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Historic homes like these are few and far between, and who knows when these opportunities will come back around? (125 East 72nd Street, #3D - The Corcoran Group)

From Goldilocks Blocks Once in a Lifetime Listings: These NYC homes haven't been listed in decades

By CityRealty Staff Wednesday, February 8, 2023

While many are excited to buy in New York's newest supertalls and sparkling new buildings, the city's rich history is not to be overlooked. These older buildings have set new standards for their neighborhoods and New York City as a whole, housed luminaries of all stripes, and offer apartments rich in prewar details that are incredibly challenging, if not impossible, to replicate in new construction homes. Because they truly don't make them like they used to, and because certain areas of New York have blossomed over the past several decades (e.g., Lincoln Center and the East Village), some have proven determined to hold onto their city homes as long as possible, sometimes even until death.

Below, we look at a selection of real estate listings that have not been on the market in decades. In some cases, buyers are advised to bring their architects to bring the homes' infrastructure, appliances, and layouts into the 21st century. However, we can only hope this does not come at the expense of the architectural details and grand proportions that made previous owners so possessive of them in the first place.

First Listing in 40 Years
45 West 67th Street, #12B
$850,000

Central Park West | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath | 587 ft²

45 West 67th Street, #12B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Rarely available high-floor corner condo alcove studio featuring open city and sky views and located on one of the best park blocks on the Upper West Side. With a total of 11 large picture windows throughout, there is excellent light throughout the day, and is also extremely quiet, situated in the back of the building facing both north and east. There is ample closet space throughout with two very large fully-outfitted floor-to-ceiling closets in both the foyer and dressing area. The separate windowed kitchen has full-sized appliances and good cabinetry and counter space. The bathroom is also large in size with a full-sized tub and deep sink. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40 Years
300 West 108th Street, #2A
$1,350,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,582 ft²

300 West 108th Street, #2A (Keller Williams NYC)

From the Listing: Enjoy sprawling, light-filled interiors in this rare 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence with a coveted classic six layout. Located in a desirable Manhattan Valley co-op, the unit boasts endless potential to restore the stunning pre-war charm or modernize the residence. As you enter the foyer, with plenty of closet space and a full bathroom across the hall from one of the guest bedrooms, you are greeted by a gallery hallway and the formal dining room with beautiful hardwood floors. Retreat to privacy in the expansive primary suite with a closet, a dressing area that could be a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a soaking tub. The kitchen is outfitted with a window, ample cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances and could potentially be opened up into the dining room to create an open-concept layout. Past the kitchen is a bedroom or home office with washer/dryer hookups and a half bathroom with a shower. Building's monthly assessment will be paid off completely by the seller at closing. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40 Years
The Glass Farmhouse, #10C
$1,600,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,882 ft²

The Glass Farmhouse, #10C (Yoreevo LLC)

From the Listing: Incredible corner loft at The Glass Farmhouse! #10C is a massive 1,882 square feet with 12' 2" ceilings and eleven massive windows on two exposures. With only two columns to work around, the floor plan can be redesigned any way you please. A washer/dryer and second bathroom have been added to other units in this line. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40 Years
258 Broadway, #5E
$1,850,000

Tribeca | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

258 Broadway, #5E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This spacious residence boasts high ceilings just under 11 feet tall. Currently configured as a two-bedroom with a sizable separate home office and enormous living and dining room, this flexible space could assume many different layouts to meet individual needs. With a wall of eight windows in the living room and second bedroom facing north (and two windows with west exposure from the primary bedroom), this apartment enjoys extreme quiet and a view of the city as well. The big open kitchen has plenty of countertops and storage, a dishwasher and large pantry closet, and there are currently one and a half bathrooms and five additional closets throughout the apartment. A private storage cage in the basement conveys with the sale. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40 Years
The Sovereign, #3A
$3,200,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,400 ft²

The Sovereign, #3A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence #3A is the jewel of The Sovereign, and the only home with a spectacular terrace sitting at the treetops of the building's lush gardens. Your outdoor private oasis is expansive and private, with wide open southwest exposures. From the tip of the balcony through the living room, formal dining room and to the edge of your terrace, is 100 feet of sprawling living space, and room for gracious entertaining. From every window of this home is a unique view, whether to your future planted terrace from the dining room, kitchen, and primary bedroom to the landmarked stone archways of the 59th Street Bridge from the living room and second bedroom. There is a gracious flow of space that includes the central gallery, a private bedroom hall features two split bedrooms, the large, windowed kitchen has a pantry/breakfast room plus a third bedroom. There are three full bathrooms and a powder room, spectacular closets, 9' ceilings, and parquet floors. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
The Tristan, #5A
$850,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Tristan, #5A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This high floor oversized one-bedroom apartment with a bonus room is the largest configuration at The Tristan. This unit includes a grand entry foyer, a sunken south-facing living room, a huge bedroom, and bonus room, currently configured as a bedroom but can also be used as a dining room or to expand the kitchen if desired. Pre-war details include an archway to the living room, 9-foot ceilings, parquet floors, and lots of closets. The apartment is in original condition and needs freshening but the possibilities are endless and the bones in this one are great! See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
1020 Park Avenue, #11A
$2,350,000 (-13%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

