One for the books: Beautiful apartment listings with built-in shelving from $450K

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, April 23, 2024

27 West 67th Street, #FW (Sotheby's International Realty)

World Book Day celebrations take place all over the world on April 23, but there may be no better place for it than New York City. Not only is the city home to major publishing houses, but more than one public library has been declared a New York City Landmark – the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library come immediately to mind.

Moreover, even in the wake of ebooks’ continued popularity, physical bookstores remain in high demand. Tribeca residents lamented the closing of their Barnes and Noble in January 2024, but the national chain has reopened on the Upper East Side and given its Upper West Side outpost a makeover. Meanwhile, Soho mainstay McNally Jackson now has five locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the city has welcomed independent bookstores like P&T Knitwear, The Ripped Bodice, La Joie de Vivre, Bibliotheque, and Book Club Bar over the past few years, which serve as local hot spots and tourist destinations alike.

Of course, the question of what to do with all one’s books is a tricky one for many New Yorkers to answer, as physical books have a way of eating into precious apartment storage space. However, built-in bookshelves offer a way around that. They were a popular prewar feature and remain popular with today’s buyers.

Below, we look at beautiful apartment listings throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn with built-in bookshelves that are also ideal for displaying other mementos. We also offer recommendations for New York City-set books to fill them.

Valuing the homes of Harriet the Spy, Stuart Little, and other children's book characters

41 Jane Street, #4C
$450,000 (-5.3%)

West Village | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

41 Jane Street, #4C (Compass)

From the Listing: This sweet sunny studio is adorned with exposed brick, high beamed ceilings, floor to ceiling bookshelves and a wood-burning fireplace! A custom Murphy bed is the perfect addition to the space, functioning as a table or desk by day and a short queen-sized bed at night. The kitchen and bathroom are both in nice condition as well. Whether you are looking for your very first home with super-low maintenance or a fabulous pied-a-terre, this gem is ready for you. See floor plan and full details here.

205 MacDougal Street, #4B
$595,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 698 ft²

205 MacDougal Street, #4B (Compass)

From the Listing: Situated in the historic Ocean Hill area, this top-floor unit perfectly combines contemporary comfort with the distinct charm of Brooklyn. The spacious interior is awash with natural light, highlighting the well-appointed kitchen. The open-concept living area is thoughtfully arranged to include a dining space and comes with attractive, fixed bookshelves for personal collections. A standout feature is the charming terrace, accessible from the living room which offers ample space for outdoor dining, a small garden, and relaxation. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: Brooklyn, by Colm Toibin

175 East 79th Street, #1D
$725,000 (-3.3%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

175 East 79th Street, #1D (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter this elegant apartment through a proper foyer to the expansive living/dining room with custom built-ins, fireplace and large casement windows. Both the living/dining room and bedroom have northern exposures and through-the-wall air conditioning. The large, tranquil bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and generous sized closets. See floor plan and full details here.

Gracie Gardens, #3D
$795,000 (-5.9%)

Yorkville | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Gracie Gardens, #3D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Upon entering the gracious foyer of this sprawling two-bedroom, one bath coop plus home office, you will be greeted with soft northern sunlight and lovely tree-top views of Asphalt Green and a peak of the East River. Custom built-in bookshelves, cabinetry, and a deep coat closet perfectly complement the entry foyer. With over 22' in length, the Great Room has ample space for a comfortable dining area without the need to compromise on living space. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton

Boerum Court, #11D
$998,000

Boerum Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

Boerum Court, #11D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: With soaring 12' ceilings and enormous windows, this gracious and airy 1-bedroom + den (used as a 2-bedroom), 1.5-bathroom home in Downtown Brooklyn offers the space and appeal of a pre-war loft mixed with the comfort of modern conveniences. The thoughtfully updated and beautifully maintained home features an open-concept kitchen and great room, a king-sized primary bedroom with plenty of space for extra furniture, a large home office/den that can be utilized as a second bedroom, a powder room, a plethora of storage, and an abundance of natural light. Other features include new, custom-built floor-to-ceiling closets in the foyer as well as the primary bedroom and three full walls of elegantly designed bookshelves. See floor plan and full details here.

