NYC townhouse hidden in an ultra-exclusive garden enclave where Bob Dylan once lived asks $11.5M for sale

New York Post - Apr 3rd, 2025

A Georgian townhouse at 241 E. 48th St. in Manhattan's exclusive Turtle Bay Gardens is listed for sale at $11.5 million. This five-story, 5,500-square-foot residence boasts modern luxuries such as a smart home system and elevator, while maintaining its historical charm. The property offers access to a private, communal garden, a feature shared by only 20 homes in the area. The townhouse includes a chef’s kitchen, a sun-drenched great room, and a full-floor primary suite. It is represented by Sotheby’s International Realty's Nikki Field and Matt Perceval.

Turtle Bay Gardens has been home to cultural icons like Katharine Hepburn, Stephen Sondheim, and Bob Dylan, who lived next door for two decades. The neighborhood's rich history of attracting luminaries adds to the property's allure. The townhouse is offered below replacement value, potentially saving the buyer over $2 million in renovation costs. This listing highlights the enduring appeal of Turtle Bay Gardens as a secluded, historic enclave in the heart of Manhattan.

Bob Dylan Manhattan Real Estate Turtle Bay Gardens Georgian Townhouse Nikki Field Matt Perceval Sotheby’s International Realty Katharine Hepburn Stephen Sondheim

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and engaging overview of a luxury townhouse in Manhattan's Turtle Bay Gardens, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. It excels in clarity and readability, with a well-structured narrative that effectively conveys the property's unique appeal. The story's focus on notable past residents adds an intriguing cultural dimension, enhancing its engagement potential for readers interested in celebrity history and architecture.

However, the article's reliance on the real estate listing as a primary source introduces potential bias, and some factual claims require further verification. While the story is timely and relevant to the luxury real estate market, its niche focus limits its broader public interest and impact. Including perspectives on the implications of high-value real estate could enhance its balance and address potential controversies. Overall, the article is a well-crafted piece that offers valuable insights into a unique urban enclave, albeit with some areas for improvement in source diversity and factual verification.

Accuracy

The story provides detailed information about the Georgian townhouse's location, features, and historical significance. Key claims include the property's location at 241 E. 48th St., its price of $11.5 million, and its inclusion in the exclusive Turtle Bay Gardens. The historical context of the area and notable past residents like Bob Dylan are also mentioned.

However, some claims require verification, such as the exact details of Bob Dylan's residence and the sale prices of nearby properties. The story's assertion that the property is offered well below replacement value, potentially saving the buyer over $2 million, also needs corroboration. While the article is generally accurate, these areas need verification to ensure full factual precision.

Balance

The article provides a well-rounded view of the property's appeal, highlighting both its luxurious features and historical significance. It balances the allure of modern amenities with the charm of historical architecture. The story also presents a balanced perspective by mentioning the notable figures associated with the area, providing cultural context.

However, the article could benefit from including perspectives on the implications of such high-value real estate in Manhattan's housing market. It predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of the property, which might overlook potential criticisms related to affordability or exclusivity.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, making it easy for readers to follow. It provides a logical flow from the property's features to its historical significance and notable past residents. The language is descriptive yet accessible, effectively conveying the property's unique appeal.

The tone is neutral and informative, focusing on delivering facts without unnecessary embellishment. This clarity and structure contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the townhouse and its context within Manhattan's real estate landscape.

Source quality

The article references the property listing by Sotheby’s International Realty, which adds credibility to the information about the townhouse's features and pricing. However, it lacks direct citations or quotes from independent experts or historical records that could provide additional authority and verification for the historical claims.

The reliance on the real estate listing as a primary source may introduce bias, as it is in the interest of the listing agents to present the property in the best possible light. Including a wider range of sources, such as historians or local real estate analysts, could improve the story's credibility.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the property's listing with Sotheby’s International Realty, providing clear information about the agents involved. It also outlines the features and historical context of the property and surrounding area in detail.

However, the story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the basis for some of its claims, such as the estimated renovation cost savings. Greater transparency regarding the methodology for these estimates and any potential biases in the listing information would enhance the article's transparency.