No Fear Of Buying – Erica Jong’s Luxe Home

Erica Jong’s controversial novel Fear of Flying exploded onto the bestseller list in 1973, selling more than 37 million copies. Written in the throes of the Disco era’s sexual revolution, the novel is famous for its frank portrayal of female sexuality and is considered a feminist classic. The chatty, conversational novel resonated with women stuck in boring marriages tired of the old rules and their parents’ ways of life. Jong’s descriptions of the ‘70’s adult sex world, including her description of a passionate, one-time encounter between two strangers, entered the national lexicon as the “Me Generation” took the reins of American culture. At a time when most major authors were still male, her book started a trend of successful female-centric fiction, which continues to this day. Jong would go on to write more than 20 books, including two sequels to her landmark debut.

Now 81 but still going strong, Ms. Jong has decided to move closer to her grandchildren and has listed her fantastic Manhattan apartment for sale at $4.25 million. Located in the coveted Imperial House building on the Upper East Side, the 3,000-square-foot apartment boasts spectacular Central Park and skyline views and an aesthetic of contemporary luxury - beautiful and sexy too.

The two-bed, two-bath apartment opens with a spacious entry foyer, checkerboard parquet hardwood floors contrast with stark-white walls and gold accents. A 30’-long gallery connects the bedrooms and common rooms, with the living and dining areas accessed through columned archways. The dining room is marked by facing floor-to-ceiling mirrors, while the living room includes wall-to-wall bookcases that housed the author’s priceless book collection. Matching custom bookcases also feature in the library, which Jong used as her office. The prolific writer liked to start her days with a cappuccino, keep the coffee flowing and get to work early.

Jong’s primary suite is spacious, with southern-facing windows and en-suite bath. The second bedroom is almost as large, with a walk-in closet. The kitchen sports stainless-steel appliances, warm-wood cabinetry, and slate-gray countertops that match the floor. An attached pantry offers ample storage. An enclosed solarium provides stellar views and protection from the weather, creating a perfect space for relaxing, writing, or entertaining guests, which during Jong’s tenure included elite writers, artists, and other luminaries.

Originally built as a hotel, Imperial House offers excellent amenities including concierge service, full-time doorman and elevator operators, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, yoga studio, game room, and an on-premises tailor/dressmaker. Located in the East Side Manhattan neighbourhood of Lennox Hill, the apartment is only a few blocks from Central Park. Other nearby buildings include the Park Avenue Armory, Trump Tower and a variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. A subway stop right on the corner offers lightning-quick access to everything New York has to offer. Other celebrities with homes in the neighbourhood include Madonna, Woody Allen, Ricky Martin and Drew Barrymore.

The listing is held by Maria E Daou of Coldwell Banker Warburg. Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg.