The Gilded Age mansion known as the House of Cassini has seen a significant price drop of $5 million, bringing the asking price to $49.5 million. This mansion, located on the Upper East Side, was once home to the atelier of Oleg Cassini, Jackie Kennedy’s favorite fashion designer. Designed by renowned architect John H. Duncan, the Beaux-Arts beauty stands at 15 E. 63rd St. and boasts extraordinary wood-paneled details.
Built 123 years ago, this limestone home has a rich history. In 1984, Marianne Nestor Cassini and her sister, Peggy Nestor, purchased the mansion, which had been divided into seven rental units. Their plan was to restore it to a single-family residence, but they faced resistance from rent-stabilized tenant Thomas Britt, who eventually moved out in 2018 after a long legal battle.
The mansion has also been the center of legal disputes related to Oleg Cassini’s estate, with accusations of mismanagement and withholding assets from his daughters. Marianne Cassini herself has been embroiled in legal battles, including a $350 million lawsuit against Nassau County officials.
Despite the ongoing court cases, the East 63rd Street mansion was put on the market last summer. This 18,000-square-foot property features original details such as a marble staircase, 14 fireplaces, arched French windows, and more. With seven bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and four half baths, the mansion also includes a wood-paneled library, a gym, a conservatory, and three terraces.
Listing broker Louise Beit of Sotheby’s International Realty describes the mansion as a masterpiece by Duncan, praising its craftsmanship, materials, and architectural significance. The rooms offer unique experiences with exquisite details like ceiling cartouches, bold moldings, and high ceilings.
The mansion’s two below-ground levels are original, with potential for a pool or other uses. The sale is pending court approval, highlighting the complex nature of the property’s ownership history and legal challenges it has faced.
In a city where many Gilded Age mansions have been lost to time, the House of Cassini stands out as a well-preserved gem with a rich and storied past. Its unique blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and luxurious amenities make it a rare find in the heart of New York City.
