A duplex penthouse on the Upper East Side listed this week has a significant pedigree out of the American Songbook: it was owned for over a decade by Irving Berlin, and was the songwriter’s primary residence until the mid-1940’s. The current asking price for the property is $7.9 million.

The building on East End Ave. dates to 1929. Berlin purchased the penthouse in 1931, presumably for a song. Actually, songs Berlin may have composed in the residence include ‘How Deep is the Ocean?’ and ‘I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,’ although fans may argue that his compositions originated in Tin Pan Alley, where Berlin was the residing genius.

The penthouse in question has been renovated somewhat since Berlin’s ownership, but apparently only with the utmost respect. As a result, much of the original spirit of the 1930’s residence remains.

The foyer is a classic charmer, incorporating black-and-white harlequin tile and a black finished staircase. The dining room features a nice balance of cool and warm, with soft blue walls offset by herringbone oak floors; there is a set of French doors that open to the terrace beyond a step-up riser.

The terrace is landscaped, and features a wrought-iron balustrade and tile floor. It’s a wrap-around design, and is also accessible via the corner living room, which features remarkable views of the river, and a fireplace.

Berlin wrote some 1,250 songs during his career; that’s an estimate, though, and may not be a full accounting. Some of his other compositions include ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Blue Skies’; he penned the tunes for hit Astaire vehicles ‘Top Hat,’ ‘Holiday Inn,’ and ‘The Easter Parade.’