The Upper East Side penthouse of the late Maurice Tempelsman has recently been listed for sale, nearly nine months after his passing on 23rd August 2025. The property has been put on the market for £5.5 million and serves as a significant reminder of the life and legacy of the prominent diamond merchant who was famously romantically linked to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
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Tempelsman’s residence spans 1,872 square feet and includes two bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, as well as an expansive wraparound terrace that measures 3,660 square feet. This terrace offers stunning views overlooking the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park, a feature that undoubtedly appealed to Tempelsman when he first acquired the property in 1999 for £3.3 million.
Prior to moving into the Upper East Side home, Tempelsman shared a Fifth Avenue apartment with the former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Following her death in May 1994, he reportedly took up residence at the nearby Sherry-Netherland hotel for some time before finding his permanent home.
According to Leon Tempelsman, Maurice’s son, the elder Tempelsman was captivated by this Upper East Side property from the very first moment he saw it. Leon recounted a story of his father walking through the apartment with a broker, initially attempting to maintain composure. However, he soon revealed his genuine excitement, saying simply, “I love it.” This deep affection for the home played a role in its longstanding place in Maurice’s life.
The current listing is managed by Allison Bandier Koffman and Juliette Janssens from Sotheby’s International Realty, East Side Manhattan Brokerage, who are highlighting its unique features. The dining area stands out with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the terrace, while the living room is anchored by a charming wood-burning fireplace that creates a cozy atmosphere.
The primary bedroom is generously outfitted with two walk-in closets, and nearby is a library that can double as a second bedroom. Reportedly, Tempelsman retained much of the original layout of the home but made a few personal touches, including decorating with fresh paint and wallpaper. Leon shared that the most significant alteration his father made was to enhance the garden area, transforming it into a lush, green space that was once less developed.
The terrace functions as a serene retreat, offering residents expansive views of Central Park and the East River. Several seating arrangements provide ideal spots for lounging or dining, making it a wonderful space for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet moment in nature’s embrace.
Among the most distinctive features of the outdoor area is a wooden skiff, once a beloved anecdote his father loved to share with friends. Leon explained that Tempelsman often delighted in recounting the tale of how he hoisted a 13-foot boat up twelve floors to his penthouse, joking that it might well be the only apartment in the city with its own skiff.
As the listing gains attention, it not only serves as a prime piece of real estate in one of New York City’s most prestigious neighbourhoods but also as a poignant reminder of Maurice Tempelsman’s vibrant life and his cherished memories with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
The combination of its unique history, exquisite features, and stunning views ensure that this property is likely to attract significant interest from potential buyers seeking a slice of New York’s luxurious lifestyle amid a rich historical backdrop.