This stunning, one bedroom, two full bath duplex, penthouse, NO FEE and RENT TO PURCHASE (please inquire directly) apartment with oversized windows has a third level to an outdoor terrace with unobstructed views facing north. It was completely redesigned, gut renovated and customized in 2007-8 by architect Christine Inukai and Designer Tim Steele. The renovations included all new electrical wiring, plumbing, flooring, lighting. Additionally, all appliances were replaced and upgraded. Appliances include Bertazzoni four-burner range, Liebherr refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and washer/dryer, and U-Line wine cooler. The kitchen is oversized with custom laminated cabinets in the style of Poggen Pohl, oversized stainless steel sink, Franke hot and cold filtered water and Dornbracht faucet. All windows on both levels have automated floor to ceiling shades. The first level shades were customized by Lutron. On the second level, the custom shades were designed by SunMaster. Behind the sliding glass doors in the living room is a Juliette balcony. All drywall for both ceiling and walls were removed down to existing studs and completely replaced. The original wood-burning fireplace in the living room was also replaced with new housing and stone mantel. Original wood flooring was removed and cleaned down to its concrete base and replaced with a new multilayer composite concrete and then custom painted and sealed. Also, custom-designed to fit neatly into the corner is the steel staircase to the second level. The second level bedroom suite has two skylights a large rounded half-moon facing north and doomed square above the staircase landing. A built-in custom designed metal and wood headboard by designer Mark Jupiter is a focal point to the bedroom. The design of this loft styled duplex apartment was to maximize the living area without sacrificing closet and storage space. On the first level are three closets. A coat closet just opposite the front door, a walk-in storage opposite the custom banquette dining area, and the third closet is tucked under the staircase to the second level. A feature of the banquette is its flip-top for additional storage under the cushioned seats. The second level has two walk-in closets en-suite: a His and Her's, as well as custom finished tiled bath with rain shower as well. On the landing to the second level are four away from a custom stainless steel door which leads to the outdoor terrace on the third level. The terrace is approximately two hundred square feet. The terrace has a BBQ grill and special outdoor fridge as well as custom cabinetry to store cushions for seating and cabinets to store cooking and dining utensils. Carnegie Hill is the most desirable neighborhood in the upper east side. Its historical status keeps its streets tree-lined and well maintained to frame the 19th-century beautiful brownstones going north from 86th Street to 96th Street and east from 5th Avenue to 3rd Avenue. Within a four-block radius of 170 E. 88th St. youll find great grocery shopping, dining, and services. Zabars 240 E. 86th St. and Whole Foods between 88th and 87th on 3rd are prime examples. Restaurants such as The Writing Room and DAlsace on 88th and 2nd Ave as well as SFoglia on 92nd and Lexington provide American, French Alsatian and Italian choices respectively. Every possible type of cuisine you may desire is abundant and easily accessible in the neighborhood on 2nd and 3rd avenues. For visiting out of town guests The Franklin is a choice boutique hotel just across the street from Doyle Auction Gallery on 87th St. between Lexington and 3rd Avenues. 170 East 88th Street is almost equidistant from the 4-5-6 Lexington Avenue Subway Line and the Q Line on 2nd Avenue for easy commuting. Access to Laguardia and JFK Airports is easy as well. Subject to traffic rides can be of 18 and 35 minutes respectively. Whether watching or participating in the New York City Marathon or just enjoying a stroll Central Park is a 10-minute walk as the Guggenheim Museum add 5 more minutes and youll be at the Metropolitan.The unique design features of Penthouse A match well with its equally unique upper eastside location to create a truly one of kind apartment or pied-a-terre!