Stephen Sondheim’s New York City Townhouse Lists for $7 Million

If you have $7 million to spare and dream of living in the former residence of one of Broadway’s legendary composers, Stephen Sondheim, your opportunity has arrived. Sondheim’s Turtle Bay townhouse, which served as his muse for the bustling city of New York, is currently available for purchase, as initially reported by Curbed.

Nestled among 20 historic Manhattan houses known as the “Turtle Bay Townhouses,” the seven-bedroom property is situated on 48th and 49th Streets, between Second and Third Avenues. Originating in 1920 from a collection of 1860s townhouses, these homes boast a rich history and share a private communal garden accessible exclusively from one of these residences. Previously owned by notable individuals such as Katharine Hepburn, Garson Kanin, Robert Gottlieb, Mary-Kate Olsen, and Maxwell Perkins, these storied properties rarely become available on the market.

Stephen Sondheim acquired the Turtle Bay townhouse in 1960, seeking a full townhouse that would afford him privacy without disturbing neighbors, as he revealed to the author of “Manhattan’s Turtle Bay.” Motivated by the royalties from the success of the 1959 musical “Gypsy,” Sondheim was able to make a down payment on the property. To cover the mortgage, he rented out the top three floors of the townhouse.

Living in even the most private New York residences comes with its challenges. Sondheim’s neighbor at the time, Katharine Hepburn, frequently complained about the duration and volume of his piano playing. In response, Sondheim invested in an electric piano with headphones. During his time in the townhouse, Sondheim experimented with a trial marriage with Mary Rodgers, cohabitated with his next partner, dramatist Peter Jones, and eventually married digital technologist Jeffrey Scott Romley in 2017. Sondheim enjoyed a happy marriage with Romley, dividing his time between the Turtle Bay townhouse and their home in Roxbury, Connecticut, until his passing in November 2021.

SEE INSIDE STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S HISTORIC TOWNHOUSE

1. Office:

The office in Sondheim’s Turtle Bay townhouse features a wood-paneled fireplace adorned with ornate moldings, creating a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere.

2. Hallway:

A hallway within the townhouse showcases patterned wood floors, adding a touch of elegance to the interior design.

3. Media Room:

The media room is adorned with custom bookshelves and a striking wall adorned with framed lobby-card posters featuring Sondheim’s notable works, creating a personalized and artistic space.

4. Studio:

On the second floor, the studio is equipped with a music library, a wood-burning fireplace, and a baby grand piano, providing an inspiring and functional space for creative endeavors.

5. Living Room:

The living room boasts chevron-patterned wood floors with mahogany inlay and backlit built-ins, creating a stylish and well-designed space for relaxation and entertainment.

6. Terrace:

The townhouse offers access to a 30-foot-long terrace through a wrought-iron-gated forecourt, providing an outdoor retreat with a blend of privacy and sophistication.

7. Garden:

The home shares a private communal garden exclusively accessible to the 20 Turtle Bay Townhouses, offering a serene and green escape within the bustling city environment.

The impressive five-story townhouse encompasses a grand-scale living room extending a generous 32 feet, adorned with chevron-patterned parquet floors featuring mahogany inlay for a touch of sophistication. The formal dining room, boasting Romanesque beveled windows and French doors leading directly to the garden, provides an elegant space for entertaining. The house is equipped with a gym, library, and a renovated chef’s kitchen, ensuring a blend of comfort and functionality.

The top floor features a studio apartment complete with a rain shower, providing both convenience and privacy. Notably, the second-floor studio holds a music library and a baby grand piano, serving as the creative space where Sondheim penned many of his iconic works, including Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Into the Woods, and Passion. A media room, featuring custom bookshelves, showcases a wall adorned with framed lobby-card posters of Sondheim’s celebrated works, adding a personalized touch to the space.

Despite a severe fire in 1995, the townhouse underwent subsequent updates and repairs to restore its grandeur. Recent renovations have further enhanced the property, including improvements to the kitchen and select bathrooms. The listing is represented by Compass’s Michael J. Franco.