While some celebrities proudly display their decor and awards to draw attention to the listings they're trying to sell, other high-profile figures prefer to navigate the real estate market more discreetly by way of shielding their purchases through LLCs and seeking out whisper listings. Indeed, The Wall Street Journal noted that many of the top sales of 2021 took place out of the public eye with no public listing associated with them. This includes some of February 2022's most notable celebrity deals. Find a rundown of the ten such transactions below.
In this article:
David and Julia Koch - Listed for $60,000,000
David and Julia Koch via Wiki Commons; 740 Park Avenue via CityRealty
740 Park Avenue has been dubbed the “tower of power” for its influential residents, which have included John D. Rockefeller Jr., Stephen Schwarzman, and David Koch. Following Mr. Koch’s death in 2019, his widow, philanthropist Julia Koch, has been spending more time at her homes in Southampton and Palm Beach. As such, The Wall Street Journal revealed that she is quietly shopping their 18-room duplex.
740 Park Avenue has 2 available listings from $15.9M.
Jon Bon Jovi - Entered contract with asking price of $22,000,000
As Bon Jovi hits the road in a few weeks for a spring tour, lead singer Jon Bon Jovi will depart with one less thing on his mind: Shortly after he listed his corner condo in The Greenwich Lane for $22 million, the apartment entered contract. The Wall Street Journal reported that he bought the apartment from the sponsor in June 2017, paying $18,940,564 for it.
The Greenwich Lane has 1 available listing for rent for $13,950/month.
Peter Brant and Stephanie Seymour - Purchased for $20,000,000
Stephanie Seymour and Peter Brant via Flickr - Child Mind Institute;67-69 East 93rd Street (Compass)
Power couple Peter Brant and Stephanie Seymour are known for their art collection, and have just picked up two more masterpieces: Property records reveal that they bought a pair of Upper East Side townhouses, and the New York Post reveals that the homes are rich in original details like soaring ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, original marble floors, an original Otis elevator, and hidden doors.
From the Listing:
Offered for sale for the first time together are two sophisticated and landmarked townhouses designed by the renowned architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich, and once owned by prominent businessmen George F. Baker, Jr. (who built the houses in 1929 and 1931) and later by DLJ co-founder, Richard H. Jenrette, the noted preservationist. Delano & Aldrich were the leading architects for New York's elite during the first three decades of the 20th century, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, and Whitneys. Intact urban residences by the firm are exceedingly rare, many that survive having been converted to institutional use.
Perfectly preserved, with spectacular proportions and original architectural details, fixtures and fittings, the houses include a double-height five-car parking garage - one of the largest private residential garages in the city - a majestic garden-facing classical colonnade, and elegant interior details like a stunning round staircase and an oval dining room.
67 and 69 East 93rd Street capture the essence of a timeless era and a gracious urban lifestyle. This is the rarest opportunity to purchase an important part of New York City's architectural and social history - and yet, the houses together are as relevant and desirable to a twenty-first century buyer wanting the finest New York City residence, as they were to the original family that built them.
Offered for sale for the first time together are two sophisticated and landmarked townhouses designed by the renowned architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich, and once owned by prominent businessmen George F. Baker, Jr. (who built the houses in 1929 and 1931) and later by DLJ co-founder, Richard H. Jenrette, the noted preservationist. Delano & Aldrich were the leading architects for New York's elite during the first three decades of the 20th century, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, and Whitneys. Intact urban residences by the firm are exceedingly rare, many that survive having been converted to institutional use.
Perfectly preserved, with spectacular proportions and original architectural details, fixtures and fittings, the houses include a double-height five-car parking garage - one of the largest private residential garages in the city - a majestic garden-facing classical colonnade, and elegant interior details like a stunning round staircase and an oval dining room.
67 and 69 East 93rd Street capture the essence of a timeless era and a gracious urban lifestyle. This is the rarest opportunity to purchase an important part of New York City's architectural and social history - and yet, the houses together are as relevant and desirable to a twenty-first century buyer wanting the finest New York City residence, as they were to the original family that built them.
Norman Lear - Sold for $17,500,000
Images of 15 CPW, #36B, an identically-sized unit two floors below Norman Lear's former home. (Images via Corcoran)
Acclaimed television producer Norman Lear and his wife were among the original buyers in 15 Central Park West, having paid $10 million for their two-bedroom apartment in 2008. More recently, The Real Deal revealed that the apartment closed for $17.5 million in an off-market deal. Talk about “moving on up”!