1020 Park Avenue, #11A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Light and open exposures abound from every window from the 11th floor of this floor through 3-4 bedroom home, with spacious rooms and oversized windows. A welcoming foyer greets you and opens into a beautifully scaled living room with an expansive Park Avenue outlook. Three generously proportioned bedrooms are perfectly placed together in this traditional layout; each has an en-suite bath. The primary bedroom has a deep walk-in-closet, plus 3 other closets, a full wall of built-ins and an en-suite windowed bath. The west-facing dining room, also off the foyer, is spacious in scale and conveniently adjacent to the windowed kitchen, which could easily be opened up creating a great kitchen/den area. The apartment provides extensive storage throughout, including a total of three walk-in closets, and built-in cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
47 East 19th Street, #4
$2,400,000 (-20%)

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,500 ft²

47 East 19th Street, #4 (R New York)

From the Listing: Residence #4 offers its owner a rare opportunity to convert a Flatiron floor-through loft (currently configured as a finished open floor plan) into a beautiful residential home. The building is zoned M1-5M, this allows for the owner to use the unit for live/work or as a full time residence. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by large windows throughout with substantial natural light, overlooking East 19th street, 12' ceilings, and an open interior floor plan, giving the owner the ability to create their own masterpiece. This condo offers the opportunity to add an additional two (pre-existing) windows on the east side of the unit, facing a garden view, and the ability to extend the ceilings an additional 12 inches. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 45 Years
257 East 7th Street, #13
$1,295,000

East Village | Cooperative | Studio, 1.5 Baths | 1,000 ft²

257 East 7th Street, #13 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This true artist's loft is not only one of Manhattan's most unique spaces, but is also the rarest with four exposures including a wall of south-facing windows and 12-foot ceilings and it is nestled on the top floor of a co-op on an iconic East Village/Alphabet City block. 257 E. 7th Street #13 is a nearly 1,000 square foot wide open, white-box loft with an oversized triple-windowed bathroom, another half bath/laundry room, galley kitchen and a total of 14 windows from four exposures, inviting all-day light and your fresh new vision. Bring your architect/contractor to your viewing and transform this space into the home you have only dreamed of! See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50 Years
East River Coop, #E1605
$1,390,000

Lower East Side | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

East River Coop, #E1605 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This spacious, light-filled high-floor apartment at the Lower East Side's full-service East River Coop is move-in ready and waiting for you! Here you'll enjoy expansive living space with hardwood floors throughout, and oversized windows showcasing dramatic city skyline and river views as your daily pleasure. The gracious open-concept layout offers an easy flow and generous space for living, dining and entertaining. Adjoining the great room is a wonderful modern windowed kitchen with abundant wood cabinetry, a large pantry, sleek countertops, tiled flooring, a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances for the cook. All three bedrooms are bright and well-proportioned, particularly the huge inviting primary bedroom with room for a king-size bed. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50 Years
1261 Madison Avenue, #5N
$3,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

1261 Madison Avenue, #5N (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Apartment #5N is a grand, half-floor 8 into 7 room property located in a landmarked Beaux Arts boutique cooperative in desirable Carnegie Hill. The longtime home of famed New Yorker editor and hall-of-fame baseball writer, Roger Angell, this tremendously stylish apartment was the scene of endless gatherings of New York's literary and cultural set for half a century and features many original 1901 details such as wide hallways, high beamed ceilings, generous moldings, transomed-windowed doors, two decorative fireplaces, preserved oak hardwood floors and wainscoting. The 31-foot double living room faces west over Madison Avenue, offering plenty of light throughout the day through two enormous windows, including one with a distinctive arch. The adjacent library/bedroom can be seamlessly combined to create a huge loft-like room, running the entire length of the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
200 Central Park South, #15D
$3,000,000 (-17.8%)

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,050 ft²

200 Central Park South, #15D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Perched above the city with sweeping, iconic Central Park views, Residence 15D must be seen to be believed. The defining feature of this home is an expansive 36-foot private balcony which extends the entire length of the apartment, overlooking the Park. Currently configured as a 1,050 square foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom with dining room and powder room, the unit easily converts to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom with an open kitchen layout and massive living and dining areas. Uniquely positioned on the 15th floor, the apartment is at the perfect height bestowing a unique spatial perspective of breathtaking Central Park and skyline views while also giving one a connectedness to the city. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
Cumberland House, #14C
$3,350,000 (-5.6%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,200 ft²

