Encouraging vaccination rates and low coronavirus case numbers have set the foundation for "New York summer," and the impending reopening of schools and offices may draw more people to the city. In the search for a new place to live, there is a chance the home might have been occupied by a famous person. Some are denoted by historic plaques (see E.L. Doctorow's below), while news of other notable residents may come about through word of mouth. We take a look at apartments listed by celebrities (or their estates) in the past month.
333 East 57th Street via Sotheby's International Realty
In this article:
1. Joan Rivers - Listed for $38,000,000
Joan Rivers via Wikipedia; 1 East 62nd Street via Dolly Lenz Real Estate
Can we talk? A year after the death of her husband, groundbreaking comedian Joan Rivers bought an Upper East Side triplex, where she entertained several luminaries that included Princess Diana, and served as president of the board. It does not appear that its most recent owner was nearly so active in the building - the apartment sold for $28 million to an unidentified member of a Middle Eastern royal family following Ms. Rivers’ death in 2014, and the New York Post reports that it is back on the market. No word on whether Mrs. Spencer, the ghost of a former resident, will make another appearance.
From the listing:
This spectacular terraced penthouse is perched high atop one of the finest limestone-sheathed mansions. Steps from Fifth Avenue, the full service prewar condominium was designed by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer in the neo-French Classic style. The 42-foot wide mansion is one of the few remaining examples of the architect’s "great houses" in New York. A private elevator entry hall leads to a dramatic two-story gallery which adjoins a light-flooded living room, each with a wood-burning fireplace. These superb reception rooms, ideally suited for entertaining, are distinguished by soaring 23’ ceilings and elegant parquet-de-Versailles flooring. The original architectural detail was painstakingly restored by museum-trained artisans. A spacious corner paneled library and a formal dining room featuring ornate 18th century French panels, each include an original wood burning fireplace and overlook a sunny, south-facing terrace. Upstairs, a sumptuous corner primary bedroom suite overlooks another lushly planted south-facing terrace and offers majestic views of the City and Central Park. The suite features a second full bathroom and a corner office. Downstairs, an expansive corner sitting room with wood-burning fireplace adjoins two additional bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom.
From the listing:
This spectacular terraced penthouse is perched high atop one of the finest limestone-sheathed mansions. Steps from Fifth Avenue, the full service prewar condominium was designed by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer in the neo-French Classic style. The 42-foot wide mansion is one of the few remaining examples of the architect’s "great houses" in New York. A private elevator entry hall leads to a dramatic two-story gallery which adjoins a light-flooded living room, each with a wood-burning fireplace. These superb reception rooms, ideally suited for entertaining, are distinguished by soaring 23’ ceilings and elegant parquet-de-Versailles flooring. The original architectural detail was painstakingly restored by museum-trained artisans. A spacious corner paneled library and a formal dining room featuring ornate 18th century French panels, each include an original wood burning fireplace and overlook a sunny, south-facing terrace. Upstairs, a sumptuous corner primary bedroom suite overlooks another lushly planted south-facing terrace and offers majestic views of the City and Central Park. The suite features a second full bathroom and a corner office. Downstairs, an expansive corner sitting room with wood-burning fireplace adjoins two additional bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom.
1 East 62nd Street has 2 available listings from $4.25M.
2. Evelyn de Rothschild and Lynn Forester de Rothschild - Listed for $20,000,000
Evelyn de Rothschild and Lynn Forester de Rothschild via Flickr - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation; River House via Brown Harris Stevens
River House is known for its stunning architecture, highly protective co-op board, and noteworthy residents. Among them are billionaire philanthropist Evelyn de Rothschild and his wife, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, but the couple may be on the way out: They have listed their duplex for $20 million. The New York Post notes that this is less than its $22.5 million ask in 2019, but up from its $15.75 million ask in 2020. Will the third time be a charm, and who will get past the board and into this home?
From the listing:
High atop the magnificent River House in Manhattan, one will find an unparalleled duplex residence of 17 rooms, many of which offer sweeping views across the East River. With interiors by Michel S. Smith, the duplex features a chef's kitchen, library, great room, formal dining room, a sun room with south facing terraces and a large primary bedroom-suite with a sitting room and shimmering views of the East River.
