Nestled in the heart of New York City, the historic 75 1/2 Bedford Street townhouse, affectionately dubbed the skinniest house in Manhattan, is now available for $4.19 million. At just 9.5 feet wide, this charming residence presents both a unique opportunity and a spatial challenge, making it a standout within the vibrant West Village neighborhood.
Constructed in 1873, this red brick townhouse, known as the Millay House, carries a rich legacy. Its narrow walls have borne witness to the lives of Hollywood legends and literary greats, including Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, who lived here during the 1920s. Millay, an influential figure of her time, transformed the top floor into a sanctuary where she penned “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver,” a work that would earn her critical acclaim. A plaque above the door serves as a reminder of her impact on both the home and the literary world.
Despite its modest dimensions—approximately 1,000 square feet—this townhouse is designed to maximize space and light. Broker Cortnee Glasser of Sotheby’s International Realty, who holds the listing, describes the interior as bright and airy, defying the typical claustrophobic feel one might expect from such a narrow structure. The Dutch-style gabled facade, spanning three stories plus a finished lower level, features floor-to-ceiling French doors and a remarkable 12-foot skylight that Millay herself had installed. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create an inviting atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the home’s exterior dimensions.
Inside, the house boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with the potential for a fourth bedroom in the lower level. Each bedroom is equipped with its own wood-burning fireplace, ensuring warmth and character. The primary bathroom is a rustic retreat, featuring a claw-foot soaking tub that offers picturesque views of the quaint garden below. The kitchen, while narrow, offers ample storage and clever design elements, including mirrors that create an illusion of space.
The garden, measuring an additional 150 square feet, provides a serene escape from the bustling city, accessible via a charming Dutch door from the eat-in kitchen. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation or entertaining, embodying the essence of West Village living.
The Millay House has a storied past, having served as a haven for various artists and intellectuals, including Cary Grant, John Barrymore, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and cartoonist William Steig. Andrew Berman, director of Village Preservation, notes that the home is “an icon of the neighborhood,” frequently attracting the attention of tourists and local historians alike.
The most recent owners, Dr. Tandra Hammer, an obstetrician and gynecologist, and her daughter Donte Calarco, purchased the home in 2023 for $3.41 million. Their tenure included thoughtful renovations, such as closet enhancements and electrical upgrades, along with dedicated care for the garden, all of which have preserved the home’s historical integrity while modernizing its functionality.
With its unique dimensions and rich history, 75 1/2 Bedford Street represents a rare opportunity in the real estate market. Glasser aptly describes it as “a needle in a haystack,” emphasizing its singularity. For those intrigued by the intersection of architectural uniqueness and literary heritage, this townhouse is not merely a home; it’s a piece of history waiting to be cherished by its next inhabitants.
