A lavish Harlem residence previously owned by Bob Dylan is now up for sale, offering potential buyers a piece of musical history worth $3 million.
Bob Dylan's Former Harlem Townhouse Hits the Market for $3 Million
A five-story Renaissance Revival townhouse, once home to renowned musician Bob Dylan, has been listed for sale in Harlem, New York City. Located at 265 West 139th Street on Strivers’ Row, a historic district known for its late-1800s townhouses, the property was designed by the prestigious architectural firm McKim, Mead & White in 1891.
Originally built in the Gilded Age style, the townhouse boasts a brick and terra-cotta facade, Palladian windows, hardwood floors, pocket doors, decorative fireplaces, a wood-paneled vestibule, and architectural millwork. The property preserves many original historic details while also benefiting from modern upgrades such as radiant-heat bathroom floors, soundproofed windows, a rebuilt terrace, new heating and cooling systems, and upgraded appliances.
Spanning approximately 4,500 square feet, the townhouse features five bedrooms, a landscaped, gated forecourt with street-level entry, dual staircases, and a formal living and dining parlor. The eat-in kitchen showcases contemporary and traditional design sensibilities with Gaggenau, Sub-Zero, and Panasonic appliances, natural wood floors, and a Victorian cast-iron oven by Richardson & Boynton Company.
The main bedroom is a true neutral oasis, featuring light bedding, striped wallpaper, natural wood floors, and a soft, beige rug. The sheets in this room are made from eucalyptus fibers, one of the most sustainable fabrics in the industry, soft, and moisture-wicking for a cool sleep. Another bedroom features the Unexpected Red Theory, with a simple nightstand contrasting the light blue-painted walls.
The living area has a green-tiled fireplace, a corner wooden bookcase, a patterned rug, and a mix of leather and linen seating. The sitting parlor boasts high ceilings, lush green curtains, natural wood window frames, and a crystal chandelier. A natural, wood desk chair is present in the bedroom with the Unexpected Red Theory, keeping the wood-and-blue theme going.
The bathroom is one of the most modern spaces in the home, with black, marble floors, and metallic finishes around the mirror, light, and sink. The stonewash effect of the slightly raised threads in the bathroom creates tonal highs and lows, making the design understated but never boring. Maison de Vacances designed a muted pillow for a twist on all-white bedding, adding a touch of elegance to the bathroom.
This home reflects a blend of Harlem’s architectural heritage, cultural history tied to the Harlem Renaissance neighborhood, and the personal history of Bob Dylan during his NYC residency. The property was designed by Stanford White as part of the 1891-1893 Strivers' Row development. Bob Dylan owned the residence approximately from 1986 to 2000.
The townhouse was most recently put on the market in mid-2025 for $3 million. The current owners, Isam Salah and Elaina Richardson, bought it in 2018 for $3.17 million and have since made renovations to preserve both its historical character and modern comfort. The price equates to roughly $667 per square foot.
For more information about this unique property, please visit Sotheby's International Realty - East Side Manhattan Brokerage.
References:
- Curbed NY
- Brownstoner
- 6sqft
- The New York Times
- Architectural Digest
The five-story townhouse, previously owned by Bob Dylan, seamlessly blends Harlem's architectural heritage with a modern home-and-garden aesthetic, creating an inviting lifestyle space. The property, listed for sale by Sotheby's International Realty - East Side Manhattan Brokerage, showcases a blend of historic details and contemporary design, making it a unique combination of lifestyle and home-and-garden appeal.