15 Central Park West has 10 available listings from $4.5M.
Lee Bollinger - Purchased for $11,700,000
Lee Bollinger via Flickr - Barnard Communications, The Beresford #10F
Columbia University president Lee Bollinger has overseen the Ivy League school’s expansion into Manhattanville, but his personal tastes lean towards Central Park West: He and his wife, Jean Magnano Bollinger, recently purchased an apartment in landmarked building The Beresford. The Real Deal observes that the building is about a 40-minute walk from the main Columbia University campus.
From the Listing:
211 Central Park West 10F is an exquisite museum-quality three-bedroom residence. Idyllically situated on the 10th floor, the home overlooks Central Park treetops and offers expansive views of the illustrious park.
Designed architecturally and decoratively by world-renowned architect, Alan Wanzenberg, the residence is currently configured as a two-bedroom plus staff suite. As one comes off the semi-private landing, one enters the home through a generous foyer and grand living room with an elegant marble-mantled wood-burning fireplace. Adjacent is the library with custom-shelving and a discreet bar with hidden under-counter refrigerator drawers. Beautiful satinwood paneling and bronze metal trim surrounds these spaces delivering a soft warmness to this impeccable home.
211 Central Park West 10F is an exquisite museum-quality three-bedroom residence. Idyllically situated on the 10th floor, the home overlooks Central Park treetops and offers expansive views of the illustrious park.
Designed architecturally and decoratively by world-renowned architect, Alan Wanzenberg, the residence is currently configured as a two-bedroom plus staff suite. As one comes off the semi-private landing, one enters the home through a generous foyer and grand living room with an elegant marble-mantled wood-burning fireplace. Adjacent is the library with custom-shelving and a discreet bar with hidden under-counter refrigerator drawers. Beautiful satinwood paneling and bronze metal trim surrounds these spaces delivering a soft warmness to this impeccable home.
The Beresford has 4 available listings from $5.5M.
Michael Steinhardt - Sold for $11,400,000
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At the end of 2021, hedge fund manager Michael Steinhardt generated headlines when he surrendered 180 stolen artifacts, which will be returned to their native countries. The sale of his Fifth Avenue penthouse took place more quietly - only The Real Deal reported on the sale, announcing that he had sold it to real estate investor Gregory Olafson.
From the Listing:
Enjoy breathtaking direct Central Park and city skyline views from almost every room of this rare and extraordinary Fifth Avenue penthouse triplex offering. Regally proportioned and beautifully appointed, this elegant home commands an unparalleled position overlooking the full expanse of Central Park and its Jackie Onassis Reservoir, as well as a spectacular entertaining terrace for lavish indoor and outdoor living.
Enter through a grand gallery adorned by an architectural wrought iron central staircase and be drawn into the heart of this exceptional home. On its first floor, a massive corner living room sits perfectly alongside a large formal dining room. Huge picture windows along Fifth Avenue run the entirety of the western wall and wrap to the south, bathing the room in natural sunlight and drawing in stunning views over Central Park, with its glorious Reservoir at your feet and the skyline of the West Side beyond.
Enjoy breathtaking direct Central Park and city skyline views from almost every room of this rare and extraordinary Fifth Avenue penthouse triplex offering. Regally proportioned and beautifully appointed, this elegant home commands an unparalleled position overlooking the full expanse of Central Park and its Jackie Onassis Reservoir, as well as a spectacular entertaining terrace for lavish indoor and outdoor living.
Enter through a grand gallery adorned by an architectural wrought iron central staircase and be drawn into the heart of this exceptional home. On its first floor, a massive corner living room sits perfectly alongside a large formal dining room. Huge picture windows along Fifth Avenue run the entirety of the western wall and wrap to the south, bathing the room in natural sunlight and drawing in stunning views over Central Park, with its glorious Reservoir at your feet and the skyline of the West Side beyond.
Paul McCartney - Sold for $8,500,000
Photo of 1045 Fifth Avenue via CORE Real Estate
Some would think that a Fifth Avenue penthouse with direct Central Park views and private terraces, and once owned by a Beatle to boot, would demand top dollar. However, on announcing the unit's sale, The Wall Street Journal noted that Paul McCartney and wife Nancy Shevell (not pictured) sold their apartment for approximately 45 percent less than they paid for it in 2015.
