Tour This Unexpectedly Modest NYC Duplex That Just Sold For $7 Million

Sometimes, less is more. For Richard Katzman, the former owner of a modest but beautiful NYC duplex, the adage is certainly true. Katzman recently sold his duplex for $6.9 million (via the New York Post), an impressive chunk of change. According to the duplex's listing on Compass, a real estate platform, the property was listed at $7.6 million on December 17, 2021. The two-story home is located at 15 West 81st Street, just steps away from the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, and has a magnificent view overlooking the famed park.

Although Katzman's duplex doesn't have the typical extravagant details that you'd expect from such an expensive property, there's no denying the fact that it's polished. All of the furniture fits nicely together; not a single detail is out of place. The pre-war building also has an incredible charm — it's the type of classy home that you'd dream of moving to New York and living in.

While the NYC duplex has undoubtedly been renovated since its construction in the 1930s, it includes a number of restored original details, as noted by Compass. Most notably, the elegant banister is an original detail from the 1930s. The staircase leads upstairs to three bedroom suites (each of which has its own bathroom and at least one walk-in closet), where the primary suite's attached bathroom features an original, restored Emery Roth bath. This stunning bathroom includes a luxurious bathtub and a stand-alone shower. Though the other bathrooms are not advertised as having original details, they feature vintage-looking tiles that tie the unit's classy-yet-updated impression together.

Although these older details certainly stand out, their careful restoration means that the unit never looks dated or shabby. Rather, the original elements play nicely with the modern look, acting as classy highlights. The home doesn't look old or flashy; instead, it's just charming.

Though the entire unit is beautiful, it's the approximately 480-square-foot living room that truly takes the cake. The room is large yet cozy, with several seating areas available depending on the purpose. With so many places to sit, the living room is perfect for bringing friends together and hosting intimate get-togethers, an activity that can be challenging in many smaller units. If you're planning on serving a larger meal, the living room is also directly connected to the luxurious dining room.

According to the listing's virtual tour video on Compass, the living room features hardwood floors and original detailing on the south-facing windows. These beautiful details are complemented by the neutral furniture and décor, which again strikes a perfect balance between modern yet classy. With such a beautiful space, who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon lounging on the couch, then invite close friends for cocktails in the evening?

If you're disappointed by the post-war unit's modern finishes, don't worry. The elegant Italian renaissance-style lobby is jaw-dropping. With crown mold detailing, stained glass windows, a large statue, and lots of marble, it's sure to impress anyone who walks through.

With such a stunning lobby, it's only fitting that the building's amenities are equally impressive. According to Compass, a doorperson is available 24/7 and residents have access to an impressive fitness center stocked with a variety of free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment, and miscellaneous accessories (e.g. mats and exercise balls). Additionally, the building provides residents with a bike storage room and several other useful services. Don't want excess belongings to clutter your picture-perfect home? Rent a storage room to keep it out of the way! Worried that your kid isn't spending enough time socializing? There's a playroom downstairs where you can meet other residents (or host play dates). With so many amenities, its great location, and an unbelievable charm, it's no wonder that the building is in such high demand.