Rare Listings Surface at a Tightly Held Bronx Co-op

An unusual number of homes have become available at Villa Charlotte Bronte, a nearly 100-year-old co-op in the Bronx known for its Italian-inspired architecture and historically infrequent sales. Three of the property's 17 units are currently listed for sale, a rare event for the cliffside complex where years can pass without a single listing.

Unprecedented Market Activity at a Landmark Property

Villa Charlotte Bronte, an iconic residential complex perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River in Spuyten Duyvil, is experiencing a notable increase in market activity. For decades, the property has been one of New York City's most tightly held residential enclaves, with homes rarely becoming available.

Currently, three separate units are on the market simultaneously. This includes a three-bedroom residence priced at $1.24 million, a two-bedroom for $949,000, and a one-bedroom for $649,000. This level of availability is a significant departure from the norm for the nearly century-old building.

"Usually this does not happen," Linda Justus, a broker with Robert E. Hill, the co-op's property manager, told The Post. "There are years when you cannot find one property [at Villa Charlotte Bronte]."

A History of Scarcity

The recent listings stand in sharp contrast to the co-op's sales history. Data shows that before 2024, sales were sporadic. A complete absence of listings was recorded for four years between 2016 and 2020. The most recent sale prior to the current activity was in 2021.

This recent cluster of sales began to emerge in 2024, which saw three transactions. In January 2025, a two-bedroom unit sold for $915,000, signaling continued interest in the unique property. Monthly maintenance fees for the available units range from approximately $1,461 to $2,237.

Architectural Significance and Unique Living Experience

Constructed in 1926, Villa Charlotte Bronte was designed by lawyer John Jay McKelvey, who was inspired by European architecture. The complex is often compared to a Tuscan villa, featuring ivy-clad walls, distinctive peaked roofs, and a network of arched stairways that create a labyrinthine feel.

The property's design includes a sunken courtyard and a grotto, adding to its old-world charm. It was built at a time when much of the surrounding Riverdale area was still farmland, making it a pioneering architectural statement.

Residents enjoy a unique living environment that feels removed from the city's pace. "We’re in New York, a stone’s toss from Manhattan, and you feel like you’re a million miles away," said Bill Sherman, a broker who is also a longtime resident. The commute to Grand Central Terminal is approximately 40 minutes.

Explaining the Sudden Availability

Brokers familiar with the property suggest the recent increase in listings is due to a natural cycle of resident turnover rather than a decline in the building's appeal. In a small, historic co-op, it is not uncommon for several longtime owners to decide to sell around the same time after decades of residency.

"People are getting older or want a different way of life, and they’re moving," Justus explained. Reports indicate that one sale involves an elderly resident who lived in the complex for nearly two decades, while another is from a young family relocating to be closer to relatives.

While the building's unique character is its main draw, some features may influence buyer decisions. The extensive stairways required to access most units and the variability in the size and condition of the apartments can present challenges for some potential buyers.

A Coveted Bronx Address

Despite these considerations, owning a home in Villa Charlotte Bronte remains a rare opportunity. The building's striking appearance, spacious interiors, and views of the Hudson River and the Palisades make it highly desirable. Its distinctiveness attracts frequent visitors who admire it from outside its gates.

Resident and broker Rebecca Sherman noted that she often assists visitors with taking photos, especially during graduation season. The building's mystique has even led to local rumors, which resident Bill Sherman humorously debunked: "There’s a rumor going around that we have a yacht club, a wine cellar and a cafe. I wish!"

The allure is powerful enough to attract buyers who have admired the building for years. According to Justus, the $915,000 unit sold earlier this year went to local residents who had long dreamed of living there. "People walk by it and say, ‘Oh, I wish I could live there,’" she said. When a unit became available, they seized the chance.