British Consulate’s Midtown East penthouse, asking $7M, hits the auction block starting at $2M

This 6,000-square-foot full-floor residence in the Beekman Regent condominium at 351 East 51st Street, currently asking $6,995,000 (down from $8,500,000 in 2021), may provide an opportunity for auction lovers: The penthouse with city views and five bedrooms is headed for online auction by the British government, with bids starting at $2,000,000. The penthouse has functioned as the British Consul General in New York’s residence, so it’s a given that its flexible floorplan and nearly 10-foot ceilings would add up to the perfect space for lavish parties and regal receptions.

Enter from a pair of elevators into a private, passcode-locked foyer into a 101-foot entertaining space at the front of the apartment.

Twenty-one windows offer iconic city and East River views. Nine glass doors across the entire room open out onto an elegant private wrap-around terrace. This landscaped outdoor garden is an all-day-into-night oasis, perfect for parties or quiet contemplation.

The dining room is ready for state dinners, with seating for twenty-four. A sprawling eat-in kitchen offers open city views, and everything your staff requires to craft the perfect culinary experience.

The bedroom wing of the apartment is currently configured as four bedrooms, a media room, and a library; it could easily accommodate six bedrooms, all with access to generous closet space.  Four full en-suite bathrooms and three powder rooms are joined by a laundry/utility room. Just outside the bedroom area, a 39-foot-long gallery awaits your favorite artwork.

Behind two 1893 facades of what was once Public School 35, the 19-story Beekman Regent condominium was designed by architect Costas Kondylis, who also designed the nearby Trump World Tower. The full-service building offers a 24-hour doorman and concierge service. Additional amenities include a gym, library room, residents’ lounge, conference room, storage room, bicycle and stroller room, and an on-site garage with valet parking.

You can bid on the property online beginning May 22nd, with a starting bid of $2,000,000. The auction preview period begins on Friday, May 19th.

According to the Wall Street Journal/Mansion Global, the British Consulate made news in 2019 for splashing out for a $16 million penthouse at 50 United Nations Plaza. The 6,000-square-foot duplex would serve as then-consul general Antony Phillipson’s residence and headquarters for other consulate functions, adding that the current consul general’s residence would be listed for sale; so it’s fair to say the Consulate has definitely traded up–at least in price.

[Listing details: 351 East 51st Street #PH1 at CityRealty]

[At Brown Harris Stevens by Christopher Kromer, Norhana “Nora” Ariffin, and Dugald Loughnan]

Photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens