While some pricey properties sell shockingly fast, such as Barbara Corcoran’s NYC penthouse that recently found a buyer in one day, others can have long runs on the market. Director Baz Luhrmann, famed for theatrical films like “Moulin Rouge!,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Romeo + Juliet,” and his wife, costume designer Catherine Martin, have been experiencing that with their swanky Gramercy Park townhouse.
The 19th-century, 8,500-square-foot brownstone first listed in 2022 for $19,999,500, dressed to their taste with exuberant jewel tones, daring patterns, and moody design elements that brought unique drama. Since then, the home has been pared down in many places to have a more subdued feel and given quite a few price trims. This summer marked the latest, and the circa-1850s gem is now seeking $13,995,000.
Considering Luhrmann purchased the home for $13.5 million in 2013 and renovated it with bold flair in 2019, he could be prepared to take loss on the property now or be hoping to make a thin profit. Whoever snags it is, indeed, getting quite a deal with the home’s high-quality features and it’s newly-minted cinematic prestige. Not only did Luhrmann make major upgrades, like giving the antique townhouse a refined Clive Christian-designed kitchen and a new roof membrane, but he also reportedly wrote most of the script for “Elvis” at the residence.
However, potential buyers may mainly be impressed by the six-bedroom abode’s great architectural bones. Curving staircases, arched windows and doorways, ornate fireplaces, and soaring high ceilings are all part of the deal here. The townhouse also has a lovely garden to enjoy as well as perks like a media/screening room, Art Deco-esque elevator, and a grand primary suite closet.
Intrigued? Karen Heyman and Keith Heyma Sotheby’s International Realty share the celebrity listing.
