The Upper East Side, New York City, penthouse that once belonged to Bernie Madoff - the man who caught headlines for his alleged involvement in investment frauds and Ponzi schemes in 2009 - has reportedly sold for $14.5 million.
The New York Post broke news of the sale noting that this is the apartment where Madoff was arrested in 2008. The apartment is believed to be cursed by Madoff's misdeeds.
After Madoff was arrested, the U.S. government took over the property and sold it to Toy magnate Alfred Kahn for $8 million. Kahn and his wife patsy moved into the residence just after they renovated it. The apartment caught a "mysterious fire" before the Kahns moved in.
When they purchased the place, Patsy told the Post:
"[Alfred] was worried about the karma, but I just loved the terrace."
The couple put the pad on the market in August 2013 for $17.25 million and discounted the price twice and even changed the listing broker once before taking the home off market. In the meantime, Kahn and Patsy divorced.
While the "bad karma" could have made selling difficult, it did manage to sell for a good $14.5 million, which is a good profit considering their purchase price.
The apartment reportedly sold to Lawrence Benenson of Benenson Capital Partners. The penthouse located at 133 East 64th Street has three bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms.
Floor plans of the duplex penthouse show an elevator opening into the foyer of the residence that has a dining room to the left and a large living room on the right. A breakfast room adjoins the modern kitchen that also has a pantry. A maid's room completes the floor. It has a complete wrap-around terrace around it.
The lower level has the master suite and the other bedrooms and a bar area.
The listing, marketed by Douglas Elliman, described the place as a "historic residence" that "has all the sophistication and detail of the classic Beaux Arts style enhanced by exquisite renovations and the best in modern conveniences."
Check out photos of the home here.
Bernie's brother, Peter Madoff, who was also convicted of helping Bernie in his misdeeds, sold his Upper East Side apartment last year for $4.6 million. Along with the house, Peter was also forced to sacrifice all their valuable possessions in the home. The $4.6 million raised from the sale of the residence was turned over to the police.
