Katharine Hepburn may have been a star in Hollywood before her passing in 2003 at the age of 96; however, the legendary Oscar-winning actress kept a residence in New York City that she called home for years. Now, that same abode — a jaw-droppingly grand townhouse — has hit the market for $6.195 million.
“The 19-foot-wide townhouse in Turtle Bay, on the east side of Midtown Manhattan, first hit the market in 2024 for $7.2 million,” according to Mansion Global (MG). “The price was lowered twice last year, and then again last week, listing records show.”
“‘The Philadelphia Story’ star reportedly owned the home from 1931—just before her Hollywood break—until her death at the age of 96 in 2003,” MG notes. “Her estate sold the almost 130-year-old property to the current owner in 2004 for $3.9 million, records with PropertyShark show.”
‘The Epitome of New York Glamour Defines’ the Townhouse
“The epitome of New York glamour defines this gorgeous 19-foot-wide townhouse, which seamlessly blends the home’s special architectural character with modern sensibilities,” according to the Sotheby’s International Realty listing.
“Boasting graciously scaled rooms, 6 fireplaces, approximately 4,600 square feet of meticulously finished interior space, and an enchanting 1,000 square foot south-facing rear garden, this gracious home stands four stories high with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths,” the listing continues.
Found “nestled in historic and coveted Turtle Bay Gardens, a private enclave of 20 homes steeped in history and boasting notable past residents including Bob Dylan, Stephen Sondheim, and E. B. White,” per the listing, the home that has been featured in design magazines, “has been masterfully restored and renovated and praised for its elegant interiors and carefully selected luxury furnishings.”
The Home Is Just as Charming as You Might Imagine
Built in 1899, the listing tells potential buyers that the home’s residents “enter through a gated forecourt into the stone-tiled entrance foyer which flows to the kitchen and dining room as well as a powder room.”
Along with a “beautifully designed eat-in kitchen,” the listing also notes that there is a “tasteful butler’s pantry … which flows into the south-facing sunlit dining room complemented by a stunning original marble wood-burning fireplace, beautiful hardwood floors, and a wall of windows.”
“The grand and gracious front parlor with soaring 11’ ceilings is currently used as an elegant formal living room with a gorgeous marble mantle fireplace and three French doors opening to a charming Juliette balcony that runs the width of the house,” per the listing. “Separated by a stylish wet bar, the sunlit rear library, with a wood-burning fireplace and a carved wooden mantel, is highlighted by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the beauty and serenity of the backyard gardens.”
On the home’s third floor, “the elegant primary bedroom featuring another wood-burning fireplace, high ceilings, and three floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking verdant gardens comes replete with a walk-in-closet renovated bathroom with claw-foot soaking tub, glass stall shower, and double sinks, as well as Katharine Hepburn’s original mirrored vanity left intact,” the listing explains. “Down the hall in the front, you’ll find another wonderfully proportioned bedroom (currently used as an intimate sitting room and office) with a fireplace and three large windows.”
The fourth floor offers “two generously scaled bedrooms with beautifully finished hardwood floors, oversized windows, and each with renovated bathrooms ensuite and custom outfitted walk-in closets,” the listing says, while adding that the “lower level houses a wine cellar, laundry room, half bathroom, and enviable storage space.”
Outside, an “urban oasis” awaits, which includes a “1,000 square foot bi-level flagstone patio and landscaped irrigated garden is enhanced by mature trees, peaceful fountain, and flowering bushes,” the listing points out. “Beyond a low wooden gate, you’ll find additional room to stroll and relax in historic Turtle Bay Gardens, a private park accessible only to the residents of the surrounding 20 townhomes, all of whom share a common garden filled with mature trees and multiple fountains.”
