features a 900-square-foot rooftop garden. Designed by landscape architect firm Sawyer Berson, the lush outdoor space offers panoramic views, as well as a serene oasis from the city below.

The view from the 900-square-foot rooftop garden, just a few minutes from Central Park. 

The view from the 900-square-foot rooftop garden, just a few minutes from Central Park. 

The floor plan of #PH15/16/17.

The floor plan of #PH15/16/17.

1125 Fifth Avenue #PH15/16/17 is currently listed for $50,000,000 by John Burger of Brown Harris Stevens. 

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.

Published

Get the Real Estate Newsletter

From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.