BROOKLYN HEIGHTS HISTORIC HOME WHERE TRUMAN CAPOTE LIVED MAY SET SALES RECORD

Built in 1839, the 5-story Greek Revival 9,000 sq ft pale yellow townhouse at 70 Willow Street includes a columned porch in the back where there is an enchanting 2500 sq ft garden, crystal chandeliers, a notable elliptical mahogany staircase with rosette oculus window of amber-gold glass at the top, a double parlor with high ceilings, hardwood flooring, exercise area, interior period detail by Minard Lafever, 2000 sq ft finished basement with wine cellar/grotto, 11 bedrooms, 7 ½ baths, 11 fireplaces and a private gated driveway with parking for 4 cars. 

A mural within is copied from the Kennedy White House.  It is described as a four-square country villa plan.  38 windows have east, south and west exposures.  Ceilings are 12’ high.

There are two chef’s eat-in-kitchens, and a master suite with bath, boudoir and walk-in closet.  There is an artist’s studio and library.  New York Daily News reports this property is for sale for $18MM.  It is described as “lavish”, “a country estate in the middle of New York City,” and a “quiet refuge just minutes from Manhattan.” 

This property is on the market for the first time in 70 years, previously owned in the 1950’s by Broadway art director Oliver Smith, and he rented the house’s ground floor garden apartment to Capote from 1955 to 1965.  Capote would throw wild, glamorous cocktail parties, hobnobbing with the social elite, while Smith was away and say that he owned the entire property.

It is likely to break sales records in Brooklyn Heights and become its most expensive townhouse.  While living here, Capote wrote “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “In Cold Blood.”  His essay, “ A House on the Heights,” was based on his neighborhood experiences.