From the listing:
Direct views of Central Park are mesmerizing throughout this exceptional duplex penthouse. Situated above the tree line, the residence comprises the 15th and 16th floors, with additional space on the 17th floor. Each floor is graced with dazzling western views through 40 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows with glassed terraces directly overlooking Central Park. The view encompasses the Jacqueline Onassis reservoir with the carpet of Central Park's plush greenery laid out at your feet and continues south and north as far as the eye can see. The breathtaking views are matched only by the open and generous interior space which is a clean palate awaiting your vision.
Direct views of Central Park are mesmerizing throughout this exceptional duplex penthouse. Situated above the tree line, the residence comprises the 15th and 16th floors, with additional space on the 17th floor. Each floor is graced with dazzling western views through 40 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows with glassed terraces directly overlooking Central Park. The view encompasses the Jacqueline Onassis reservoir with the carpet of Central Park's plush greenery laid out at your feet and continues south and north as far as the eye can see. The breathtaking views are matched only by the open and generous interior space which is a clean palate awaiting your vision.
Nathan Lane - Sold for $4,275,000
Between his celebrated Broadway career and recent acclaimed turns on Only Murders in the Building and The Gilded Age, Nathan Lane is a quintessential New York actor. It’s hard to imagine him saying good-bye to the city, but his Tribeca apartment sold just over six months after he listed it in June 2021. The New York Post announced the sale and noted that it came in under the original listing price of $4.65 million.
From the Listing:
Located in the famed Merchant's House Condominium on Tribeca's coveted Gold Coast, this stunning 2,757-square-foot home was designed by acclaimed AD100 Designer William Sofield with meticulous attention to detail. Sofield has transformed this loft style residence into a livable work of art by implementing unexpected materials thereby creating a warm yet chic aesthetic. The main level encompasses a gracious open space with soaring 15' ceilings that comfortably accommodates living, dining, kitchen and a cozy home entertainment alcove.
Anchored by a stunning wood burning fireplace with a custom handcrafted stone surround and brick hearth, this Arts & Crafts style residence displays Sofield's dedication to artisanal craftsmanship and ingenuity. A grand winding staircase transports you to the generously proportioned primary suite with a five piece bath that includes a steam shower. The lower level of the triplex houses a secondary bedroom suite providing complete privacy for guests, children or a full time work space.
Located in the famed Merchant's House Condominium on Tribeca's coveted Gold Coast, this stunning 2,757-square-foot home was designed by acclaimed AD100 Designer William Sofield with meticulous attention to detail. Sofield has transformed this loft style residence into a livable work of art by implementing unexpected materials thereby creating a warm yet chic aesthetic. The main level encompasses a gracious open space with soaring 15' ceilings that comfortably accommodates living, dining, kitchen and a cozy home entertainment alcove.
Anchored by a stunning wood burning fireplace with a custom handcrafted stone surround and brick hearth, this Arts & Crafts style residence displays Sofield's dedication to artisanal craftsmanship and ingenuity. A grand winding staircase transports you to the generously proportioned primary suite with a five piece bath that includes a steam shower. The lower level of the triplex houses a secondary bedroom suite providing complete privacy for guests, children or a full time work space.
Dorinda Medley - Listed for $2,495,000
Dorinda Medley via Flickr - Socially Superlative
In August 2020, Dorinda Medley was dropped from Real Housewives of New York. Since then, she has spent much of her time at her custom-designed house in the Berkshires, but has held onto an Upper East Side apartment. The New York Post notes that she would occasionally rent it out while she was away, but has recently decided to list it.
From the Listing:
Glamourous Jewel. Absolute perfection. Decorator done amazing meticulous and extensive renovation just completed. Located in one of the most prestigious addresses on the Upper East Side. This truly one of a kind home offers soaring loft-like 14-foot ceilings with oversized windows, huge closet space, winged bedrooms. Sunny open great views. Renovations include brand new lavishly done bathrooms with designer fixtures, beautiful new hardwood floors throughout and a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line Bosch stainless steel appliances and washer and dryer.
Park Avenue Court has 5 available listings from $2.5M.
Glamourous Jewel. Absolute perfection. Decorator done amazing meticulous and extensive renovation just completed. Located in one of the most prestigious addresses on the Upper East Side. This truly one of a kind home offers soaring loft-like 14-foot ceilings with oversized windows, huge closet space, winged bedrooms. Sunny open great views. Renovations include brand new lavishly done bathrooms with designer fixtures, beautiful new hardwood floors throughout and a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line Bosch stainless steel appliances and washer and dryer.
