NYC’s Narrowest Home Lists for $4.2 Million Despite 9.5-Foot Width

Historic West Village Townhouse Attracts Buyers Seeking Unique Manhattan Real Estate

Architectural Curiosity Hits Market

New York City’s narrowest residential building at 75 1/2 Bedford Street has listed for $4.195 million, offering buyers a slice of Manhattan history in an impossibly slender package. The 1873 townhouse measures just 9.5 feet wide with approximately 999 square feet of interior space spread across four floors, making it the city’s most distinctive architectural curiosity according to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Famous Residents and Rich History

The property boasts an impressive roster of former inhabitants including Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, who lived there during the 1920s when the West Village pulsed with bohemian energy. Other notable residents included actors Cary Grant and John Barrymore, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and cartoonist William Steig. A commemorative plaque on the facade honors Millay’s connection to the property. The building was originally constructed as a carriage entryway before conversion to residential use, as detailed by NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Modern Amenities in Historic Space

Despite its narrow footprint, the townhouse includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a finished basement with laundry facilities, and two rear terraces. The first floor features a street-facing living room and rear kitchen with custom millwork and Italian marble countertops opening to a shared backyard. The second floor is entirely devoted to the primary suite with fireplace, built-in closets, and en-suite bathroom accessing a private terrace. Original ceiling beams add character to the upper floors, while a skylight illuminates the top level.

Investment and Tourism Draw

Current owner Dr. Tandra Hammer purchased the property in 2023 for $3.41 million and now lists it at $4.195 million, or approximately $3,413 per square foot. The home attracts constant tourist attention, with visitors photographing the building throughout the day. “They’re outside taking pictures. Some people might see that as a negative, but I don’t. It’s just part of the character and spirit of the neighborhood,” resident Donte Calarco told The New York Times. Listing agent Cortnee Glasser acknowledged the property’s selective appeal: “There are some people who don’t want a narrow home, and there are others who will appreciate its charm and history.” The listing arrives as Manhattan’s housing market shows signs of improved affordability with a 9.9% increase in homes going under contract, creating opportunities for buyers seeking unique properties.