While he may not be a household name or famous by today’s standards, where TikTok follower counts seem to matter most, late historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. was an influencer of the 20th century. Well, an influential figure. Not only was he a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, penning important books especially worth a read today, such as The Cycles of American History, but he served as court historian to President Kennedy from 1961 to 1963. Before that, he was also the primary speechwriter and adviser to the Democratic presidential nominee, Adlai Stevenson. But, later in his life, you could just call Schlesinger a New Yorker.
Around 1996 or 1997, the accomplished author and his wife, Alexandra, purchased this traditional and charming apartment in Midtown’s coveted Beekman Place neighborhood. Now, with both of them having passed on, their children have put it on the market with the modest NYC price tag of $1.995 million.
For that amount, you gain a classically beautiful condo with three bedrooms perched in a circa-1924 building. Located as eastern as you can live on Manhattan, the sun-drenched home also provides incredible river and park views and an overall serene environment that can be difficult to find in the city.
Other defining elements of this double-corner unit include the foyer’s walls of polished built-ins, perfect for an avid reader such as Schlesinger. The open living/dining room is also a dreamy sight with its wood-burning fireplace, traditional windows, and dark wood floors. It’s edited simplicity and timelessness, even in the neutral yet vintage decor, feels effortless, welcoming, and unforced. Sweetening the deal, a glass door leads out to a private balcony where you can take in the sounds of the city, too.
Intrigued? Christopher Kromer and Nora Ariffin of Brown Harris Stevens holds the listing.