Park Avenue Court has 5 available listings from $2.5M.
Anthony Rapp - Sold for $2,050,000
All images of 1 Bond Street, #2A via Sotheby's International Realty, Inc.
Following his role in the original cast of Rent, stage and screen actor Anthony Rapp bought a Noho loft that was a far cry from his fictional residence - features include a chef-caliber kitchen, custom built-ins, and a home office with a reading nook. It took far fewer than “525,600 minutes” for him to sell the apartment following a move to a larger East Village apartment - the New York Post announced that it sold after only 12 days on the market, and for over the asking price.
From the Listing:
Located on prime Bond Street overlooking the cobble stone streets below, 1 Bond Street is an exclusive and iconic cast-iron pre-war condo, a rare find. Freedom of movement abounds the ~1,250 square feet with refinished original knotted pine hardwood flooring throughout. Juxtaposed in a contemporary medium gray, strikingly ornamental restored tin ceilings adorned with cornices and accentuated by Corinthian columns soar over twelve and a half feet tall, highlighting the palatial proportions of this former factory floor. An enormously scaled living and dining room showcase the home's potential for hosting at more than eighteen by twenty-four feet. Anchored by a large industrial warehouse pendant, as a nod to the space's ancestry, the open plan kitchen is oriented to maximize storage space featuring warm textural granite countertops, Viking range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and custom mahogany cabinets with glass panel fronts and handmade custom metal drawer pulls.
Located on prime Bond Street overlooking the cobble stone streets below, 1 Bond Street is an exclusive and iconic cast-iron pre-war condo, a rare find. Freedom of movement abounds the ~1,250 square feet with refinished original knotted pine hardwood flooring throughout. Juxtaposed in a contemporary medium gray, strikingly ornamental restored tin ceilings adorned with cornices and accentuated by Corinthian columns soar over twelve and a half feet tall, highlighting the palatial proportions of this former factory floor. An enormously scaled living and dining room showcase the home's potential for hosting at more than eighteen by twenty-four feet. Anchored by a large industrial warehouse pendant, as a nod to the space's ancestry, the open plan kitchen is oriented to maximize storage space featuring warm textural granite countertops, Viking range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and custom mahogany cabinets with glass panel fronts and handmade custom metal drawer pulls.
Chevy Chase - Sold for $989,000
Chevy Chase via Flickr - tim cooney
In 2018, comedian Chevy Chase bought a Park Slope condo with his youngest daughter Emily for $912K. In the years that followed, she left the apartment to stay with her parents in Westchester at the height of the pandemic. The New York Post recently announced that she sold the apartment and used the proceeds to buy a house near her parents.
From the Listing:
Nestled in Park Slope between Grand Army Plaza and Barclays Center, this uniquely spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is an exemplar of contemporary Brooklyn living. Features of this 1,060-square-foot apartment include beautiful bamboo flooring, high ceilings, oversized windows, views of 1 World Trade Center and the Manhattan Skyline, western exposure, ample closet space, and an in-unit Bosch washer/dryer.
Residents enter into a welcoming foyer adorned with a pair of coat closets. Past the foyer, the home flows into a huge great room with plenty of space for distinctive living and dining areas. There is also a large alcove perfect for use as a home office nook. Just off the dining area is a pristine kitchen equipped with sleek stone countertops, custom cabinets, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The bedroom features a built-in reach-in closet and has easy access to a sizeable full bathroom with double sinks, stone tiles, and a Whirlpool soaking tub.
Park Place Condominiums has 1 available listing for $950K.
Nestled in Park Slope between Grand Army Plaza and Barclays Center, this uniquely spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is an exemplar of contemporary Brooklyn living. Features of this 1,060-square-foot apartment include beautiful bamboo flooring, high ceilings, oversized windows, views of 1 World Trade Center and the Manhattan Skyline, western exposure, ample closet space, and an in-unit Bosch washer/dryer.
Residents enter into a welcoming foyer adorned with a pair of coat closets. Past the foyer, the home flows into a huge great room with plenty of space for distinctive living and dining areas. There is also a large alcove perfect for use as a home office nook. Just off the dining area is a pristine kitchen equipped with sleek stone countertops, custom cabinets, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The bedroom features a built-in reach-in closet and has easy access to a sizeable full bathroom with double sinks, stone tiles, and a Whirlpool soaking tub.
Park Place Condominiums has 1 available listing for $950K.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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