Dutch Supermodel Frederique Struts Away From Greenwich Village Penthouse

There’s just something about this boutique pre-war co-op in New York’s Greenwich Village. Perhaps that’s because it was designed by the avant-garde Dutch-American architect Winka Dubbeldam, or perhaps it’s the casual and comfortable boho-chic vibe of its owner, Dutch model Frederique van der Wal.

A cover girl from back in the days when models became famous because of their rare beauty, rather than number of their Instagram followers, 5’10” van der Wahl distinguished herself as a sought-after cat walker and print model in the 1990s. Featured on the cover of publications like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue, she appeared in ad campaigns for Revlon, Guess, and Victoria’s Secret. She’s also appeared in several films, TV shows and reality programs in both the U.S. and Holland, and she currently hosts an online “feel good human interest series” (“Life Cycles“) during which she talks with her New York friends about their dreams and experiences in life and work.

Records aren’t clear when van der Wal purchased the three-bedroom, three-bathroom loft that is now available at $5.15 million via Marie-Claire Gladstone, Jason Karadus, and Jesse L. Kopischke at Corcoran. Maintenance/common charges tally up to $3,600 a month.

With seven skylights and nine windows that provide north and west exposures, the 2,600-square-foot top-floor flat boasts a spacious great room beneath a giant industrial skylight. A wood burning fireplace and old beams add to the charm and comfort. Open to the living and dining space, the kitchen definitely has a European flair along with a large island. There’s also a handy home office tucked into the sweeping curve of the long and slender entrance gallery. There are two guest bedrooms, one of them windowless with a huge skylight and a private bathroom, while the en-suite primary bedroom boasts two supermodel-worthy walk-in closets, one with a large window.

Constructed in 1900, the unassuming building stands six stories with just ten units in total. Tax records reveal other notable owners in the building include German modern turned photographer Ellen von Unwerth, and the central location means that all the delights of the Village, such as Washington Square Park, fabulous shops and restaurants, are just minutes away by foot.

We’re not sure why Frederique is selling, but she will hardly be homeless. She also owns an attractive aerie in Amsterdam (or did five years ago), as well as a “permanent fixer-upper” in upstate New York, near Rhinebeck.