Many of the 49 windows within the duplex feature majestic scenes to the north and south as well as east of the apartment. At each hour of the day, sunrise to sunset, extraordinary light bathes the interior of this residence. In addition to the striking panorama experienced in the large high ceilinged living room, there are beautiful daytime and nighttime sights from the grand dining room.
From the listing:
High atop the magnificent River House in Manhattan, one will find an unparalleled duplex residence of 17 rooms, many of which offer sweeping views across the East River. With interiors by Michel S. Smith, the duplex features a chef's kitchen, library, great room, formal dining room, a sun room with south facing terraces and a large primary bedroom-suite with a sitting room and shimmering views of the East River.
Many of the 49 windows within the duplex feature majestic scenes to the north and south as well as east of the apartment. At each hour of the day, sunrise to sunset, extraordinary light bathes the interior of this residence. In addition to the striking panorama experienced in the large high ceilinged living room, there are beautiful daytime and nighttime sights from the grand dining room.
River House has 8 available listings from $3.45M.
3. David Zaslav - Listed for $17,900,000
David Zaslav via Flickr - Thomas Hawk; 34 West 11th Street via Brown Harris Stevens
In mid-May, Discovery CEO David Zaslav took the business and media worlds by storm with his plan to merge with WarnerMedia. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the merger was negotiated in Mr. Zaslav’s Greenwich Village townhouse. It is now on the market with Landmarks-approved plans, but Mr. Zaslav is not saying good-bye to New York - his real estate portfolio includes a high-floor home on Central Park West that once belonged to Conan O’Brien.
From the listing:
An amazing opportunity to complete your dream home. This beautiful 22 foot wide Greek Revival style brick townhouse is located in the historic neighborhood of Greenwich Village. The home is positioned on one of the Gold Coast blocks between 5th and 6th Avenues.
The lot is nearly 95 feet and the house is built 42 feet. 34 W 11 abuts the townhomes on the northern side of 10th street providing privacy and ample light with charming southern exposures. The Plans have been approved, which include an elevator, southern facing terrace, and extension of the roof, by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as well as the Department of Buildings.
From the listing:
An amazing opportunity to complete your dream home. This beautiful 22 foot wide Greek Revival style brick townhouse is located in the historic neighborhood of Greenwich Village. The home is positioned on one of the Gold Coast blocks between 5th and 6th Avenues.
The lot is nearly 95 feet and the house is built 42 feet. 34 W 11 abuts the townhomes on the northern side of 10th street providing privacy and ample light with charming southern exposures. The Plans have been approved, which include an elevator, southern facing terrace, and extension of the roof, by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as well as the Department of Buildings.
4. Leonardo DiCaprio - Listed for $8,500,000
Leonardo DiCaprio via Wiki Commons; Delos Residences via Brown Harris Stevens
Purified air and filtered water are more highly coveted than ever in the wake of the pandemic, but Delos Residences takes wellness-oriented amenities to a whole new level - in addition to the aforementioned filters, all six units come with circadian rhythm lighting, bio-based sound insulation, “posture supportive” heat reflexology floors, vitamin C-infused showers, and in-duct aromatherapy. Leonardo DiCaprio was an early buyer, and the New York Post reports that he even joined the board of Delos Living, which promotes wellness in real estate. His fourth-floor home in the building is now on the market.
From the listing:
Some buyers seek an environment that is the healthiest from every perspective. A prominent proponent of good health is the former owner, Leonardo DiCaprio, an environmental activist and famous actor, who selects eco-friendly homes designed to promote well-being. Along with Bill Gates and Jeff Vinik, he is even in the board of DELOS, a not-for-profit dedicated to the features that promote wellness in real estate that are exemplified in 66 East 11th Street.
This apartment is a full floor loft of 3,673 SF with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Its living spaces benefit from 4 massive windows spanning 42' over East 11 Street - and 11' high ceilings - and includes a remarkable list of built in eco-friendly elements. The effects are immediately noticeable when you step in to this loft and add to its impression of being exceptionally light, wide and calming. The sophisticated design and choice of unique materials also contribute to the open spacious feeling.
