$4,600,000
Updated 16 days ago
Sold

541 East 72nd Street, 2AB/3AB

Upper East Side, Manhattan | York Ave & East River Drive

11 Rooms5 Beds6.5 Baths4,700 Square FeetCo-op

$4,600,000
Maintenance$11,621
Price Per SF
$979

Listing Features

  • Abundant Closets
  • Combined Apartment
  • Corner Apartment
  • Crown Moldings
  • Dressing Area
  • Duplex
  • Entry Foyer
  • High Ceilings [9']
  • Home Office
  • Laundry Room
  • Library / Den
  • Media Room
  • Original Details
  • Recessed Lighting
  • Separate Dining Area
  • Split Bedrooms
  • Storage Closet
  • Walk-in Closet
  • Washer / Dryer
  • WBFP
  • Adjoining Pantry
  • Dishwasher
  • Eat-in Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • S Steel Appliances
  • Windowed Kitchen
  • En Suite Bathroom
  • Powder Room
  • Soaking Tub
  • Stall Shower

Outdoor space and views

  • East River
  • East Exposure
  • North Exposure
  • South Exposure
  • West Exposure

Building Amenities

  • Voice Intercom
  • Bike Storage
  • Laundry Room
  • Storage

Policies

  • Pets Allowed
  • Pieds A Terre Ok

Property Description for 541 East 72nd Street, 2AB/3AB

INCREDIBLE RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a sprawling 4,700 square foot 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath duplex for under $5 million! MUST SEE this country house in the city featuring large-scale rooms, a magnificent mahogany staircase, air-conditioning throughout, beautiful hardwood floors, and custom soundproof glazed windows. Additional features include prewar character and charm, 9- foot ceilings, original inlaid fireplace surrounds, ornate wooden mantles, crown moldings, and numerous light-filled windows overlooking the majestic East River. From both floors, there are spectacular waterfront views spanning 60-feet corner to corner!

An elegant entry foyer and powder room lead to a grand sunlit double living room with stunning water views and two wood-burning fireplaces. On the north facing side of the apartment is an open concept kitchen / dining area connected to a butler's pantry perfect for informal gatherings or formal entertaining. Traditional kitchen includes a FiveStar range and hood, Bosch appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and two refrigerated beverage drawers. The spacious second floor includes four additional bedrooms, three of which have ensuite baths. A luxurious wood paneled study off the top of the staircase opens to a large den including a third wood-burning fireplace. From there, enjoy your very own full-sized laundry room! Sunlight and serene river views create a private sanctuary nestled above the iron street lamps and tree-lined cobblestones of this famed 72nd Street cul-de-sac.

Full of storied history, this legendary piece of New York City is the former residence of renowned journalist, writer, and Editor of The Paris Review, George Plimpton. Owned by the Plimpton family for nearly 60 years, the home has hosted iconic parties for New York's literary elite and Society including the likes of Truman Capote, Paul McCartney, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It is located in a series of row houses known as "The Black and Whites," with their high-gloss red lacquer doors and distinctive two-tone exteriors.

541 East 72nd Street is an established pet-friendly Coop with four connected buildings and a live-in Superintendent / Resident Manager who handles daily package deliveries. The 541 building has 5 floors with 2 units per floor (A & B), some of which have been combined. This duplex is the combination of 4 units spanning the entire 2nd and 3rd floors. In total, there are 7 units in the 541 building. The other 3 buildings all have A, B, C, & D units, so are larger than 541. A full time-handyman assists the live-in Super and the Coop has a bike room and parking garage located directly behind the buildings. Its location is walking distance to numerous Upper East Side schools, as well as the 72nd Street Subway Station and Q train. Residents enjoy not only privacy and anonymity, but secure access through double doors and key fob entry, as well as a video intercom system. "The Black and Whites" provide a unique and charming escape from the daily hustle and bustle of city life with their peaceful waterfront location and quaint little nook on the Upper East Side.

Please note the home is currently empty as seen in the unfurnished photographs. Included are previously furnished pictures.

THE OWNER ALSO OWNS A FIRST FLOOR STUDIO APARTMENT THAT IS NOW BEING OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED AS PART OF A SALES TRANSACTION FOR BOTH APARTMENTS.


Listing History for 541 East 72nd Street, 2AB/3AB

Now
08/06/2026
$4,600,000
Sold and Closed by Whitney Mogavero
Douglas Elliman
04/10/2026
Contract Signed by Whitney Mogavero
Douglas Elliman

Building Details for 541 East 72nd Street

OwnershipCo-op
Building TypeLow-Rise
Service LevelVoice Intercom
AgePre-War
AccessWalk-up
Year Built1894
Financing Allowed75%
Floors/Apts5/8
Learn More About the Building

Transit and Citi Bike

Subway

72 St
0.41 miles

Citi Bike

E 72 St & York Ave
0.11 miles

Contact Agents

Contact Agents

Whitney Mogavero
Douglas Elliman
Licensed As
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Salesperson
License#:
10401255296
Company:
Douglas Elliman
Lisa Gustin
Douglas Elliman

Upper East Side | Manhattan

Quick Profile

Exuding a cosmopolitan, refined air that is reminiscent of Paris or other European cities, the Upper East Side (the UES, to local cognoscenti) has a reputation as being a bastion of wealth and privilege. Even though it was built by American “royalty” families like the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts, Kennedys, Carnegies and Rockefellers, whose elaborate mansions once anchored Fifth Avenue, there are affordable housing options throughout the neighborhood. The further east you move, away from Central Park and the more commercial avenues, the more likely you are to find quiet, tree-lined streets with historic townhouses and brownstones. Keep your eye out for reasonably priced apartments in pre-war low-rise and even a few high-rise buildings.

With abundant, beautifully landscaped green spaces, including the oasis of Central Park acting like a backyard, the area is quiet and lushly green. You can relax and unwind in John Jay Park, Carl Schurz Park or take a stroll along the East River Promenade. The whole neighborhood seems isolated from the workaday chaos of the city at large. Add to that the history of the neighborhood and the abundance of cultural institutions, and you have a uniquely welcoming neighborhood.

Known for its abundance of high-end retail shopping, especially on Madison Avenue, the Upper East Side is host to the Barneys New York flagship department store. Here you can find upscale goods, fashion and home decor items. You will also find the edgy runway-inspired Alexander McQueen collections. If you are dying to treat your feet to red-soled opulence, be sure to visit the Christian Louboutin boutique. These are only a small sampling of this high-end shopper’s paradise that features everything from designer boutiques that offer the ultimate in haute couture to resale shops where you can find last season’s best on sale at hefty discounts .

There are many unique dining experiences, from fine dining to the casual bite-on-the-go, awaiting you in the UES. Sushi is going through a renaissance in the city, and the best omakase-style sushi can be found at Sasabune on E 73rd Street. Omakase sushi means that you leave the choice of ingredients, preparation method and presentation to the chef. Elegant French cuisine can be experienced at JoJo, E 64th Street, housed in gorgeous townhouse. Just for fun, visit the Lexington Candy Shop on Lexington Avenue, to get a taste of an old-fashioned soda fountain.

All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer.
OLR ID: 1747985