Presenting the remarkable house that was famously constructed by the talented Stephen Sondheim, the renowned composer and lyricist. Now available on the market for a staggering $7 million, this property holds much more value than just a mere song. Sondheim, a recipient of numerous prestigious awards such as eight Tonys, eight Grammys, an Oscar, and a Pulitzer, purchased this historic Turtle Bay townhouse at 246 E. 49th St. in 1960, following the immense success of his early Broadway hits, including the iconic “West Side Story” and “Gypsy.” He resided in this townhouse and spent his time alternating between here and Connecticut until his passing at the age of 91 in 2021.
Sondheim, a true New Yorker at heart, once claimed that he had always lived within the vicinity of 49th and 82nd streets. Now, let us delve into the intricacies of this elegant abode. Spanning a generous 5,690 square feet, this 19-foot-wide townhouse encompasses seven bedrooms and 3½ baths. The interior is graced with exquisite design details such as hardwood floors, crown moldings, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, stained glass, and stately columns. The spacious second-floor houses a music studio, complete with a baby grand piano, allowing for the creation of beautiful melodies within the comforts of home.
This turn-of-the-century, five-story home is nestled within Turtle Bay Gardens, an exclusive community comprised of 20 homes. These residences were transformed from 1860s townhouses and are connected by a shared garden, accessible only to the residents. Situated on 48th and 49th streets between Second and Third avenues, this esteemed enclave was once home to Sondheim’s longtime neighbor, the iconic Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn. It was within the hallowed halls of this townhouse that Sondheim crafted his greatest works, from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in 1962 to “Company” in 1970, “Follies” in 1971, and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” in 1979. Sondheim also revealed that he composed most of the music and lyrics for his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, “Sunday in the Park with George” in 1983, on the terrace overlooking the serene shared garden.
Although the title of the musical that catapulted Sondheim to fame may have lost its luster over time, the property it afforded him remains a symbol of success. Distinguished features of the townhouse include chevron wooden floors and a well-appointed chef’s kitchen. A sprawling 30-foot terrace offers picturesque views of the patio and garden area. The wood-paneled foyer welcomes residents with a stunning midnight blue-tiled, barrel-vaulted ceiling. Beyond the foyer lies a 32-foot living room adorned with chevron-patterned wood floors. Additional highlights include a formal dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows, and French doors that lead to the enchanting garden. Furthermore, the second floor houses a music studio equipped with a music library and a baby grand piano. A delightful solarium showcases a charming wood arch and original stained-glass windows, leading to the expansive 30-foot terrace overlooking the garden. The fourth floor showcases a luxurious main bedroom suite complete with custom built-ins and a spa-like ensuite bath. Lastly, the fifth floor is currently configured as a well-appointed studio apartment with a kitchenette and a terrace offering delightful garden views.
The listing brokers for this remarkable property are Michael J. Franco, Miriam Richards, Greg Holzmann, and Veronica Hinman, all representing Compass. The opportunity to own a piece of history and create your own harmonious haven awaits within the walls of this extraordinary Stephen Sondheim-built townhouse.
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