Annie Leibovitz's Upper West Side apartment epitomizes NY timelessness – at it's listed for $8.6 million

Esteemed photographer Annie Leibovitz is selling her Upper West Side apartment, described as a 'pinnacle of parkside luxury,' for $8.6 million. 

Annie, among the most famous portrait photographers in history, purchased the unit for $11.25 million in 2014 after being attracted to its proximity to a school for her three daughters. However, now her children have grown up, the photographer is looking to relocate somewhere smaller, according to the New York Times.

The apartment spans the fifth and sixth floors of a 12-story building constructed by architects Schwartz & Gross in 1910. Former building residents include Paul Simon, Robert De Niro, and Lorne Michaels. Its heritage allows for a trove of pre-war architectural assets – including tall, molded ceilings, a winding staircase, and hardwood flooring throughout. 

It's currently among New York's most quintessential listings and one of the world's best homes.

'The apartment is now too big for me,' Annie Leibovitz revealed to the New York Times via an email. 'I live and work downtown [a reference to her West Village apartment], and our house upstate is now our family home.' Her home update is located in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, around two hours drive from Manhattan. 

Every inch of Annie's Upper West Side apartment radiates traditional New York luxury – from the light-filled entrance gallery, accented with arched doorways, soaring ceilings, and intricate woodwork, to the formal dining room crowned with a statement chandelier. 

The home's centre, the open-plan living room, plays host to bespoke bookshelves, a grand piano, and neutral furnishings flooded with light from the windows and French doors. The space overlooks Central Park from West to South – a timeless backdrop that pays the ultimate homage to its New York City zip code.

The kitchen, which Annie recently renovated, also faces the park and includes custom white cabinets, a dining nook, and an adjacent butler's pantry with additional storage space. 

The main floor also includes a home office, a bedroom with an en-suite bath, and a laundry area.

The primary bedroom suite is situated atop the grand staircase and includes a windowed bathroom, beckoning yet more views of Central Park. There are two further bedrooms on this floor, all of which boast large closet spaces. 

Beyond the apartment itself, the historic building offers multiple desirable amenities, including an attended lobby with a concierge, doorman services, and a gym. Deborah Kern of the Corcoran Group currently holds the $8.6 million listing. 

We're inevitably inspired to revisit some of Annie's sought-after work. This collection, is a natural place to start.