For nearly four decades, Hollywood legends Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward enjoyed a sophisticated Manhattan pied-à-terre, nestled atop one of the city’s most distinguished buildings. This top-floor penthouse, which has just been listed for $9.95 million, offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history. Although the apartment hasn’t seen much updating in recent years, it retains its classic charm, original prewar features, and a sense of celebrity flair.
The nearly 35-foot-long living room spills onto an east-facing terrace.
A Hollywood Haven in the Heart of Manhattan
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, known for their enduring partnership both in Hollywood and in life, spent considerable time in their penthouse on the Upper East Side. Acquired in the early 1980s, the apartment served as their urban retreat, a place for weeks-long stays when they were in the city, as well as a venue for entertaining the famous and powerful, including guests like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Tom Cruise, Cher, and Harry Belafonte.
The terrace hovers over Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
After Newman’s death in 2008 and Woodward’s retreat from the public eye following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2007, the couple’s children are now overseeing the sale of the property. This listing, offered by Douglas Elliman’s Noble Black and Jennifer Stillman, marks the end of an era for the couple’s legendary Manhattan residence.
A northern view over the Central Park.
Elegant Prewar Features and a Prime Location
Located at the corner of East 93rd Street and Fifth Avenue, the penthouse is part of a limestone-clad building designed by renowned architect J.E.R. Carpenter. Completed in 1925, the building is one of the most sought-after cooperative apartment houses on Fifth Avenue, just across from the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
The dining room features original wood built-ins.
The apartment itself spans around 3,000 square feet, offering ample space for comfortable city living. It features nearly 11-foot ceilings, herringbone wood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and charming decorative wood moldings and built-ins. These classic prewar details evoke the sophistication and charm of New York’s golden era.
The kitchen.
Stunning Terraces with Iconic Views
What truly sets this penthouse apart, however, are its expansive terraces, adding an impressive 2,300 square feet of outdoor space. The apartment boasts two terraces: an east-facing one offering sweeping sunrise views over Central Park, and a wraparound terrace with panoramic views of the city, including north, west, and south-facing vistas that promise unforgettable sunset views.
A study can be converted to a second bedroom.
An Inviting and Spacious Interior
Though largely preserved in its original state, the apartment remains both functional and inviting. The living room, which measures an impressive 36 feet in length, was once graced by a grand piano—one of Newman’s prized possessions—as well as a cozy fireplace at one end and a hidden walk-in dry bar at the other. The adjacent dining room features a wall of built-in shelves, adding both functionality and elegance to the space.
The primary bedroom.
The kitchen, although a bit dated with tiles from the 1980s, is spacious and practical. A butler’s pantry and breakfast room offer additional convenience, with the latter providing direct access to one of the terraces. The apartment also includes a large laundry room and two bathrooms, along with a powder room.
The primary bathroom.
Comfortable Living and Flexibility
The penthouse is essentially set up as a one-bedroom apartment, with a primary suite that was created by combining two smaller bedrooms. The suite features two walk-in closets and a private, tiled bathroom. Access to the massive wrap-around terrace from the bedroom further enhances the luxurious feel of this space. A study off the foyer provides flexibility, functioning as a second bedroom if needed.
A view from the study into the living room, where Newman kept a grand piano.
Separate Apartment and Additional Space
In addition to the penthouse, Joanne Woodward owns a separate two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor, which has served as an office, gym, and guest space. This additional unit is reportedly available for purchase separately, providing potential buyers with even more living options in the building.
The sweeping view includes the apartment houses on the west side of Central Park as well as Billionaire’s Row to the south.
A Legendary Legacy
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward are Hollywood icons whose careers spanned decades and earned them numerous accolades, including 15 Academy Award nominations between them. Woodward won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in The Three Faces of Eve (1957), while Newman received his Best Actor Oscar for The Color of Money (1986) and was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1994. Their life together was marked by a deep commitment to family and humanitarian efforts, and their Manhattan pied-à-terre stands as a testament to their remarkable legacy.
Final Thoughts: Own a Piece of Hollywood History
This Manhattan penthouse offers a unique opportunity to own a part of Hollywood history, steeped in nostalgia and charm. With its classic prewar details, expansive outdoor space, and prime Upper East Side location, it’s a rare find in New York real estate. Whether you’re drawn to the apartment’s celebrity pedigree or its timeless elegance, this $9.95 million listing offers an exceptional chance to step into the world of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
