Judy Garland fans might have the capacity to recite her lines and songs from "The Wizard of Oz" by heart. Yet, only a well-funded fan can buy the iconic star's previous Manhattan pad in the Tony Dakota center, which reports say is appraised for $16.75 million.
This 4,700-square-foot spread, with three rooms and three bathrooms, was recently owned by Jacqueline Bikoff - "a musician and ballet dancer of Iranian descent who was a fixture on the Studio 54 scene," who passed away last September 2015, as reported by The Observer. Bikoff bought the unit, situated at 1 W. 72nd St., in 2010 for $13 million.
But the history apparently goes much further. The tip was revealed in a 2014 New York Times story that highlighted Bikoff's daughter and interior designer, Sasha, who "has furnished homes that include Judy Garland's former apartment at the Dakota," it says. Causing more onlookers to believe that the rumors must be true.
Going even further, the Observer takes note of the full redesign of this Upper West Side unit launched the beginning of the Sasha Bikoff's interior design career, and she was tapped by none other than her mom, Jacqueline to spruce it up. The work, which seems to have wrapped up two years ago, was proclaimed in design articles at the time, and it's no big surprise. Listing pictures show staggering new components: lacquered dividers, grandiose light fixtures, gilded moldings, restored pocket doors and warm pastel shades.
Different points of interest incorporate seven wood-burning chimneys, a formal dining area that overlooks the Dakota central courtyard and 13-foot ceilings in public rooms.
The listing is marketed by Katherine Gauthier from Douglas Elliman. The marketer told the Observer that the rumors are still yet to be confirmed whether it truly was once owned by the late Oz actress. Before the property was bought by Biskoff, professional bridge players Roy Welland and Christal Henner owned the flat.