Norman Mailer's Apartment Is Embroiled in a Lawsuit

Earlier this year, the nautical-themed apartment at 142 Columbia Heights in which co-founder of the Village Voice and notable brawler Norman Mailer lived was put on the market by Corcoran with an asking price of $2.5 million. In July, an offer of $2.08 million was accepted from Wesley Golby, a hedge fund manager, who, the New York Times reports, put down a deposit of $208,750. His lawyer says he was wooed not just by the fact that it was Norman Mailer's apartment, and, you know, views, but also because of the layout from a 1960s renovation that created a tri-level "crows nest of sorts" with ladders leading up flights and small rooms like ship's galleys, which Mailer had built in order to help him get over his fear of heights.

So, why the lawsuit? Golby says the Mailer estate didn't give evidence that the work had been done legally and was up to code. Now he wants to get out of the contract (and get his $208,750 back). "This is not about money," [his lawyer] Mr. Fried said. "Wes loved the apartment. His problem is he loved that apartment as it is and he does not want to go in and find out he can't have the apartment he wants."

The Mailer estate refutes the charge and said there have been no misrepresentations -- "This is simply a case of buyer's remorse," said their lawyer.

If only walls could talk, we feel certain that this one would have $2.08 million's worth of things to say. Read about the penthouse's history here. And: Awesome slideshow here.

True to Mailer's Life, a Brawl Over the Sale of His Brooklyn Heights Apartment [NYT]

Previously: Norman Mailer's House (and Stuff) Is for Sale

[JDoll / @thisisjendoll]

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