🏠 Listings: NYC’s Iconic Bubble House Hits the Market After 50 Years

Maurice Medcalfe’s Bubble House—a playful Space‑Age reinterpretation of the traditional brownstone—has officially hit the market for the first time in half a century, with an asking price of $5.75 million 

A Futuristic Facade on a Classic Upper East Side Street

Originally built in the 1800s and located at 251 E 71st St in Lenox Hill, this townhouse was dramatically reimagined in 1969. Medcalfe, of Hills & Medcalfe, gave it a smooth, pale stucco face peppered with twelve convex oval “bubble” windows—some even swivel open like space‑age portholes Reddit+8Designboom+8Curbed+8. The result? A charming outlier tucked among more traditional brownstones—a living piece of mid‑century futurism THE MILLIE VINTAGE+9Designboom+9New York Post+9.

Space-Age Interiors Meet Townhouse Comfort

Spanning around 4,736 sq ft (including basement), the four-level layout features 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a street-level office/garden room—a flexible setup perfect for home and work Hypebeast+3Designboom+3New York Post+3. While the interiors retain mid‑century charm—think recessed lighting, white carpets, and sleek mantels—the space would benefit from a fresh renovation to restore its original sparkle ELEPHANT+3Hypebeast+3Curbed+3.

A Neighborhood Conversation Starter

Its whimsical façade has inspired walk-by stares and even door-knocks—from neighbors curious to explore this space‑age marvel Designboom+4Curbed+4New York Post+4. Listing broker Richard Pretsfelder notes, “people walk by and they can’t help but stop and stare... sometimes knock on the door” Curbed+1New York Post+1.

A Rare Opportunity for Visionary Buyers

Purchased by Rabbi Arthur Schneier in 1974, the property has been privately held ever since and is not landmarked—meaning there’s freedom for creative reinvention, though preservationists may hope its quirky charm remains intact Domusweb+4Designboom+4New York Post+4. The teardown price reflects its historic uniqueness and prime location near Central Park and culturaless.

In a Nutshell

• Price: $5.75 million

• Address: 251 E 71st St, Upper East Side, Manhattan

• Size: ~4,736 sq ft, including basement

• Layout: 4 beds, 5 baths, plus office

• Exterior: Pale stucco façade, 12 swivel‑bubble windows

• Era: Major redesign in 1969, post-moon landing Space‑Age aesthetic

• Condition: Intact but ripe for renovation

This is more than a home—it’s an architectural statement, a whimsical relic of 1960s optimism, and a rare canvas for bold renovation. Whether preserved or reimagined, the Bubble House promises to remain a standout in the heart of Manhattan.