New York townhouse set for a record $80m deal

The Upper East Side mansion has a panic room, home theatre and bar

(Zillow)

A New York townhouse is set to be sold for a record $80m, making it the most expensive property in the city.

The 20,000-square-foot mansion, which is currently owned by Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola, is located on the Upper East Side.

It boasts a number of luxury features including a panic room; a home theatre, which is decked out with a 12-foot screen; a bar; a fitness room and a swimming pool.

(Zillow (Zillow)

According to the Wall Street Journal, appraiser Jonathan Miller has predicted that the townhouse will sell for the reported record price.

The previous record was set in 2006 when financier J. Christopher Flowers dished out an impressive $53m for a mansion on East 75th Street.

When army veteran Viola and his wife Teresa bought the townhouse in 2005, they supposedly only paid a quarter of its current worth.

(Zillow (Zillow)

Not only did Viola serve in the US army, but in December last year he was nominated by the then-President-elect Donald Trump to assume the position of Secretary of the Army.

However, Viola decided to withdraw his name for consideration in February this year.

The billionaire’s property dates all the way back to 1884. However, it’s recently been renovated by Viola and his wife, hence its increased value.

(Zillow (Zillow)

The Wall Street Journal has also reported that the rumoured buyer is the same person who’s recently bought a penthouse at trophy condominium tower 15 Central Park West from former Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond.

Diamond’s penthouse was sold for $50.5m, as stated by public records.

(Zillow (Zillow)

Viola’s mansion has a total of 19 rooms, including seven bedrooms; six bathrooms and three powder rooms.

It’s also been built with a lift; heated floors; a game room and sauna.

The development is situated in close proximity to Central Park, Fifth and Madison Avenue.