Southgate, #8A
$1,450,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Southgate, #8A (Compass)

From the Listing: This coveted A-line split bedroom floor plan combines pre-war details with modern living and is move-in ready. The large dining gallery with built-in banquette is flanked by custom bookshelves and perfectly situated next to the kitchen and enormous 23-foot living room. A south-facing recently renovated windowed kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the line Bertazzoni appliances. Monthly maintenance includes electricity. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: Metropolitan Life, by Fran Lebowitz

Manhattan House, #E1601
$1,795,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,134 ft²

Manhattan House, #E1601 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Mint condition Manhattan House condominium is distinguished by large, custom closets with cubbies, drawers and shelves; a light and airy great room for entertaining and dining; built-in home office with generous size desk, glass cabinets, filing drawers, bookshelves and pin-board; and custom designed lighting throughout. Offered for sale by its original owner, enjoy their capital improvements in this turnkey move-in condo, awaiting your personal imprint. See floor plan and full details here.

The Residence on Madison, #2A
$2,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,350 ft²

The Residence on Madison, #2A (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Spanning approximately 1,350 square feet, this opulent duplex home showcases a seamless blend of sophisticated design and lavish amenities, ideal for both entertaining and upscale living. With oversized ceilings, rich hardwood floors, expansive windows, central air conditioning controlled by a Nest thermostat, and bespoke Lutron lighting throughout. Enter through the semi-private elevator landing into the grand sunken living room, featuring a majestic ceiling, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves, and two oversized windows. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: Jazz, by Toni Morrison

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20 Plaza Street East, #D2
$1,995,000

Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,732 ft²

20 Plaza Street East, #D2 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: From the moment you enter this architect-designed home, you'll be captivated by the exquisitely-crafted design details. The open concept allows for clear sight lines from the welcoming foyer to the gracious living room, elegant dining room and show-stopping kitchen. Its many other features include wide-plank white oak floors, custom walnut mill work, solid pocket doors with sleek hardware, ingenious built-ins, custom lighting and a built-in sound system. See floor plan and full details here.

Smyth Upstairs, #11S
$2,699,000 (-9.9%)

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,513 ft²

85 West Broadway, #11S (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Upon entering Apartment 11S, one is immediately struck by the expansive corner Great Room comprised of a living room, dining room and open kitchen with walls of windows bringing in bright city views facing south, east, and west, that are equally stunning day and night. The comfortable corner living room has built-in bookshelves, and the separate windowed dining area is large enough for casual or formal meals, and can even be converted into a third bedroom, if desired. The beautifully designed Valcucine kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara

1010 Fifth Avenue, #11D
$2,995,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,850 ft²

1010 Fifth Avenue, #11D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Located in one of New York's finest cooperatives, this beautiful home, decorated in the Art Deco style, features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus an office/staff room with adjoining half-bathroom. The impressive and sunny, south-facing approximate 15' x 26' living room overlooks 82nd Street and is adorned with Venetian stucco walls, a silver-leafed beamed ceiling and a wood-burning fireplace framed by an Italian black marble mantle designed by Jed Johnson. The second bedroom, presently used as a den/guest room, has an abundance of bookshelves and opens to the living room through sliding pocket doors. Owner is also willing to sell this apartment furnished. See floor plan and full details here.

Butterfield House, #11C
$3,250,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Butterfield House, #11C (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This high-floor C-line at The Butterfield House boasts an open terrace and radiant light from the south and north. Its expansive living space, formal dining room and chef’s kitchen allows for elegant entertaining. The library/guest room has a large walk-in closet, custom bookshelves, desk, media area and sliding glass panels that open into the living space. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: Just Kids, by Patti Smith

The Century, #2Z
$3,299,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,320 ft²

The Century, #2Z (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This beautiful and classic Art Deco home offers exquisite charm with beautiful trim molding and major contemporary renovations. The welcoming entry foyer opens to a sweeping and large living room with decorative fireplace and tree-lined, quiet, street views. The second bedroom/home office includes a walk-in closet fitted with drawers and shelving and a built-in desk with many custom-made drawers and bookshelves including an additional built in Samsung TV. Electricity and gas are included in the common charges. See floor plan and full details here.

