Lee Radziwill’s Former Upper East Side Apartment Is on the Market for Nearly $17 Million
The late socialite and interior designer purchased the home—not far from where her sister Jackie Kennedy Onassis was living at the time—after moving back to the U.S. from England
Socialite Lee Radziwill’s former Upper East Side duplex is for sale, with an asking price of $16.9 million. The 4,600-square-foot home boasts views of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. The property is listed by Adam D. Modlin and Andrew Nierenberg of Modlin Group. “This is one of Fifth Avenue’s most refined homes, blending historic pedigree with unmatched views of Central Park and the city’s most iconic landmarks,” Modlin tells Galerie.
Located at 969 Fifth Avenue, this dwelling was last on the market over 20 years ago, for $7.6 million. It was purchased by philanthropist Suzanne von Liebig. The edifice that houses this three-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath duplex was built in 1924 and is located just across from the James B. Duke Mansion and a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In total, the building consists of 16 stories and 12 apartments. Residents have access to a laundry room, private storage, and a full-time doorman.
“When I saw this space for the first time, it was one long room,” Radziwill told Architectural Digest in 1975. “I immediately decided to make my first and only structural change. I divided the space into two rooms of equal size, both absolutely square. I realized that I would be able to get a much greater degree of flexibility working within an absolutely classical framework. I’ve always believed in classic, neutral proportions; they make it possible to create almost any spatial effect you want.”
As for the home’s interiors, Radziwill mused, “Much as I love New York, I didn’t want a typical Manhattan interior. So many of them are as cold and slick as a hotel suite. I wanted to indicate that an individual lives here, a person with strong feelings about things. When I began, I was in my white period, so I painted everything accordingly. I was never so miserable in my life! So I went off in the opposite direction, as you can see. You see, my design philosophy is essentially European. I abhor the American idea of starting with a tabula rasa every few years and getting rid of everything. When I buy something, I do so with the intention of keeping it forever. I’m constantly falling in love with objects, and they follow me around the world.”
The first floor of this historic property includes an eat-in kitchen with modern appliances, custom cabinets, a butler’s pantry that connects to the dining room, a powder room, closet space, and a private elevator that runs from the kitchen to the private quarters of the home. Additional design elements include a crystal chandelier, a brass and wrought iron staircase, a wood-paneled library, crown moldings, and parquet-patterned wood floors.
On the second floor is a corner primary suite with sizeable French pane windows, an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower, and a walk-in closet. Two other bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, can be found on this floor as well. There is also a laundry room, complete with Electrolux appliances.
