SPLENDOR IN THE SUN

A highly awarded broker and one of the top producers at Douglas Elliman, Daniela Kunen is an unmatched resource for information on Upper East Side trends. Kunen, who frequents the enclave’s museums and restaurants, raised three daughters there and has found community around every corner.

Can you share your Upper East Side history?

I live in 1185 Park, a beautiful co-op building in Carnegie Hill. I’ve been there for over 20 years because of the neighborhood, and also because of the financial protection and security that comes with having a board manage my home. What drew me to the neighborhood is still what brings people to Carnegie Hill today. The neighborhood is rich with museums and a variety of cultural offerings. Carnegie Hill enjoys a low skyline with most buildings topping off at 15 to 17 stories. This enhances the sunlight throughout the neighborhood.

Carnegie Hill is very villagey. Shopkeepers know you by name, giving neighbors the feeling of small-town life.

Is there a distinct community?

We are a community in that we see familiar faces all the time. It’s unusual to have a building where there are many people you don’t know. It’s a real neighborhood, with everything being on a smaller scale.

Why is the neighborhood attractive to multiple generations?

People feel that this is a real home. They attach to it. They grow with it.

The neighborhood itself has ballet, music and language centers. There’s something for everyone. You can lead a quiet life and yet you’re five minutes from the hustle and bustle. If you’ve lived in Carnegie Hill for a while, you feel like you know everyone because the turnover is low.

Can you help us visualize some Carnegie Hill listings?

Carnegie Hill is diverse in its architecture. There are pre- and post-war co-ops of all sizes and price points and condominiums as well as townhouse options. I moved to the area from a house in the suburbs. I quickly learned that the buildings in Carnegie Hill offer large scale homes which was attractive for me.

Any personal recommendations?

The neighborhood is filled with many cozy restaurants reflecting various types of dining and cuisines. There’s also a charming bookstore, The Corner Bookstore, on Madison Ave and 93rd.

What does a nice weekend on the Upper East Side look like for you?

For me, it’s getting up late. Then taking a walk to one of the museums in the neighborhood. I love The Met and it’s hard to beat, but you’ve also got the Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, which is the old Carnegie Mansion. It has a yard with food vendors, and you can picnic there. Of course, I’d dip into Central Park and then perhaps drop into a local restaurant.

What makes the Upper East Side quintessentially New York?

You have everything you need at your fingertips: from restaurants to recreation. You have the 92nd Street Y, which is an amazing cultural center. There’s also the Diller-Quaile School of Music. Another enclave is East End Avenue. You can go biking along the river after visiting Carl Schurz Park. You can enjoy city or “suburban” life all in one neighborhood.

140 East 63rd Street, 14B

3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1 PARTIAL BATHROOM

Come home to your haven in the sky with expansive open city views from four exposures. This large apartment is located in the heart of the Upper East Side in the white-glove historic Barbizon/63 Condominium. The high-floor and abundance of oversized windows ensures brilliant light and stunning open vistas of the city by day and night. The front entry and elegant central foyer lead to the rest of the home. Sublime corner living room with large windows and three exposures.

Price: $5,300,000 | Listing ID: 21660456

Steven Cohen

Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker

O: 212.303.5296 | M: 917.834.4287 steven.cohen@elliman.com

Timothy Malone

Lic. R. E. Salesperson

O: 212.891.7602 | M: 631.804.3816 tim.malone@elliman.com

333 East 91st Street, 12CD

4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 1 PARTIAL BATHROOM

Designed with great attention to detail, this nearly 3,000 SF home leaves nothing to be desired. Sunlight floods the south facing living space and high ceilings accentuate the breadth of two spacious great rooms and the open kitchen that connects them. To the east, one can enjoy views of the river from floor-to-ceiling windows and to the west lounge on a balcony lined with Trex decking and enclosed with tempered glass.

Price: $3,550,000 | Listing ID: 22030930

Ammanda Espinal

Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker

O: 212.875.0225 | M: 347.244.3713 ammanda.espinal@elliman.com

Alexander Boriskin

Lic. R. E. Salesperson

O: 212.350.8055 | M: 347.260.0664 alexander.boriskin@elliman.com

Michael Lorber

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

O: 212.418.2049 | M: 917.664.0029 mlorber@elliman.com