A historic townhouse in Manhattan's West Village, known as the narrowest in New York City, has been listed for sale with an asking price of $4.195 million. The property, located at 75½ Bedford Street, measures just 9.5 feet wide and has a storied past, having been home to several famous figures, including poet Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Key Takeaways
- The townhouse at 75½ Bedford Street, the narrowest in NYC, is on the market for $4.195 million.
- Built in 1873, the home is only 9.5 feet wide and offers approximately 1,000 square feet of living space.
- Former residents include Edna St. Vincent Millay, Cary Grant, John Barrymore, and Margaret Mead.
- The property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, four wood-burning fireplaces, and a private garden.
A Slice of New York History
Nestled between two larger buildings on a picturesque street in the West Village, 75½ Bedford Street stands as a testament to New York's unique architectural history. The red brick structure was originally built in 1873, reportedly on land that once served as a carriage entryway for the adjacent property at 77 Bedford Street.
Its distinctive Dutch-style gabled roof and narrow profile make it an iconic landmark in the Greenwich Village Historic District. The home has long attracted attention not just for its size, but for its impressive roster of former inhabitants. A plaque near the front door commemorates the residency of Edna St. Vincent Millay, who lived there from 1923 to 1924. During her time in the house, she wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning poem, “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver.”
A Star-Studded Address
Beyond its connection to Millay, the house has sheltered other prominent figures. Actors Cary Grant and John Barrymore, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and cartoonist William Steig are all said to have lived within its slender walls at various times, adding to its cultural significance.
Inside the Millay House
Despite its exterior dimensions, the townhouse offers a surprisingly functional layout spread across three levels and a finished basement. The interior space measures around 1,000 square feet, featuring three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. To maximize the living area, the design incorporates an open floor plan, built-in storage, and pocket doors.
Property at a Glance
- Price: $4,195,000
- Width: 9.5 feet
- Square Footage: Approx. 1,000
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Fireplaces: 4 (wood-burning)
- Annual Taxes: $21,190
The home retains many of its original architectural elements, including exposed wood-beam ceilings and wide-plank white oak floors. A winding staircase connects the floors, adding to the historic charm. The property has been carefully renovated over the years to blend modern amenities with its classic character. The kitchen and bathrooms feature contemporary finishes like marble surfaces.
Unique Features and Modern Updates
The layout is thoughtfully designed for vertical living. The eat-in kitchen on the main floor opens onto a small private garden landscaped with boxwoods. This garden also provides access to a larger shared garden space with two neighboring homes, a rare feature in Manhattan.
The second floor is dedicated to the primary suite, which includes one of the home's four wood-burning fireplaces—uniquely situated in the bathroom next to a soaking tub. The top two floors contain additional bedrooms, each with its own balcony. The top-floor room, which served as Millay’s writing studio, features a skylight that brings in natural light. Ceiling heights vary, from just over seven feet in the basement to about 12 feet at the skylight on the top floor.
Ownership and Recent Improvements
The current owner, Dr. Tandra Hammer, purchased the property in 2023 for $3.41 million. Her daughter, Donte Calarco, who lives in the home for most of the year, noted that they were drawn to its history and charm. Calarco, a part-time real estate agent, explained that they have continued to make improvements.
"We didn’t really do tons of work, we just kind of took it from there to make it more livable," Calarco said, mentioning updates to the electrical system and closets.
She also shared her experience living in such a well-known home. "They’re outside taking pictures," she said of the tourists and locals who pass by. "Some people might see that as a negative, but I don’t. It’s just part of the character and spirit of the neighborhood.”
The Market for a Unique Property
Listing agent Cortnee Glasser of Sotheby’s International Realty acknowledged the home's specific appeal. "There are some people who don’t want a narrow home," Glasser stated. "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 sale presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of New York City's architectural and cultural heritage. Andrew Berman, the director of Village Preservation, described the house as an icon. "It speaks to the quirkiness and charm" of the neighborhood, he said.
For the right buyer, 75½ Bedford Street offers more than just a place to live; it provides a connection to a rich and storied past in one of Manhattan's most sought-after locations.