From the listing:
Some buyers seek an environment that is the healthiest from every perspective. A prominent proponent of good health is the former owner, Leonardo DiCaprio, an environmental activist and famous actor, who selects eco-friendly homes designed to promote well-being. Along with Bill Gates and Jeff Vinik, he is even in the board of DELOS, a not-for-profit dedicated to the features that promote wellness in real estate that are exemplified in 66 East 11th Street.
This apartment is a full floor loft of 3,673 SF with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Its living spaces benefit from 4 massive windows spanning 42' over East 11 Street - and 11' high ceilings - and includes a remarkable list of built in eco-friendly elements. The effects are immediately noticeable when you step in to this loft and add to its impression of being exceptionally light, wide and calming. The sophisticated design and choice of unique materials also contribute to the open spacious feeling.
Delos Residences has 2 available listings from $8.5M.
5. David Duchovny - Listed for $7,500,000
David Duchovny via Wiki Commons; The Ardsley via Sotheby's International Realty
The Ardsley is a prestigious cooperative on Central Park West designed by Emery Roth, and has been home to several famous names: Lorenz Hart, Barbra Streisand and Elliot Gould, and David Duchovny. The New York Post recently announced that Mr. Duchovny has listed his home in the building, but a future buyer's ability to pay the asking price is no guarantee of entry: The Ardsley’s board famously rejected Mariah Carey’s bid to buy Barbra Streisand’s apartment.
From the listing:
Bask in panoramic park views from this spectacular pre-war co-op home on Central Park West. A private elevator landing opens to a wide gallery entry. Beyond, the generously scaled living room overlooks the Central Park Reservoir, offering an incomparable overview of urban nature at its best.
Take in all the seasons of the park from your private terrace. Three bedrooms — the primary suite also overlooking the Reservoir — three baths, a large den and an eat-in kitchen make for ideal gracious living on a comfortable scale in this impeccably maintained home. This rare corner prewar classic is on the 19th floor of the Ardsley, a New York landmark originally designed and developed by Emery Roth. Beautiful prewar detail in the home includes beamed ceilings, oversized casement windows and original wood floors. Today the Ardsley is one of Central Park West's finest full-service white-glove buildings, with a live-in superintendent and a 24-hour doorman and concierge.
From the listing:
Bask in panoramic park views from this spectacular pre-war co-op home on Central Park West. A private elevator landing opens to a wide gallery entry. Beyond, the generously scaled living room overlooks the Central Park Reservoir, offering an incomparable overview of urban nature at its best.
Take in all the seasons of the park from your private terrace. Three bedrooms — the primary suite also overlooking the Reservoir — three baths, a large den and an eat-in kitchen make for ideal gracious living on a comfortable scale in this impeccably maintained home. This rare corner prewar classic is on the 19th floor of the Ardsley, a New York landmark originally designed and developed by Emery Roth. Beautiful prewar detail in the home includes beamed ceilings, oversized casement windows and original wood floors. Today the Ardsley is one of Central Park West's finest full-service white-glove buildings, with a live-in superintendent and a 24-hour doorman and concierge.
The Ardsley has 3 available listings from $1.3M.
6. Alice Ireys - Listed for $7,500,000
All images of 45 Willow Street via Leslie J. Garfield
Landscape architect Alice Ireys’ best-known works may be found in Park Slope (the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and the Brooklyn Museum) and Lenox Hill (the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum), but she made her longtime home in Brooklyn Heights - the New York Post notes that her family owned their townhouse from the time it was built in 1835, and she lived in the house until her death in 2000. It is now on the market.
From the listing:
In the heart of the north heights, where the skyline can still be seen from stoops, sits 45 Willow Street, a stunning 25' wide townhouse. Originally built in 1825, this renovated townhome features a handsome Flemish-bond brick facade, a charming stoop entry and a classic double parlor with period details, stunning pine and oak floors, and Marvin windows throughout. Once owned by renowned landscape architect Alice Ireys, whose projects count the Brooklyn Botanic Garden fragrance garden and Abigail Adams museum, this house exudes charm and character—and of course, has an exceptional garden unlike any other.
