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Historic charm meets modern luxury
Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a remarkable duplex once inhabited by literary icon George Plimpton is now on the market for $5.25 million. This expansive 4,700-square-foot residence at 541 E.
72nd St. is not just a home; it’s a piece of New York’s rich cultural tapestry. Plimpton, co-founder of the renowned Paris Review, and his wife, Sarah Dudley Plimpton, called this place home for nearly six decades, hosting an array of literary and artistic luminaries.
A cultural hub for the elite
The duplex, nestled among the distinctive “Black and Whites” row houses, boasts five bedrooms and 6.5 baths, all while overlooking the serene East River. Originally built in 1894, the property underwent a transformation in the 1930s, evolving from working-class tenements to elegant residences that attracted Manhattan’s elite.
“By the 1920s, it became fashionable to live along the East River,” says Lisa Gustin of Douglas Elliman, who is representing the listing alongside Whitney Mogavero.
As you step inside, the home’s historic character is palpable. Three fireplaces, adorned with mahogany mantels and intricate tilework, serve as anchors to the space.
Yet, the residence has been updated with modern amenities, including soundproofed windows and ductless air conditioning, ensuring comfort without sacrificing its storied past.
Legendary gatherings and literary history
This duplex was not just a residence; it was a stage for legendary gatherings.
“The duplex has been the site of legendary parties back in the day, which drew the likes of Truman Capote, Paul McCartney, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,” Mogavero recalls. The walls of this home have witnessed the creative sparks of literary giants, with the Paris Review publishing early works by Jack Kerouac and Philip Roth from its very rooms.
As Sarah Plimpton relocates to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the decision to sell this iconic residence marks the end of an era. “Their children are all grown and out of the home, so this iconic residence is now ready for its next chapter,” Gustin explains. The legacy of George Plimpton lives on in this remarkable space, waiting for a new owner to continue its story.
