Bill Cosby has listed his Upper East Side townhouse for $6.9 million as foreclosure proceedings threaten one of his longest-held real estate assets. Located in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood, the property reflects a bygone era of architectural elegance and is now at the center of a financial storm involving mortgage debt and legal disputes.
The four-story townhouse at 243 East 61st Street, purchased by Cosby in 1980 for $1.2 million, is a brownstone treasure that blends early 20th-century charm with classic New York sophistication. With foreclosure filings mounting, the decision to sell seems to be part of a broader attempt to resolve ongoing financial obligations.
A timeless Manhattan townhouse built in 1905
Built in 1905 and part of the Treadwell Farm Historic District, the 5,000-square-foot residence is being promoted as a rare architectural gem. The property includes six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, two half-baths, twelve-foot ceilings, five fireplaces, and intricate crown moldings. It also features a landscaped backyard, a skylit top floor, and a private elevator — one of the first ever installed in a residential building in New York City.
The home’s elegant design, original craftsmanship, and location in one of the most respected historic districts make it particularly appealing to buyers seeking authenticity and prestige. Its quiet block, lined with pre-war homes and tree canopies, offers privacy within one of the busiest cities in the world.
Legal troubles surrounding the property
According to court documents, Cosby and his wife, Camille, are being sued by CitiMortgage, who claim the couple defaulted on a $4.2 million loan taken out in 2010. The remaining unpaid principal is listed at $3.7 million, excluding late fees, penalties, and interest.
This property is not the only one facing financial pressure. Another townhouse owned by Cosby, located on East 71st Street and measuring over 12,000 square feet, is also under foreclosure threat due to a separate $17.5 million loan in default, this time involving First Foundation Bank.
Despite these legal challenges, the East 61st Street townhouse is being marketed without any mention of foreclosure issues. The listing focuses on the home’s history, elegance, and unmatched potential in the Upper East Side real estate market.
A piece of celebrity history meets Upper East Side real estate
Bill Cosby, a once-beloved figure turned controversial celebrity, has owned the townhouse for over four decades. Its listing brings not just a property into the market, but a piece of cultural conversation about wealth, legacy, and reputation.
The Upper East Side remains one of Manhattan’s most desirable and stable real estate markets. Homes here are known for retaining long-term value, particularly those located in designated historic districts. While some buyers may be cautious due to the legal implications surrounding the sale, others may view it as a chance to purchase an iconic property at a competitive price.
An opportunity in New York homes for sale
This townhouse offers a unique mix of classic architecture, central location, and celebrity provenance. For those looking at New York homes for sale, it represents a chance to own a rare piece of the city’s residential history — provided the legal path forward is clear.
Whether this sale is a closing chapter or a new beginning, the property on East 61st Street stands as a reminder of how real estate can reflect more than market trends. It tells a story, one that includes beauty, controversy, and potential for reinvention.