From the listing:
In the heart of the north heights, where the skyline can still be seen from stoops, sits 45 Willow Street, a stunning 25' wide townhouse. Originally built in 1825, this renovated townhome features a handsome Flemish-bond brick facade, a charming stoop entry and a classic double parlor with period details, stunning pine and oak floors, and Marvin windows throughout. Once owned by renowned landscape architect Alice Ireys, whose projects count the Brooklyn Botanic Garden fragrance garden and Abigail Adams museum, this house exudes charm and character—and of course, has an exceptional garden unlike any other.
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7. Russell Simmons - Sold for $5,750,000
Russell Simmons via Wiki Commons; 114 Liberty Street via The Modlin Group
In 2012, music mogul and entrepreneur Russell Simmons listed his Financial District penthouse for $11 million. Nine years, public accusations of sexual misconduct, and several discounts later, the apartment has closed for $5.75 million, or just over half the asking price. When the apartment entered contract in March 2021, the New York Post identified the buyer only as a hedge fund manager.
From the listing:
With approximately 7,175 square feet of interior space and approximately 3,500 square feet of planted terraces, this is the ultimate downtown residence. A private landing leads you to phenomenal entertaining areas with soaring 12' ceilings, living room, dining room, screening room, huge chef's kitchen with breakfast room, library w/gas fireplace, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and a powder room. In addition there is a staff room with full bath, laundry room, and closets galore.
Four exposures, barrel vaulted ceilings and handsome oak strip floors add to the uniqueness of this property. The grand circular and architectural staircase takes you to the upper level which houses the sun flooded grand primary suite, two huge setback terraces, a very cozy den, a kitchenette and much more. One must visit this property and experience the captivating aura of light, views, grand scale and drama.
From the listing:
With approximately 7,175 square feet of interior space and approximately 3,500 square feet of planted terraces, this is the ultimate downtown residence. A private landing leads you to phenomenal entertaining areas with soaring 12' ceilings, living room, dining room, screening room, huge chef's kitchen with breakfast room, library w/gas fireplace, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and a powder room. In addition there is a staff room with full bath, laundry room, and closets galore.
Four exposures, barrel vaulted ceilings and handsome oak strip floors add to the uniqueness of this property. The grand circular and architectural staircase takes you to the upper level which houses the sun flooded grand primary suite, two huge setback terraces, a very cozy den, a kitchenette and much more. One must visit this property and experience the captivating aura of light, views, grand scale and drama.
114 Liberty Street has 1 available listing for $6.5M.
8. Cecily Brown - Listed for $2,995,000
Cecily Brown via Wiki Commons; 24 Fifth Avenue via Douglas Elliman
British artist Cecily Brown’s work may be seen at the MoMA, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, and her former Greenwich Village apartment. Ms. Brown and her husband, former New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff (not pictured), created a combination unit with renovations overseen by architect Jonathan Caplan and, as the New York Post observes, “Her artistic eye and use of eclectic color is evident in every room.”
From the listing:
Designed by Emory Roth, this former residential hotel, and now full service doorman building has pre-war detail that dazzles the eye upon entering the newly restored lobby. High speed elevators (also new) take you quickly to the 15th floor, and at the end of the hall you are greeted by a spacious foyer, giving on to a double-wide living room facing east onto Fifth Avenue.
Jonathan Caplan, the renowned architect, has created a sense of contemporary elegance, with refined detail. He is well known for his sensitivity to surfaces, and this apartment is no exception in his employment of wood, etc. The current owner purchased an adjoining studio apartment which Mr. Caplan combined with the 2 bedroom unit, creating one of the very few successful and seamless combinations available.
From the listing:
Designed by Emory Roth, this former residential hotel, and now full service doorman building has pre-war detail that dazzles the eye upon entering the newly restored lobby. High speed elevators (also new) take you quickly to the 15th floor, and at the end of the hall you are greeted by a spacious foyer, giving on to a double-wide living room facing east onto Fifth Avenue.
