Which NYC Apartment Should Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Rent?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be expanding their property portfolio.
They are rumored to be on the hunt for a rental apartment near the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The two currently make their home in Santa Barbara, CA.
After stepping away from their duties with the royal family, the couple settled into the upscale enclave of Montecito, where they reportedly paid $14.65 million for a 7-acre compound in 2020.
The affluent seaside town, 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, boasts privacy and seclusion. Popular with celebrities, it is home to Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, and Ellen DeGeneres, among others.
Ritzy rentals
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex might be adding an East Coast address.
Located right on the East River, the midtown neighborhood where the United Nations convenes offers an array of options when it comes to deluxe, high-rise apartment buildings.
Befitting the nature of international diplomacy, the area attracts folks from around the world. In fact, the U.S. government even purchased a posh apartment at 50 United Nations Plaza for $15.85 million in 2019. The 37th-floor unit was believed to have housed the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
The Sussexes made an appearance at the U.N. last fall during a trip to New York City, and that experience might have made a lasting impression.
We cruised through the active rentals in the neighborhood and came up with a few options worthy of a royally famous couple.
Price: $30,000 a month
Regal appeal: Billed as a “masterpiece in the sky,” this four-bedroom space is a combination of multiple units. The corner living room offers awe-inspiring views of the East River. A chef’s kitchen features a long, open bar and is perfect for entertaining.
The space comes with a double primary suite, library, and formal dining room. Luxe details include 11-foot ceilings, walls of glass, and wood moldings.
The building offers 24/7 door attendants, a concierge, and a health club with a 60-foot indoor pool. Residents also have access to a private driveway and on-site parking with valet service.
845 United Nations Plaza( Mike Tauber for Sotheby's International Realty)
Price: $75,000 a month
Regal appeal: “If Harry and Meghan want to make a splash at the U.N., they could rent the penthouse at 50 United Nations Plaza for $75,000 a month,” says luxury specialist Jenny Lenz, with Dolly Lenz Real Estate.
This duplex penthouse measures 9,704 square feet and offers six bedrooms. There are two incredible terraces, one of which flows from the living space. The other boasts a 30-foot pool and ipe wood deck, perfect for hosting parties in the sky.
“The British monarchy owns a smaller penthouse in the building, so the couple could easily upstage the royal family by renting the grand penthouse,” quips Lenz.
50 United Nations Plaza(Realtor.com)
Price: $25,000 a month
Regal appeal: Of course, the duke and duchess might prefer a more modest pied-à-terre.
This three-bedroom aerie unit is smaller but still lets residents bask in luxury. A corner great room with floor-to-ceiling windows offers views of iconic Manhattan landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Freedom Tower. Each bedroom is en suite, with spacious closets, and the layout includes an eat-in kitchen and laundry room.
845 United Nations Plaza pied-à-terre(Realtor.com)
Price: $45,000 a month
Regal appeal: Should the Sussexes prefer to bring the whole family to the Big Apple, this tony townhouse would work.
The five-level home is equipped with an elevator and features oversized casement windows on every floor. The open layout includes a large, eat-in kitchen and family room. A parlor floor offers a more formal space for entertaining guests, and the upper floors boast bedrooms and terraces.
The townhouse comes with a private garden. It’s located in Turtle Bay Gardens, a neighborhood of historic townhomes and the Greenacre Park.
48th Street townhouse(Realtor.com)
Price: $75,000 a month
Regal appeal: If the East River views aren’t appealing, how about a perch over Central Park?
This 62nd-floor unit boasts spectacular park views. The 4,483-square-foot, three-bedroom unit features rosewood floors and a 1,300-square-foot great room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
The primary suite comes with a sitting area, dual closets, and dual baths. Amenities for residents include attended parking, a fitness center and pool, and an on-site five-star restaurant.
Central Park views(Realtor.com)
Price: $40,000 a month
Regal appeal: Perhaps a downtown loft would suit the couple? The 5,462-square-foot space is a standout with its 10-foot ceilings, huge casement windows, exposed beams, brick elements, and city views to the east and south.
The great room includes an elegant dining space and a living area with a gas fireplace. The media room also features a gas fireplace and sits adjacent to an eat-in kitchen.
The building offers door attendants, concierge service, a fitness center, and a common rooftop garden.
The location is close to SoHo and Hudson Square, restaurants, and the subway. If Harry and Meghan prefer to traverse the city by car, this rental comes with a deeded parking space, the rarest of luxuries in the city.
Tribeca loft(Realtor.com)
