Realtor.com
A midcentury New York townhouse with convex oval windows that have seen it dubbed the “Bubble House” has hit the market for the first time in half a century—listing for $5.75 million, having last sold for the remarkably low price of just $52,500.
The distinctive bubbly residence has become a somewhat divisive hot spot in its Lenox Hill neighborhood, where it was built in 1969, with architect Maurice Medcalfe transforming a traditional brownstone into the eye-popping modernist masterpiece.
Medcalfe’s unique window design was intended to be “a sculptural interpretation of the classic bay window,” according to reports.
Seven years later, the home was purchased by Arthur Schneier, a senior rabbi at Park East Synagogue, who has owned the unique dwelling ever since.
Despite the townhouse’s reputation as one of Manhattan’s most recognizable dwellings, which has helped to shoot the property to the top of the week’s most popular homes list, it’s not landmarked, meaning that a new owner would have the freedom to make extensive changes—even eradicating the iconic ovoid windows.
Certainly, there is plenty to play with in the four-story interior, which boasts 4,736 square feet of space and includes four bedrooms, an office, and five bathrooms that are “all in need of renovation,” according to the listing.
Also grabbing attention this week are an Adirondack lakefront legacy compound with spectacular boathouse in New York, a newly built, A-frame contemporary with 30-foot interior in New Hampshire, and a former brick schoolhouse transformed into a beautiful abode in Michigan.
10. 143 Broad St, Charleston, SC
Price: $3,475,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1880, this historic estate with enormous covered terrace has been thoughtfully modernized over the years.
The three-bedroom residence still boasts many original details, including custom moldings, stained glass windows, preserved hardwood floors, a grand staircase, built-in cabinetry, and ornate mantels found on multiple fireplaces. Modernizations include a kitchen with island, 3.5 updated bathrooms, and a primary suite with glass shower stall.
A newly renovated, one-bedroom apartment could be used for guests, extended family, or additional income.
(Realtor.com)
9. 2301 Loyola Ave, New Orleans
Price: $285,000
Why it’s here: It’s a colorful and inexpensive three-bedroom abode conveniently located in New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood within walking distance of the Mardi Gras parade route.
The cheery residence was built in 1930 and updated over the years to now offer engineered wood floors, a sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and two modernized bathrooms. Historic details remaining include exposed brick, 12-foot high ceilings, and oversized windows.
A cute patio can be found out back.
(Realtor.com)
8. 60 Cedar Ave, Pleasantville, NY
Price: $1,099,000
Why it’s here: This 1927 French Normandy Tudor still boasts many original architectural details, including casement windows, arched doorways, exposed beam ceilings, and a Belgian tile roof.
Other highlights found throughout the multilevel 2,461-square-foot interior include a living room with built-in shelves and wood-burning fireplace, and an updated kitchen with granite countertops and Mexican terracotta tile floor. A spacious family room has sliders that open up to a bluestone patio.
The nearly 1-acre lot also has a lighted waterfall and koi pond.
(Realtor.com)
7. 38 State Route 28, Inlet, NY
Price: $3,650,000
Why it’s here: Camp Cliffview is an Adirondack legacy compound located on 4.46 acres overlooking Fourth Lake. It’s being offered fully furnished.
With 300 feet of shoreline and numerous covered decks to soak in the stunning views, the turnkey 8,625-square-foot estate features 13 bedrooms, enormous deck, guesthouse, and carriage house. The dedicated game room with pool table and wood-burning stove was designed for entertaining.
A separate boathouse has three boat bays with lift systems and an upper level, wood-clad bar.
(Realtor.com)
6. 8475 Palace Dr, Kelseyville, CA
Price: $650,000
Why it’s here: It’s a midcentury, A-frame time capsule with its own private boat launch and direct access to Clear Lake.
Built in 1979, the three-bedroom lake home boasts a retro interior with its vinyl floors and wall-to-wall carpeting. A sunken conversation pit can be found in the living room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, sliding glass doors, wood-clad walls, and uniquely shaped windows can also be found throughout the 1,888-square-foot interior.
A detached two-car garage has a full bathroom, laundry area, and a loft for extra storage.
(Realtor.com)
5. 1048 W California Ave, Salt Lake City
Price: $311,000
Why it’s here: Attention investors: This three-bedroom bungalow is looking for a buyer to restore its natural beauty.
Built in 1930, the affordably priced, 1,725-square-foot “diamond in the rough” features hardwood floors, built-ins, and custom millwork. The lot also has several detached structures, an artesian well, and “several hand-sculpted sculptures.”
Buyers should note it is being sold as is and the listing says “the roof is compromised” and “various items of personal property” may convey with the sale.
(Realtor.com)
4. 35 Mountain View Dr, Thornton, NH
Price: $774,900
Why it’s here: It’s a recently built A-frame contemporary with jaw-dropping 30-foot interior nestled on 1.74 acres of wooded privacy.
Located in the Woods at Mill Brook, the 1,670-square-foot home’s open floor plan boasts a light-filled interior surrounded by sliders and triangular-shaped windows. The modern space features a suspended wood-burning fireplace found in the living room, a sleek kitchen with quartz countertops, and a floating wood staircase with stainless steel cable rails.
Front and side decks overlook the peaceful lot.
(Realtor.com)
3. 118 Browntown Rd, Buchanan, MI
Price: $699,000
Why it’s here: This 2,440-square-foot brick structure was once a schoolhouse that has been transformed into a stylish residence.
Evidence of the two-bedroom home’s former life can still be detected in a vintage chalkboard hanging in the dining room, the grand entry with wood staircase, and historic hardwood floors. Built in 1916, the building was entirely renovated in 2020 and now features a modern kitchen with gas fireplace and 10-foot island, and an en-suite bedroom with refurbished cast iron soaking tub.
A spacious deck overlooks the wooded lot that also has a firepit area.
(Realtor.com)
2. 45232 Longue Vue, Alexandria Bay, NY
Price: $2,700,000
Why it’s here: It’s the opportunity to buy an Arts and Crafts residence on famous Longue Vue Island overlooking the St. Lawrence River!
The eight-bedroom stone estate built in 1905 features exposed beams, hardwood floors, built-in window seating, and an original grand staircase with hand-carved details. Also found throughout the 9,112-square-foot interior are an enclosed stone porch, a living room with stone fireplace, and a dining room with lakefront views. Several patios and decks were designed to soak in the scenery.
A three-slip, deep-water boathouse features a one-bedroom guest apartment along with an enormous built-in bar and game room for entertaining.
(Realtor.com)
1. 251 E 71st St, New York City
Price: $5,750,000
Why it’s here: Here’s the chance for investors to buy the famous “Bubble House” designed by architect Maurice Medcalfe located in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood.
Offered for the first time in 50 years, the 4,736-square-foot residence was built as a traditional brownstone and converted in 1969 to its modernist design with signature convex oval windows that swivel to open. According to the listing, the four-bedroom home is “in need of renovation” and “ready to be reimagined for modern living.”
The property is located on a tree-lined block near Central Park.
(Realtor.com)