Cumberland House, #14C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Bring your architect and contractor to create your dream home with a stunning terrace perfect for entertaining. With an incredible LOW monthly maintenance of only $1,007, this two bedroom, two bath home with private wrap around outdoor terrace at The Cumberland House, 30 East 62nd Street awaits your personal touch. Among the finest, full service white glove buildings in Manhattan, Cumberland House offers the highest quality of life with an on-site garage and a brand new rooftop gym, rooftop terrace, chic renovated lobby and hallways. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
125 East 72nd Street, #3D
$5,250,000 (-4.5%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

125 East 72nd Street, #3D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Step back in time to this spectacular historical home spanning over 3,000 square feet and harking back to a time of lavish entertaining and sophisticated living. Off a semi-private landing is an impressive formal entry gallery outfitted with handmade stained-glass windows, beautiful herringbone floors, soaring ceilings and ample closet space. Through the gallery, a show-stopping double wide barroom and living room awaits. With outstanding craftsmanship, original imported custom woodwork and wood paneled beamed ceilings, this sprawling entertaining space is unlike anything seen before. A woodburning fireplace and an enormous formal dining room complete the grand public space. Off the dining room is a full butler's pantry and windowed chefs' kitchen with imported European tiled floors, vintage appliances, a large sunny breakfast room and another wood-burning fireplace. Three bedrooms with deep walk-in closets and bathrooms ensuite are found in the private wing. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 60+ Years
139 East 95th Street, #NA
$4,500,000

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,740 ft²

139 East 95th Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: 139 East 95th Street, also known as the Stefan Cavallo house, was constructed in 1901 and featured in both Esquire and Vogue magazines in the 1960s. This home has an intimacy and charm that is evident upon entering. The door to the residence leads to the owner's duplex. The large living room with exposed brick, a working fireplace and large glass doors in the rear that lead to the beautiful private garden. The kitchen has an engaging street view and includes a lovely stained glass window, a washer and dryer. The separate dining room and powder room are also located on this floor. The interior staircase takes you to the upper floor of the owner's duplex which includes a north bedroom overlooking the garden with a walk in closet. The south-facing sunny primary bedroom with a walk in closet overlooks 95th Street. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 60+ Years
820 Fifth Avenue, #3FL
$39,000,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths

820 Fifth Avenue, #3FL (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Arguably one of the most important residences on Fifth Avenue, this exceptionally grand and architecturally important 18-room home occupies an entire private floor in one of Fifth Avenue's most sought after cooperatives. The home has 100 feet of frontage facing Central Park, and an impressive enfilade of elegant entertainment rooms spanning over 70 feet along Fifth Avenue. Oversized windows capture beautiful views of Central Park and the Midtown Manhattan skyline. A private elevator landing opens onto an impressive and stately 45-foot gallery with Parquet de Versailles floors and a wood-burning fireplace. The grand drawing room, formal dining room and inviting library, all have Parquet de Versailles floors, soaring 12-foot ceilings, extraordinary Louis the XV and XVI marble mantles and outstanding Boiseries that were carefully curated from important private homes in Europe. The private bedroom suites are situated in the south wing of the residence, and include five full bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, as well as a south-facing study that could easily be converted into a sixth bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.

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Features

First Listing in 40 Years 45 West 67th Street, #12B$850,000

First Listing in 40 Years 300 West 108th Street, #2A$1,350,000

First Listing in 40 Years The Glass Farmhouse, #10C$1,600,000

First Listing in 40 Years 258 Broadway, #5E$1,850,000

First Listing in 40 Years The Sovereign, #3A$3,200,000

First Listing in 40+ Years The Tristan, #5A$850,000

First Listing in 40+ Years 1020 Park Avenue, #11A$2,350,000 (-13%)

First Listing in 40+ Years 47 East 19th Street, #4$2,400,000 (-20%)

First Listing in 45 Years 257 East 7th Street, #13$1,295,000

First Listing in 50 Years East River Coop, #E1605$1,390,000

First Listing in 50 Years 1261 Madison Avenue, #5N$3,000,000

First Listing in 50+ Years 200 Central Park South, #15D$3,000,000 (-17.8%)

First Listing in 50+ Years Cumberland House, #14C$3,350,000 (-5.6%)

First Listing in 50+ Years 125 East 72nd Street, #3D$5,250,000 (-4.5%)

First Listing in 60+ Years 139 East 95th Street, #NA$4,500,000

First Listing in 60+ Years 820 Fifth Avenue, #3FL$39,000,000

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