541 E 72ND Street #2/3
MLS® #RLS20016616
Listing by Douglas Elliman Real Estate
5
Bedrooms
7.5
Baths
4,700
Sq. Ft.
1894
Year Built
Quick Summary
Property Highlights
- Views: River
- Exposure: East,North,South facing
- Fireplace: 3 fireplaces
Property Details
Description
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.
Features & Amenities
Interior Features
Exterior Features
Building Amenities
Appliances
Building Information
Financial Details
About Lenox Hill
View All Lenox Hill ListingsLenox Hill offers a sophisticated blend of residential tranquility and cosmopolitan convenience. As one of the most coveted sections of the Upper East Side, the neighborhood is defined by its proximity to Central Park, world-class medical institutions, and the high-end boutiques of Madison Avenue. The housing stock here is wide-ranging, from palatial pre-war cooperatives to sleek, modern condominiums that offer sweeping views of the East River and the city skyline.
Lenox Hill Live Market Data
View NeighborhoodActive Listings
583
Median Asking Price
$1.34M
Median $/Sqft
$1,359
Avg Days on Market
N/A
New This Week
36
Price Reduced
37%
Sold (30 Days)
72
Median Sale Price
$1.65M
Live data from RLS at REBNY • Updated 3/20/26, 5:11 AM EST
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Location
541 E 72ND Street #2/3, Lenox Hill, New York County
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Listing Courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Whitney Mogavero
Listing Contact: (917) 204-7831
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RLS Data display by Keller Williams NYC. Data last updated on 3/20/2026 at 9:11 AM UTC