This two-bedroom, 1.5-bath duplex rental makes a striking first impression, its foyer opening onto a grand living room with double-height ceilings and Central Park views. And in fact, the units in this building, the Gainsborough, were specifically designed in the early 20th century to appeal to artists with their bright, spacious interiors. The Art Nerd New York blog describes the history of the property, which also features some epic exterior details, too. This apartment, listed for $8,500 per month by Corcoran, is decidedly not for struggling artists--though it provides sweeping canvases to display their work.

The living area (see main image) features 18-foot ceilings and is anchored by a working fireplace with an Art Deco vibe; exposed celing beams and a curving mezzanine overhead add to the style. The dining room, with its dark wood tones, looks like an elegant spot for small dinner gatherings. The adjacent galley kitchen is not pictured, though the listing describes it as "minimalist."

Note that one of the bedrooms is in fact tucked into the mezzanine, which means plenty of light but not a ton of privacy (though there are two large closets and an en suite bath.) The second bedroom, tucked away further back on this level, is currently configured as a very professorial study.

The floorplan reveals an in-unit washer and dryer, and the building has full-time doorman service--but naturally, the main amenity are those vistas of the park.