Jonathan Caplan, the renowned architect, has created a sense of contemporary elegance, with refined detail. He is well known for his sensitivity to surfaces, and this apartment is no exception in his employment of wood, etc. The current owner purchased an adjoining studio apartment which Mr. Caplan combined with the 2 bedroom unit, creating one of the very few successful and seamless combinations available.
24 Fifth Avenue has 5 available listings from $399K
9. E.L. Doctorow - Listed for $2,100,000
All images of 333 East 57th Street via Sotheby's International Realty
6sqft reports that the Sutton Place home of acclaimed author E.L. Doctorow (pictured on the desk) has come on the market. The co-op’s library and built-in bookshelves are highly conducive to a literary lifestyle, but Mr. Doctorow used a south-facing bedroom with floor-to-ceiling shelves as an office where he wrote some of his later works, including The March.
From the listing:
From the semi-private landing, a barrel ceiling foyer sweeps you into a large square entry gallery, with a beautiful marble floor and hidden coat closets. Radiating off the gallery are the gracious and sun-splashed formal living room with hardwood floors and a wood-burning fireplace, the beautifully proportioned dining room with original molding, and a fantastically large eat in kitchen.
Behind the enormous kitchen is a house-sized laundry room and the back service entrance. The closets and storage in the kitchen and laundry are capacious. Even so, an additional storage area is included with this home. A dramatic hallway leads from the central gallery to the residential wing, anchored by a grand primary bedroom with abundant space for a king bed and a sitting area, two walk-in closets, an en-suite bath, and glorious, expansive views of the city, highlighted by the Queensboro Bridge and the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
From the listing:
From the semi-private landing, a barrel ceiling foyer sweeps you into a large square entry gallery, with a beautiful marble floor and hidden coat closets. Radiating off the gallery are the gracious and sun-splashed formal living room with hardwood floors and a wood-burning fireplace, the beautifully proportioned dining room with original molding, and a fantastically large eat in kitchen.
Behind the enormous kitchen is a house-sized laundry room and the back service entrance. The closets and storage in the kitchen and laundry are capacious. Even so, an additional storage area is included with this home. A dramatic hallway leads from the central gallery to the residential wing, anchored by a grand primary bedroom with abundant space for a king bed and a sitting area, two walk-in closets, an en-suite bath, and glorious, expansive views of the city, highlighted by the Queensboro Bridge and the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
333 East 57th Street has 1 available listing for $2.1M.
10. Greg Kelly - Listed for $1,695,000
Greg Kelly via Wiki Commons; The Heywood via Dolly Lenz Real Estate
Shortly after making the switch from Good Day New York to Newsmax, anchor Greg Kelly is seeking another change: He and his wife, Judith Grey (not pictured), have put their West Chelsea loft back on the market. When the New York Post broke the news, the paper noted that its ask of $1.795 million was is down from both its initial ask of $2.25 million in 2017 and its $1.99 million ask in February. Since then, it has been further discounted.
From the listing:
Fabulous loft living in a premier Chelsea pre-war condominium. This expansive one-bedroom with separate home office features an oversized great room perfect for entertaining with soaring ceilings, open gourmet kitchen outfitted with a stunning waterfall island & top-of-the-line appliances, and a wall of oversized windows that bathe the space in sunlight.
Off the living area, the spacious east facing primary bedroom is an ideal retreat with an en-suite 5-piece bathroom with soaking tub & dual vanities as well as multiple closets. The home also features a luxurious home office/guest room with custom built-ins that is the perfect setting for remote work. Further enhancements to this luxury loft include a 2nd full bathroom, custom privacy shutters, refinished ebony wood floors and a washer/dryer.
From the listing:
Fabulous loft living in a premier Chelsea pre-war condominium. This expansive one-bedroom with separate home office features an oversized great room perfect for entertaining with soaring ceilings, open gourmet kitchen outfitted with a stunning waterfall island & top-of-the-line appliances, and a wall of oversized windows that bathe the space in sunlight.
Off the living area, the spacious east facing primary bedroom is an ideal retreat with an en-suite 5-piece bathroom with soaking tub & dual vanities as well as multiple closets. The home also features a luxurious home office/guest room with custom built-ins that is the perfect setting for remote work. Further enhancements to this luxury loft include a 2nd full bathroom, custom privacy shutters, refinished ebony wood floors and a washer/dryer.
