A unique piece of New York City history is now on the market. The townhouse at 75½ Bedford Street, famously known as the city's narrowest home, has been listed for sale with an asking price of $4.195 million. Measuring just 9.5 feet wide, the West Village property has a storied past, having housed a number of celebrated artists and actors over the decades.
Built in 1873, the slender red brick building offers approximately 1,000 square feet of living space spread across three floors and a finished basement. Despite its slim profile, the home contains three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and has been a notable landmark in the Greenwich Village Historic District for years.
Key Takeaways
- The townhouse at 75½ Bedford Street, New York's narrowest, is for sale for $4.195 million.
- The home is only 9.5 feet wide and provides around 1,000 square feet of living space.
- Past residents include poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, actors Cary Grant and John Barrymore, and anthropologist Margaret Mead.
- The property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, four wood-burning fireplaces, and a private garden.
A Landmark Property in the West Village
Nestled between two larger buildings on a desirable block, 75½ Bedford Street is an icon of the West Village. Originally constructed as a carriage entryway for the adjacent property, it was converted into a residence that has since captivated residents and tourists alike.
The home's unique dimensions make it a standout property. Cortnee Glasser of Sotheby’s International Realty, the listing agent, acknowledges its distinct appeal. "There are some people who don’t want a narrow home," Glasser noted, "and there are others who will appreciate its charm and history. They would love to have a townhouse on one of the most desirable blocks in the West Village for $4.195 million."
The property's significance is also recognized by local preservation groups. Andrew Berman, director of Village Preservation, described the house as an emblem of the area's distinct character. "It’s really an icon of the neighborhood," Berman said. "It speaks to the quirkiness and charm."
Property at a Glance
- Address: 75½ Bedford Street, West Village, NYC
- Price: $4.195 million
- Width: 9.5 feet
- Square Footage: Approx. 1,000 sq ft
- Annual Taxes: $21,190
Inside the 'Millay House'
The home is often called the "Millay House" in honor of one of its most famous residents, the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. She lived there from 1923 to 1924, a period during which she wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning work, "The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver." A plaque near the front door commemorates her time in the house.
Despite its narrow frame, the interior is designed to maximize space. The layout includes an open floor plan with built-in storage and pocket doors. The house retains many of its original architectural elements, such as exposed wood-beam ceilings and wide-plank white oak floors. A winding staircase connects the levels.
Room by Room
The main floor features an eat-in kitchen that opens onto a small, private garden. This garden also provides access to a larger shared garden space with two neighboring homes. The house boasts four wood-burning fireplaces, adding to its historic charm. One fireplace is located in the primary suite's bathroom on the second floor, which also features a soaking tub.
The three bedrooms are located on the upper floors, with balconies off the top two. The current occupant, Donte Calarco, confirmed the practicality of the space. "It’s a queen bed house," she said, noting that while queen-sized beds fit comfortably, "a king would be a little too hard to move around with." The top-floor bedroom, which has a skylight, is believed to have been Millay's writing studio.
A History of Famous Residents
Beyond Edna St. Vincent Millay, the house at 75½ Bedford Street has been home to an impressive list of cultural figures. This includes actors Cary Grant and John Barrymore, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and cartoonist William Steig, creator of Shrek. This rich history adds to the property's unique identity and appeal.
Modern Updates and Ownership
The current owners, Dr. Tandra Hammer and her daughter Donte Calarco, purchased the property in 2023 for $3.41 million. As real estate investors with a passion for historic homes, they were drawn to its unique character.
"There’s so much history — you could feel it," said Calarco about their decision to buy the house.
While the home had been renovated by previous owners, Hammer and Calarco made further improvements. They updated the electrical system and renovated closets to enhance livability. Now, they are ready for a new venture.
"We love the city, and we love flipping old houses," Calarco explained. "We’re ready for our next project." They are reportedly looking for another property in Lower Manhattan, but one on a single level.
Living in a famous home comes with constant attention from passersby, but Calarco views it as a positive. "They’re outside taking pictures," she said. "Some people might see that as a negative, but I don’t. It’s just part of the character and spirit of the neighborhood."