Bookworms will love this loft-like duplex right beside Central Park

This Central Park South two-bedroom co-op is in the Gainsborough, which stands out amid the other glamorous properties of the block for its prewar style. Built in 1908, the Gainsborough is known as a "studio building," a live-work space originally designed for artists known for voluminous rooms and great light (makes sense).

It would be tough to get much work done here, though, considering the space sits right on the park and offers tantalizing views of its greenery, as well as of Columbus Circle. And nowadays, the home is within reach for only the most wildly successful of creatives: It's listed by Town Residential for $3.795 million. 

Artists need a lot of light with which to consider their masterpieces-in-progress, and the living room gets plenty, thanks to 18-foot ceilings that make for a loft-like feel and allow for enormous windows. Another rarity is the working, woodburning fireplace, which cozies up the place and invites you to curl up with a book from those floor-to-ceiling shelves, whether in one of the first floor sitting rooms or the more private mezzanine above. 

The Gainsborough's facade often attracts the attention of pedestrians: its ornate and elaborate design incorporates a stone bas-relief over the entrance, and colorful mosaics around the upper floors. By contrast, the stainless steel kitchen kitchen here is simple and straightforward, higlighted by its green tile backsplash. 

The one-and-a-half bathrooms are similarly elegant, featuring a sleek stone and tile design, though the stellar views also raise some questions about noise. The park looks very close, though the listing notes that the windows are new and double-paned, which should help eliminate the sounds of traffic and passersby. 

The unit also has central air, and a washer and dryer; in keeping with the building's historic bona fides, there is an elevator man on staff rather than the traditional doorman.