44 Walker Street, #3
$3,500,000

Tribeca | Condop | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

44 Walker Street, #3 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: History and luxury mingle to stunning effect in this classic gut-renovated full-floor loft located right in the heart of Tribeca's burgeoning gallery district! Step off the keyed-elevator to an expansive living/dining room with exposed brick walls, original pressed-tin ceilings and bright southern light through oversized windows. A wall of custom bookshelves define the media area, while nearby, a large built-in bar adds convenience, and houses two temperature-controlled wine refrigerators. Just beyond, you'll find the gorgeous state-of-the-art chef's kitchen anchored by an enormous center island. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: The Colossus of New York, by Colson Whitehead

27 West 67th Street, #FW
$3,675,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

27 West 67th Street, #FW (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter this sunny, renovated duplex through an elegant foyer with period oak wainscoting into the grandly-scaled Great Room where the 17’ barrel-vaulted ceilings and original stained glass window are certain to impress. A wood-burning fireplace and restored, hand-crafted chandeliers complement the natural light; bookshelves line the walls, providing space for objects d’art as well as large art canvases. The south-facing dining room has period oak paneling and is next to a cozy library, providing a perfect flow for entertaining with both formal and relaxed spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

The Holland Court, #14AC
$5,995,000 (-7.7%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

The Holland Court, #14AC (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Featured in House Beautiful, this high-floor residence is approximately 3,000 square feet and features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a powder room, with exceptionally grand rooms, exquisite finishes, fixtures, and decorative detail throughout. The south-facing living room features a wood-burning fireplace and multiple seating areas. Adjacent to the living room, the spacious and almost square dining room allows for a variety of different seating arrangements, and is furnished with custom lacquered bookshelves. A storage bin transfers with the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: When No One is Watching, by Alyssa Cole

447 East 57th Street, #15AB
$6,495,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

447 East 57th Street, #15AB (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This newly renovated apartment in a Rosario Candela building is filled with glorious light and views from four exposures and 22 windows. The private elevator landing opens to an elegant 16’ x 9’ entrance gallery with large walls for art, and leads to the public and private rooms. The large 26’ south facing living room is entered through mahogany double doors and offers a fireplace, herringbone floor, high ceiling, original moldings, and sunny south views. The handsome library is adjacent to the living room and features three large south-facing windows, glazed walls, and is lined with beautiful floor to ceiling custom bookshelves. See floor plan and full details here.

150 East 72nd Street, #5S
$9,995,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 4,175 ft²

150 East 72nd Street, #5S (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter this sun-flooded home from the private elevator landing into a gracious gallery. An oversized corner living room with exposures south and west features a wood-burning fireplace, high ceilings, and abundant light. An adjacent formal dining room, large enough for a table for twelve, also offers corner windows south and east overlooking lush garden views. Lastly, an exquisite library with custom bookshelves and sun-filled exposures serves as the ideal home office and completes this entertaining wing. See floor plan and full details here.

Book recommendation: Tell the Wolves I'm Home, by Carol Rifka Brunt

15 Central Park West, #15K
$14,950,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,500 ft²

15 Central Park West, #15K (Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC)

From the Listing: This once traditionally designed apartment has now been carefully crafted to look and feel like an elegant, understated loft. In the living and dining space, a bronze firebox is present for those nights at home when you just need the golden glow of a fire. The spacious primary bedroom has a treetop view of Central Park and connected office with full-height solid walnut doors, and built-in bookshelves and cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

Valuing the homes of Harriet the Spy, Stuart Little, and other children's book characters

41 Jane Street, #4C
$450,000 (-5.3%)

205 MacDougal Street, #4B
$595,000

175 East 79th Street, #1D
$725,000 (-3.3%)

Gracie Gardens, #3D
$795,000 (-5.9%)

Boerum Court, #11D
$998,000

Southgate, #8A
$1,450,000

Manhattan House, #E1601
$1,795,000

The Residence on Madison, #2A
$2,000,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

20 Plaza Street East, #D2
$1,995,000

Smyth Upstairs, #11S
$2,699,000 (-9.9%)

1010 Fifth Avenue, #11D
$2,995,000

Butterfield House, #11C
$3,250,000

The Century, #2Z
$3,299,000

44 Walker Street, #3
$3,500,000

27 West 67th Street, #FW
$3,675,000

The Holland Court, #14AC
$5,995,000 (-7.7%)

447 East 57th Street, #15AB
$6,495,000

150 East 72nd Street, #5S
$9,995,000

15 Central Park West, #15K
$14,950,000

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