The Heywood has 1 available listing for $1.7M.
11. Rufus Wainwright - Entered contract for $450,000
Rufus Wainwright via Wiki Commons; 38 Gramercy Park via Compass
Who wouldn’t be inspired by a historic building with a key to Manhattan’s only private park? Not only did singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright write several albums from his Gramercy Park pied-a-terre, but he also used the studio to compose his opera Prima Donna. 6sqft reports that shortly after Mr. Wainwright put the apartment on the market, it entered contract.
From the listing:
This enchanting gem on exclusive Gramercy Park is exceptionally quiet and offers an elegant charm. Ceilings soar to nearly 11 feet, and features include scenic Zuber wallpaper imported from France, a decorative fireplace, a dreamy sleeping alcove and hardwood floors. As a pied-a-terre for singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright, this jewel of an apartment was featured in the New York Times and used in writing several albums and the opera, Prima Donna.
Perfectly located, this prewar boutique Cooperative is nestled on Gramercy Park, and provides the ability for ownership to a coveted key to the park. The building offers a resident superintendent and a beautiful roof deck. The building has bike storage and common laundry in the basement.
From the listing:
This enchanting gem on exclusive Gramercy Park is exceptionally quiet and offers an elegant charm. Ceilings soar to nearly 11 feet, and features include scenic Zuber wallpaper imported from France, a decorative fireplace, a dreamy sleeping alcove and hardwood floors. As a pied-a-terre for singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright, this jewel of an apartment was featured in the New York Times and used in writing several albums and the opera, Prima Donna.
Perfectly located, this prewar boutique Cooperative is nestled on Gramercy Park, and provides the ability for ownership to a coveted key to the park. The building offers a resident superintendent and a beautiful roof deck. The building has bike storage and common laundry in the basement.
38 Gramercy Park has 1 available listing for $375K.
12. The Royal Tenenbaums - Listed for $20,000/month
All images of 339 Convent Avenue via Compass
The single-family townhouse at 339 Convent Avenue jumped on modern moviegoers’ radar as the setting of The Royal Tenenbaums, but enjoys a richer history than that: It was once home to U.S. Attorney Charles Tuttle, who lost his run for governor to Franklin Delano Roosevelt and hosted luminaries like Fiorello LaGuardia and James Russel Parson at the house. Gothamist reports that it was vacant when Wes Anderson spotted it, but it is now being rented fully furnished. The most recent owner even arranged an Airbnb visit for Memorial Day weekend.
From the listing:
The 100-foot-wide Flemish Revival mansion spans 6,000 square feet and comes with six (6) bedrooms, fourth and half (4.5) bathrooms, a formal living room, formal dining room, butler kitchen, family room, chef's kitchen, and garden. The first three floors are also served by a convenient elevator. Unlike the average townhouse, the entrance is on the side of the home, which rises on a corner lot, and boasts three exposures ( N, E, W) with over 50 windows. Other home features are original stained windows, extensive original woodwork throughout the house, and six gas-operated fireplaces. A short subway trip from Midtown, and minutes from the George Washington Bridge, Hamilton Heights is home to City College and walking distance to Columbia University's Manhattanville annex. Riverside Park and Riverbank State Park run along the Hudson on the neighborhood's western edge.
From the listing:
The 100-foot-wide Flemish Revival mansion spans 6,000 square feet and comes with six (6) bedrooms, fourth and half (4.5) bathrooms, a formal living room, formal dining room, butler kitchen, family room, chef's kitchen, and garden. The first three floors are also served by a convenient elevator. Unlike the average townhouse, the entrance is on the side of the home, which rises on a corner lot, and boasts three exposures ( N, E, W) with over 50 windows. Other home features are original stained windows, extensive original woodwork throughout the house, and six gas-operated fireplaces. A short subway trip from Midtown, and minutes from the George Washington Bridge, Hamilton Heights is home to City College and walking distance to Columbia University's Manhattanville annex. Riverside Park and Riverbank State Park run along the Hudson on the neighborhood's western edge.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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