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Hollywood Icon Transforms 138 West 82nd Street into Upper West Side Sanctuary

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. -82nd-street-into-upper-west-side-sanctuary.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 15:09 GMT by Robb Report

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138 West 82nd Street: A New‑York Home that Brings Celebrity Glamour to the Upper West Side

The Upper West Side has long been a magnet for celebrities who want the quiet of a historic townhouse combined with easy access to Manhattan’s cultural institutions. At 138 West 82nd Street, a stately brick building that once housed a 19th‑century philanthropist, a new kind of luxury has been carved out by a Hollywood luminary who recently moved in. The Robb Report’s photo‑gallery article dives deep into the architecture, design, and lifestyle of the house, offering an almost cinematic look at how the star—an acclaimed actress and producer who rose to international fame in the early 2000s—has turned the space into a “personal sanctuary” that marries timeless elegance with contemporary sensibilities.

A Historic Foundation

The building itself is a classic example of the Upper West Side’s mid‑1800s townhouses, featuring a robust stone façade, original wrought‑iron balconies, and a subtle, almost “invisible” glass façade that frames the street view. The Robb Report highlights how the owner, who is a graduate of the Juilliard School and a veteran of both Broadway and Hollywood, was drawn to the structure’s historic details: the original crown molding, the high‑ceilinged living rooms, and the original oak floorboards that have survived through successive owners.

The article provides a quick rundown of the building’s history: constructed in 1858, it was once home to a local philanthropist who donated land for the nearby Riverside Park. The building was listed on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1975, and the owner’s renovation work is compliant with all landmark preservation guidelines—a point that is underscored by a link to the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s official documentation (link in the article).

Interior: A Modern Take on Classic Comfort

The gallery showcases the entire layout, from the grand entrance hallway that opens onto a living room with floor‑to‑ceiling glass that floods the space with natural light, to the private study that is “furnished to echo a quiet library.” The designer, a well‑known New York interior firm (the article provides a link to the firm’s portfolio), opted for a neutral palette punctuated by warm wood accents and artisanal ceramics. The living room’s centerpiece is a statement sofa in a muted teal that balances modern minimalism with comfort.

A highlight of the photos is the “chef’s kitchen”—a large island with a state‑of‑the‑art range, a walk‑in pantry, and a separate prep area. The kitchen is outfitted with a high‑end custom brand of appliances (the article links to the brand’s website for further details). A secondary kitchen—designed to be a casual, family‑friendly space—is tucked beneath the stairs and features a built‑in coffee station and a wine fridge.

The designer’s intent, according to the article, was to create a home that serves as both a “creative hub” and a “retreat.” The “creative hub” is represented by a full‑length studio with ample wall space for canvases and a custom sound‑proofing system, a nod to the owner’s background in acting and music production. The retreat features a spa‑like bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub, a walk‑in shower with a rainhead, and a heated floor that extends to the ceiling—an uncommon luxury for a townhouse of this size.

Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Extra Touches

The house contains five spacious bedrooms, each with its own walk‑in closet. The master suite is highlighted in the gallery with a “private balcony that overlooks a tiny garden patch.” The suite’s bathroom is described as “lavish,” with a double vanity, a wall‑mounted steam shower, and a skylight that offers a view of the Upper West Side night sky.

The article also notes the inclusion of a small, private home office that features a built‑in bookshelf and a floor‑to‑ceiling window that offers a view of the street—an ideal space for a producer who frequently hosts video conferences. A discreet, built‑in gym has a wall‑mounted treadmill and a compact yoga area. The home also boasts a media room, a full‑service wine cellar, and a tiny “nursery” that was designed to accommodate the owner’s growing family.

Outdoor Spaces: From Rooftop Deck to Garden

One of the most striking features revealed in the gallery is the rooftop deck—a “private oasis” that’s accessed via a hidden stairwell. The deck includes a built‑in fire pit, a small garden with native plants, and a balcony that offers a panoramic view of Central Park. The article links to a city guide that describes rooftop bars and common rooftop spaces in Manhattan, indicating how the owner’s private deck stands out as a rare piece of open space in a densely built neighborhood.

Beneath the house, a small garden—accessible from a back door—offers a tranquil spot for a morning coffee. The garden is planted with seasonal flowers and a few succulents that require minimal maintenance. The article points out that the homeowner’s choice of plants is heavily influenced by a “green thumb” that the celebrity has cultivated through a personal project to support urban gardening.

The Celebrity Behind the Space

The article does not directly name the owner, citing privacy and the fact that the house was built after a recent high‑profile move to New York. However, the narrative offers plenty of hints. The owner is a well‑known actress, a multiple‑award winner, who has appeared in a number of critically acclaimed films and Broadway productions. She is also noted for her philanthropic work, especially in the field of children’s education—an aspect that is reflected in the home’s “study” space and the “home office” used for managing charity initiatives.

A key link in the article leads to an interview the celebrity gave to a New York Times magazine in 2021, where she discussed her move to New York and her desire for “a home that feels both creative and peaceful.” That interview gives context to the “personal sanctuary” description used in the gallery’s caption.

Conclusion

In summary, the Robb Report article on 138 West 82nd Street provides a comprehensive look at how a Hollywood icon has transformed a historic Upper West Side townhouse into a blend of luxury, comfort, and personal expression. From the historic brick façade to the modern interior finishes, from the chef’s kitchen to the rooftop deck, the gallery offers a visual tour that showcases both the architectural lineage of the building and the individualized tastes of its owner. By linking to additional resources—such as the landmark commission’s documents, the interior designer’s portfolio, and the homeowner’s philanthropic work—the article paints a holistic picture of a space that is as socially significant as it is visually stunning.