541 E 72ND Street Unit 2/3, New York, NY 10021

$5,250,000

Welcome to a legendary piece of New York City. Rarely does an opportunity steeped in such a storied history present itself. The former residence of renowned journalist, writer, and longtime editor, George Plimpton, is now primed for its next chapter after nearly sixty years in the Plimpton family. This sprawling… Read More 4,700 square foot Upper East Side duplex has not only hosted legendary parties to the Who's Who of the literary elite and society, but also housed the offices of celebrated literary journal, The Paris Review, which Plimpton co-founded in the 1950s. In its first five years, The Paris Review published new works by Jack Kerouac, Philip Roth and Samuel Beckett, and its Writers at Work series included interviews with great 20th century American authors such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Robert Frost. These glamorous and iconic parties drew the likes of Truman Capote, Paul McCartney, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to name a few. Other famous friends and neighbors included Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Robert F. Kennedy, and Warren Beatty. This unique home is an institution in itself, a cultural mecca located on famed 72nd Street in a series of row houses known as The Black and Whites, with their distinctive two-tone exteriors, high-gloss red lacquer front doors, and a quiet cobblestone cul-de-sac lined with iron streetlamps and a tree-lined terrace overlooking the East River. Described as a country house in the city, the sprawling 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath duplex residence has it all including large-scale rooms, air-conditioning throughout, custom soundproofed glazed windows, beautiful hardwood floors, and charming historical elements like inlaid tile fireplace surrounds, original ornate wooden mantles, and numerous light-filled windows overlooking the East River. From both floors, there are spectacular waterfront views spanning approximately 60 feet across the entire apartment corner to corner. With 40 windows throughout and 9-foot ceilings, this expansive space is full of light and life, ready to explore. Through the front door is an entry foyer and elegant powder room to greet you and your guests. Steps down 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 a charming kitchen with a FiveStar range and hood, Bosch appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Caesarstone countertops, as well as an informal dining area and butler's pantry with two refrigerated beverage drawers perfect for entertaining. Off the second living room, which formerly hosted an infamous pool table, is a separate and private primary suite with walk-in closets and a renovated ensuite bathroom. Then up the handsome staircase with its stately wooden banister is an expansive second floor and four additional bedrooms, three of which have ensuite baths. A luxurious wood paneled study is off the top of the stairs leading to a large den with another wood-burning fireplace. An additional second floor corner primary suite feels like a sanctuary with its serene river views, custom built-ins, large walk-in closet, and ensuite bathroom. A full-sized laundry room completes the second floor. 541 East 72nd Street is an established pet-friendly coop with a live-in Superintendent / Resident Manager who handles package deliveries, a full time-handyman, a bike room and storage rooms. A parking garage is located directly around the back of the building. Its location is walking distance to numerous Upper East Side schools, as well as the Q train at the 72nd Street Subway Station. Residents enjoy not only anonymity and privacy, but also secured access through double doors, key fob entry, and a video intercom system. The Black and Whites provide a welcome escape from the daily hustle and bustle of busy city life with their peaceful waterfront location and quaint cobblestone nook on the Upper East Side. Please note the home is currently empty as seen in the unfurnished photos Read Less

Listing Courtesy of: Whitney Mogavero, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Listing Snapshot

Days Online

111

Last Updated

Aug 5, 2025

Property Type

Duplex

Beds

Full Baths

Partial Baths

Year Built

1894

MLS Number

RLS20016616

30 Days Snapshot Of 10021

$2.53M

+51%

(avg) sold price

-13%

homes sold

131

+28%

(avg) days on market

Snapshot

Area Map

Additional Details

Building

Entry Level: 2, Living Area Units: SquareFeet, Name: The Black & Whites, Rooms Total: 11

Exterior Features

Patio And Porch Features: None

Property

Property Sub Type: Duplex, View YN: t, View: River

Taxes

Tax Block: 01484, Tax Lot: 0024

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541 E 72ND Street Unit 2/3

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