‘Unicorn’ one-bedroom apartment across from Central Park lists for $599,000 – but there’s a catch
A New York apartment across from Central Park has become one of the biggest thefts in the Big Apple after it hit the market for $599,000 — but the new owners will have to forgo windows if they want to buy it.
Known as a “unicorn” apartment, the 500-square-foot property is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by some of the most expensive homes for sale.
And while the lack of windows will deter some home seekers from moving out, others will have found a diamond in the rough in New York’s formidable housing market.
Instead of windows, the one-bedroom apartment features skylights, meaning residents have to go outside to enjoy the views of the Upper West side.
This Manhattan apartment has hit the market for just $599,000, but there’s a catch
Despite offering luxury amenities in one of the most desirable locations in the US, the lack of windows has raised eyebrows
The apartment has no view from inside, but is directly across from Manhattan’s Central Park
Built in 1926, the building was one of the most desirable residences in its heyday, as it was listed as New York’s tallest residential building when it was built.
Its antebellum roots are also the reason behind the apartment’s unique windowless quirk, as it was built before New York City’s current fire code was enacted.
But while it may have a longer history than most, the luxury apartment now boasts a modern, exclusive feel, complete with some of the best amenities on the market.
Residents of the Alden apartment complex enjoy attentive white-glove service, a 24-hour doorman, garage and roof garden.
And if the windowless option isn’t to your taste, adjoining apartments on other floors go up to $4.95 million thanks to their panoramic views of Central Park.
The lack of windows pulls an estimated $100,000 off the property’s value, which aspiring homeowners who want to live in prime New York without shelling out a high dollar may find appealing.
Real estate agent Brian Lewis, who calls the condo a “unicorn” property thanks to its outstanding landscaping and low price, writes on the listing that not many other homes offer the “gift of living right across from Central Park.”
“What a rarity it is to find a quiet private home in a world-class location,” he continued.
‘How wonderful it is to live in a first-class full-service building with a beautiful roof terrace, experienced staff and a garage.
‘Sweetly tucked away just around the corner from the beautiful, pet-friendly building’s famous lobby, this cheery, sky-lit home (skylight windows) gives you a bigger, better living grace.
“Elevate your lifestyle here – in this feel-good, fabulous living find.”
The building was one of the most desirable residences in its heyday, as it was listed as New York’s tallest residential building when built in 1926
A sleek and modern finish is the hallmark of the apartment – apart from the fact that there are no windows
The antebellum building is located directly across from New York’s iconic Central Park in the city’s Upper West Side
With one bedroom and 500 square feet of space, the property’s realtor, Brian Lewis, said there are almost no other homes on the market that offer the “gift of living right across from Central Park.”
The lack of windows saves an estimated $100,000 in property value, while adjacent apartments on other floors cost up to $4.95 million thanks to their panoramic views of Central Park
The apartment sparked discussion this week after being picked up on the popular Reddit page “Ridiculous Real Estate.”
And while some said they were intrigued by the prospect, others said any windowless apartment is an instant no-go for their homeowner ambitions.
“I almost went to the open house for it last weekend. It’s usually within our budget, but the no-windows thing is a nonstarter,” one Redditor said.
“Perfect apartment for someone who works nights,” added another.
While viewers were left scratching their heads over the missing feature, others shared stories of times when they too survived without windows in their apartment.
“Ten years ago I lived in a windowless bedroom in[the Lower East Side]because I couldn’t afford it anymore,” said one commenter.
“Honestly, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Best night’s sleep of my life.”
The price tag of the windowless Manhattan property can also be compared to a certain studio apartment in midtown Manhattan that raised eyebrows after it went on the market for $1 million.
The apartment’s realtor was criticized for its hefty price tag, as despite its central location, the 1,100-square-foot space couldn’t make room for a bed.
Instead, the millionaire resident would have to settle for a Murphy bed built into the wall, a testament to the niche characteristics of the New York housing market.