Billionaire sells massive Plaza Hotel mansion at loss with $20M ask

It only took 13 years! 

A billionaire fashion mogul is finally in contract to sell his ginormous suite at the Plaza Hotel — at an even bigger loss.

Jürgen Friedrich, former head of European operations at Esprit, and his wife, Anke Beck-Friedrich, bought the residence, known as the Astor Suite, for $25.49 million in 2007. A year later, the couple tried to flip the unit for $55 million. 

But the stately residence — which has hosted President John F. Kennedy and the Nazi-loving Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII — was last asking $19.95 million.

The buyer, represented by agent Nick Nick Agostinelli of Elegran, is a New York-based finance family, who is paying close to ask, sources said 

Listing broker Charlie Attias of Compass — who only had the listing for three months — declined to comment.

Sources previously told Gimme Shelter that Friedrich stands to lose even more money on the deal because he invested around $8 million into renovating the fancy space plus an adjacent one-bedroom guest bedroom, which is on the market separately for $2.95 million — hiring noted celebrity designer Steven Gambrel for both jobs. (The smaller unit is still on the market.) 

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How is that possible? Gambrel hired “master artisans” who helped rebuild Windsor Castle in England, the listing notes. 

Both fifth-floor pads have some of the highest ceilings inside the Plaza, at 14 feet above the floor. 

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The grand Astor Suite is 4,299 square feet and comes with four bedrooms and 4½ bathrooms.

There’s lots of custom millwork, built-ins, fireplaces with elaborate antique mantels, oak paneling, hand-hammered leather walls from France and other high-end finishes — along with a large reception entry hall, a chef’s kitchen, library and corner dining room.