Cary Grant and other famous people lived here: the narrowest house in New York has been sold
The narrowest house in New York, located at 75½ Bedford Street, has been sold and has a rich history of housing celebrities.
The narrow house at 75½ Bedford Street in Manhattan has a notable history and has recently been sold. Known for its mere 2.9 meters in width, this Dutch-style abode was squeezed between two larger residences in the vibrant West Village area long before the trend of tiny houses emerged. Despite its modest exterior, this brick structure has been home to many illustrious figures throughout its existence, including renowned actors Cary Grant and John Barrymore, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and cartoonist William Steig. Popular poet Edna St. Vincent Millay also resided there in the early 1920s, a time during which she penned her Pulitzer Prize-winning work, "The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver," which is commemorated by a plaque at the main entrance.
This iconic house is more than just a narrow structure; it represents a slice of New York's rich cultural history. The fact that it has housed various celebrated personalities speaks to its importance both architecturally and socially. The selling of this property reflects the ever-evolving real estate landscape in New York City, where unique historical residences are often viewed with nostalgia and fascination, drawing interest from buyers seeking not just a home but a piece of history. Its sale could signify a shift in how properties with such storied pasts are valued in the current market.
Ultimately, the tale of 75½ Bedford Street illustrates the allure of uniqueness in a city known for its architecture and celebrity culture. As the urban environment continues to change, properties like this one remind us of the rich narratives embedded in the facades of city life. The public's fascination with such houses suggests a continuing interest in the stories of those who came before and the legacies they left behind, even in spaces as confined and unusual as this one.