INCREDIBLE RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a sprawling 4,700 square foot 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath duplex for under $5 million! MUST SEE this country house in the city featuring large-scale rooms, a magnificent mahogany staircase, air-conditioning throughout, beautiful hardwood floors, and custom soundproof glazed windows. Additional features include prewar character and charm, 9- foot ceilings, original inlaid fireplace surrounds, ornate wooden mantles, crown moldings, and numerous light-filled windows overlooking the majestic East River. From both floors, there are spectacular waterfront views spanning 60-feet corner to corner! An elegant entry foyer and powder room lead to a grand sunlit double living room with stunning water views and two wood-burning fireplaces. On the north facing side of the apartment is an open concept kitchen / dining area connected to a butler's pantry perfect for informal gatherings or formal entertaining. Traditional kitchen includes a FiveStar range and hood, Bosch appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and two refrigerated beverage drawers. The spacious second floor includes four additional bedrooms, three of which have ensuite baths. A luxurious wood paneled study off the top of the staircase opens to a large den including a third wood-burning fireplace. From there, enjoy your very own full-sized laundry room! Sunlight and serene river views create a private sanctuary nestled above the iron street lamps and tree-lined cobblestones of this famed 72nd Street cul-de-sac.  Full of storied history, this legendary piece of New York City is the former residence of renowned journalist, writer, and Editor of The Paris Review, George Plimpton. Owned by the Plimpton family for nearly 60 years, the home has hosted iconic parties for New York's literary elite and Society including the likes of Truman Capote, Paul McCartney, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It is located in a series of row houses known as "The Black and Whites," with their high-gloss red lacquer doors and distinctive two-tone exteriors.  541 East 72nd Street is an established pet-friendly Coop with four connected buildings and a live-in Superintendent / Resident Manager who handles daily package deliveries. The 541 building has 5 floors with 2 units per floor (A & B), some of which have been combined. This duplex is the combination of 4 units spanning the entire 2nd and 3rd floors. In total, there are 7 units in the 541 building. The other 3 buildings all have A, B, C, & D units, so are larger than 541. A full time-handyman assists the live-in Super and the apartment transfers with its own private storage area in the basement. The Coop has a bike room and parking garage located directly behind the buildings. Its location is walking distance to numerous Upper East Side schools, as well as the 72nd Street Subway Station and Q train. Residents enjoy not only privacy and anonymity, but secure access through double doors and key fob entry, as well as a video intercom system. "The Black and Whites" provide a unique and charming escape from the daily hustle and bustle of city life with their peaceful waterfront location and quaint little nook on the Upper East Side. Please note the home is currently empty as seen in the unfurnished photographs. Included are previously furnished pictures. THE OWNER ALSO OWNS A FIRST FLOOR STUDIO APARTMENT THAT IS NOW BEING OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED AS PART OF A SALES TRANSACTION FOR BOTH APARTMENTS.