BONO BUYS $13M FLAT; Penthouse party pad for U2 star.

Byline: TIM DOYLE

BONO has paid more than g13million for one of New York's most sought-after properties.

The U2 frontman splashed out $15million on the penthouse - described as being like a mausoleum - in Manhattan's San Remo apartment complex.

The brand new 3,500 square foot pad has its own terrace, a party room and breathtaking views of Central Park.

New residents have to get the approval of the notoriously tough co-op board, which famously turned down Madonna's bid to live there in 1985.

Despite his outspoken views - he recently called for civil disobedience if rich countries do not do more to fight poverty - the Nobel Peace Prize nominee was accepted last week.

The San Remo, on the western edge of Central Park, has been home to numerous celebrities including Demi Moore, Steven Spielberg, Steve Martin and Diane Keaton.

Bono bought his pad from Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs, who initially put the duplex on the market for $14.9million.

But the final price was around $14.5million.

The two-bedroom property is on the top two floors of the building's north tower. It comes complete with a chef's kitchen, dining room, 16-foot ceilings and wood-burning fireplaces.

One visitor said: "The interior is all stone. It has an eerie, almost mausoleum-like quality. It's very edgy and not the least bit warm."

There's speculation about how Bono's new neighbours will react to his controversial views.

Last week, calling for action against poverty, he said: "I'm ready to march with my activist friends. We are about to get very noisy and we are about to bang a lot of dustbin lids."

New York columnists Rush and Molloy said: "San Remo co-op owners may want to brace themselves for some intense elevator chats with their new neighbour."

CAPTION(S):

SIGHTS: The view of San Remo; NEW FLAT: Bono