Once-resided $3 million Harlem home by music legend Bob Dylan now offers a slice of luxurious music history, seeking a new owner.
Bob Dylan's Former Harlem Brownstone Hits the Market for $3 Million
Bob Dylan's former residence, a stunning Renaissance Revival townhouse located at 265 West 139th Street on Strivers’ Row, is now available for purchase. With an asking price of $3 million, this five-story, approximately 4,500-square-foot property offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
Designed by the renowned architect Stanford White in 1891 as part of the 1891-1893 Strivers' Row development, the townhouse boasts original details such as wood-paneled vestibules, decorative tile work, restored hardwood floors, period moldings, and decorative fireplaces.
Key features of the property include five bedrooms, multiple staircases, zoned central HVAC, radiant-heated bathrooms, CitiQuiet soundproof windows, and updated modern bathrooms. The interior layout is further enhanced by Palladian windows in the dining room, a unique four-foot-tall safe repurposed as a bar, and a full-height sealed cellar with laundry facilities and storage.
Outdoor spaces include a landscaped gated forecourt and a rebuilt rear deck/terrace with updated living spaces. The townhouse also offers private parking, with a gated carport featuring an automatic garage door and a second parking space, which is unusual for Harlem townhouses.
Historically, the townhouse is part of the celebrated Strivers’ Row, a landmarked early 1890s district known for its association with Harlem’s Black professional elite during the Harlem Renaissance, adding cultural significance to the property. Dylan's ownership adds a layer of musical and cultural history, as he lived there from 1986 until 2000.
The current owners, a retired attorney and a former Elle magazine editor, purchased the property in 2018. Despite occasional attention from tourists, they emphasize that Dylan's legacy was not a major factor in their purchase.
The townhouse is strategically located near St. Nicholas Park and is conveniently accessible via the C and B subway lines, enabling a swift connection to Columbus Circle within 17 minutes.
Maison de Vacances designed a muted pillow for a twist on all-white bedding, while a natural wood desk chair maintains the wood-and-blue theme in the bedroom. The Unexpected Red Theory is present in another bedroom, with a simple red nightstand contrasting the light blue-painted walls.
The kitchen features Gaggenau, Sub-Zero, and Panasonic appliances, along with natural wood floors and cabinets. The dining room showcases washed-blue wallpaper, velvety blue curtains, a wood dining table and chairs, and a neutral rug. The living area offers a green-tiled fireplace, a corner wooden bookcase, a patterned rug, and a mix of leather and linen seating.
The main bedroom is a neutral oasis with light bedding, striped wallpaper, natural wood floors, and a beige rug. The sitting parlor features high ceilings, lush green curtains, natural wood window frames, and a crystal chandelier. The bathroom, modern yet elegant, features black marble floors, metallic finishes around the mirror, light, and sink.
Listed with Colin Montgomery and Stan Ponte of Sotheby's International Realty - East Side Manhattan Brokerage, this historic property offers a chance to own a piece of New York City's rich cultural history while enjoying the comforts of modern living.
This historic property, once owned by Bob Dylan, is now listed for sale at $3 million, offering a blend of culture, tragedy, and modern amenities. For those interested in finance, this could be a unique investing opportunity to own a piece of New York City's rich cultural history. If you are enthusiastic about home-and-garden and real-estate, this five-story townhouse located on Strivers' Row could also appeal to your lifestyle, as it boasts a mix of original details and modern features, along with outdoor spaces and private parking.
