Vladimir Stolyarenko, a former chair of one of Russia’s largest commercial banks, has made headlines with his recent real estate acquisition in New York City.
Stolyarenko purchased a lavish residence in the iconic Plaza Hotel for $21 million, acquiring two units — 1007 and 1009 — that overlook Central Park.
This luxurious lair boasts extravagant features, including 24-karat gold finishes and Venetian plaster, and originally hit the market with a staggering asking price of $50 million, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Charlie Attias from Compass, the listing broker, declined to provide any comments on the sale.
Spanning 5,302 square feet, Stolyarenko’s newly acquired residence includes a grand foyer that leads to an expansive great room with high ceilings and elegantly paneled walls.
The main bedroom suite is particularly notable, featuring a bathroom that is fully clad in luxurious, floor-to-ceiling onyx.
In a surprising turn, Stolyarenko and his wife, Alfiya, have also placed another unit within the Plaza on the market for $10.49 million.
In an effort to entice brokers, their representatives, Jessica and Burt Savitsky from Brown Harris Stevens, are offering a $7,500 American Express gift card to any broker who successfully brings in a buyer for unit 1503.
This particular unit has had a tumultuous history, having been listed on and off the market for over 2,000 days since it was first purchased for $10.37 million in 2007.
After an initial listing price of $12.8 million in 2008, the property represents a long-standing challenge in the upscale real estate market.
In 2019, Stolyarenko sold a different Plaza unit, No. 1903, to Alfiya for $10 million, based on property records.
In addition to their Plaza properties, the Stolyarenkos also own a Palm Beach estate that has fallen into disrepair.
They purchased the mansion from fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo in 2018 for $35 million, although sources reported that it required renovation at that time.
Recently, the Palm Beach Daily News showcased alarming images of the estate in a state of severe disrepair, illustrating issues such as water and termite damage, rusted storm shutters, and rotting doors.
The media outlet also covered the frustrations of local neighbors, who claim that the property has contributed to flooding in the area due to a malfunctioning drainage system.
An insider shared that the situation had prompted concern within the community, stating, “There was a bit of a ruckus about it, because they let it deteriorate, and the town forced them to continue with the renovation. It’s been years and it eventually became an eyesore.”
This Palm Beach property has raised further intrigue, as the buyer has reportedly been difficult to reach, leaving the community puzzled.
Further comments from Stolyarenkos’ legal representative, Glenn S. Krutoff, were unavailable at the time of this report.
Interestingly, Hilfiger and Ocleppo’s former penthouse in the Plaza also had a storied past.
They bought the luxurious property for $22.5 million in 2008, initially attempting to flip it for $50 million just months later, only for it to remain on and off the market for the next 11 years.
Notably, the property was later listed at an astounding $80 million in 2013 and eventually sold for $31.24 million in 2019.
In light of the ongoing geopolitical turmoil, many ultra-wealthy Russians have vacated New York; however, reports suggest that some are now considering a return.
Sources indicate that those returning are often individuals who have lived outside of Russia for many years, with many being educated in the United States.
As the Plaza continues to represent both luxury and complex histories, its latest transactions highlight the ever-evolving nature of high-end real estate in a turbulent world.
image source from：https://nypost.com/2025/05/27/real-estate/vladimir-stolyarenko-bought-valery-kogans-plaza-home/
