The tree-lined cul-de-sac of East 72nd Street – between Sotheby’s headquarters on York Ave and the cobbled East River overlook – is one of those special enclaves in Manhattan that seems a world away, yet only a stone’s throw away from the action. On the north side of the very end, you’ll find four connected antique brick townhouses – 527-541 East 72nd Street, which were gutted, redesigned, and the bricks painted flat black in late 1930’s. Stylish then, and now a well-established residential co-op, often referred to as "The Black and Whites” due to now-iconic black brick, white trim, and red door facades.

Over the years, apartments have been combined and modified, and the co-op has housed many distinguished residents. Notably, soon after The Paris Review moved its operations there in 1973, it became a hub for many of New York’s illustrious literati. Apartment 3B has been primarily used as a writer’s cottage by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Offered for the first time in decades, it offers an imposing 24-foot studio space with four gloriously large south-facing windows.

It is warm, atmospheric, and brimming with intellectual history. There coveted details such as high 9-foot ceilings, a classical wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and an oblique view of the East River. Configured as a private work environment, there are two walls of built-in bookcases, an alcove for files, and multiple closets.

The galley kitchen features a Gaggenau oven, gas cooktop, GE dishwasher, a brand-new fridge, and a lovely terracotta-tiled floor. The adjacent dining area has an interior-facing window, and there is a windowed, marble-tiled full bath with tub/shower. The four large windows in the Great Room are retro-fitted with interior city-windows for extra sound-proofing and increased concentration.

There is a discreet window a/c. If desired, the apartment could easily reconfigure to a one-bedroom layout. The 72 River Tenant’s Corporation, incorporated in 1972, is a non-doorman, non-elevator building with convenient key fob entry. Apartment 3B is only two short flights up. Overall, in the four buildings, there are 43 residential apartments, serviced by a skilled live-in building manager who will accept resident’s packages.

There’s also a bike room and central laundry room. Pied a terres, washer/dryers, and pets are allowed. Generous 75% financing is permitted, and there is a 3% flip tax.

Basement storage bins, when available, can be rented.

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