Manhattan townhouse once mired in squatter dispute now under contract

The five-bedroom townhouse at 111 East 81st Street, featuring an elevator, garden and roof terraces, was listed for $13.99 million and has now secured a buyer, though the purchaser’s identity and price remain undisclosed. Earlier this year, Sarah Shalev, linked to the LLC that owns the 6,650-square-foot residence, sued former housekeeper Hilarie Page, claiming the occupancy license ended with the death of Craig Schmeizer, her estranged husband, who died in the home last November.

The litigation highlighted concerns about protecting valuable assets such as wine and artwork for insurance and estate purposes. After unsuccessful attempts to gain entry, including ringing the doorbell and calling a locksmith, police instructed the estate’s representatives to leave. Page was served an eviction notice a month later and left the property. The sale proceeds from a home that had generated no income and required broker access.