‘Where there’s muck there’s brass’ is a 20th century expression which originated in Yorkshire, England where brass is still used as a slang term for money.  By ‘muck’ any form of dirt or manure may be implied, depending on context.

Never was this saying more true than in the case of Russian fertiliser magnate Dmitry Rybolovlev – said to be the world’s 93rd richest man – who spent $88m (£56m) buying a Central Park West pad, a lavish New York penthouse with panoramic views of Central Park which has become the most expensive apartment ever sold in the city.

It also brings new meaning to the words “student flat” as it is thought he has purchased this property for his 22 year old daughter Ekaterina!!!

The penthouse stands at the top of 15 Central Park West, a landmark building designed by architect Robert Stern and boasts a custom-made oval bedroom, a library, gallery, chef’s kitchen and a 2,100 sq ft (195 sq m) terrace running along three sides of the building.

Sold by high-end New York real estate agents Brown Harris Stevens, the apartment is expected to net the broker a commission of $3.5m, according to the Wall Street Journal.

However, the apartment is not even thought to be the most expensive US property in Mr Rybolovlev’s portfolio.  He is said to have paid closer to $100m for an investment property in Palm Beach, Florida in 2011.

The type of fertiliser that Mr Rybolovlev works with has not been reported but it’s probably safe to say he has most certainly come up smelling of roses!!!