Downsizing for $4.3 Million

Illustration by James Gulliver Hancock.

There is a little townhouse in New York City being offered for sale for $4.3 million.

Just to be clear—Tom and I are not in the market nor would we pay $4.3 million for a place to live. Even if we were or would, a cozy house with a mountain or water view, on a pristine lake or maybe on a bluff overlooking the ocean, would be our preferred choice.

But there is something to be said about this townhouse in the heart of NYC’s West Village.

The four-story townhouse has just 990 square feet and is only 9.5 feet wide. It is the skinniest house in the city, sandwiched neatly between the other houses on the block. Inside, it’s less than 9 feet wide on the lower two levels and less than 8 feet wide on the two upper floors.

Yet, it boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a state-of-the-art custom kitchen, 4 wood burning fireplaces, original exposed beams, hardwood floors, a fully finished lower-level retreat, walk-in closets, balconies, and a rear garden.

By Manhattan standards, it is a large livable space on a tree-shaded street in a highly desirable neighborhood.

And, there is historical significance—built circa 1850, the townhouse was home at various times to poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and actors Cary Grant and John Barrymore.

This is the listing agent’s description:

Rear view. (Photo: Will Femia)

“Adorning one of the most picturesque blocks in the Village, the Millay House exemplifies the artistic heritage and cultural fabric of this fabled neighborhood. The residence has just been meticulously renovated with beautiful modern finishes, yet retains its original character and pedigree . . . Flooring throughout is reclaimed rift and quarter-sawn antique oak. The beautifully appointed kitchen features white oak cabinetry, custom millwork, Crema Ella Italian marble countertops and backsplash. The windowed master bath, with a balcony overlooking the planted garden, is exquisitely designed with a claw foot tub, separate shower, mosaic tiles, Italian marble and English Lefroy Brooks fixtures. Each fireplace is framed with natural Travertine marble. All of these modern conveniences have been seamlessly integrated, including central air, washer/dryer and new radiators throughout. The second bath features Dolomite and Calacatta marble.” —Town Real Estate

When you think about downsizing, you think smaller. The key to living well in a small house is making the most of available space. This townhouse demonstrates how it can be done. Rooms are light and airy. Every room has built-ins for maximum use of space. Mirrors add dimension. The clean lines beg for minimal furnishings.

Living room with kitchen and garden beyond . . . mirror in hallway adds dimension. (Photo: Town)

Sleek white oak cabinets and matching refrigerator in kitchen recede into the walls. (Photo: Town)

[right] Here’s an ingenious use of space. In the kitchen, the microwave and warming drawer are tucked neatly into dead space beneath the stairway to the upper floor.
(Photo: Will Femia)

Second-floor master bedroom has plenty of built-ins, including a Murphy bed. (Photo: Town)

Master bath opens to the rear garden to let the outdoors in. (Photo: Will Femia)

Master bath shower utilizes space behind the sink. (Photo: Town)

Third-floor bedroom facing front. (Photo: Town)

Mirrors replace glass in a third-floor pocket door. (Photo: Will Femia)

Third-floor bedroom facing rear garden has a balcony. (Photo: Town)

Garden view from third-floor balcony. (Photo: Town)

Private rear garden. (Photo: Will Femia)

Sign above the door. (Photo: Town)

With careful and creative planning, even the smallest space can be made into a comfortable home. Having less space encourages simple living. Less furniture. Less clutter. Less to clean. And more time for the things that really matter . . . like writing a Pulitzer Prize winning poem.