If it weren’t for the The Bubble House Bubble House, which has gained a bit of fame in New York, people might have thought it was an AI creation. Richard Pretsfelder, a senior partner and real estate agent at Leslie Garfield, mentioned that this historic home, built half a century ago, is making a rare appearance on the market with a price tag of $5.75 million, rekindling interest and curiosity about it.
The Bubble House, located at 251 East 71st Street, is nestled in a quiet, tree-lined street in the Lenox Hill neighborhood, where its retro-futuristic and space-age exterior never fails to astound passersby. Rising four stories high, The Bubble House features a pink stucco façade adorned with 12 oval three-dimensional windows, earning it the nickname The Bubble House, creating a striking contrast with the typical New York brownstones surrounding it, exuding a sense of surrealism.
Before becoming The Bubble House, this quirky home was just like the other row houses in the area. It once served as a residence for a pastor, followed by a teacher, and then an architect. In 1969, the original row house was demolished, and Hills & Medcalfe architect Maurice Medcalfe came up with this extravagant design featuring 12 oval-shaped windows that can rotate open and closed. Even while under construction, it made its way to New York Times. Just seven years after owning the house, Maurice Medcalfe sold it to the senior rabbi of Park East Synagogue, Arthur Schneier, who has held it since. The Bubble House stands four stories tall with an additional basement, covering approximately 4,736 square feet. While its exterior is bold and extravagant, the interior is surprisingly practical, minimalistic, and modern.
The Bubble House is currently on the market through the real estate firm Leslie Garfield, listed at $5.75 million. This is the first time it has been up for sale in nearly half a century.
