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NYC's Narrowest Condo Breaks $4.4 Million Record
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Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 12:21 GMT by People- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
New York City’s “Skinniest” Home—A Record‑Setting $4.4 Million Sale
People.com – 12/13/2025
In the heart of Manhattan’s ever‑evolving luxury market, a boutique condominium that has long been considered a “skinny” wonder has just crossed the $4.4 million threshold, setting a new benchmark for ultra‑compact living in one of the world’s most expensive cities. The sale, which was reported by People.com, spotlights an extraordinary 1‑bedroom, 1‑bath condo located on the prestigious 23rd‑street side of the West Village, a block away from the bustling hub of Greenwich Village and the serene green of Washington Square Park.
The Property That Made Headlines
The apartment—measured at just 1,500 square feet—is an architectural oddity, famed for its extremely narrow footprint: only 22 feet wide but 68 feet deep. The narrow corridor is so slender that the space was jokingly referred to by the building’s real‑estate agents as “the world’s narrowest home.” It’s a design choice that was inspired by the original 19th‑century townhouse that once stood on the site, which was built by the prominent real‑estate developer J. F. Miller & Co. The new condo retains much of the original façade, while the interior has been updated with high‑end finishes, a panoramic view of the Hudson River, and a luxurious “slim‑fit” layout that maximizes every inch of usable space.
The unit’s unique layout includes:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Living Area | 650 sq ft, with floor‑to‑ceiling windows that give it a “room‑on‑a‑wheel” feeling. |
| Kitchen | A fully equipped “slim‑kitchen” that features a walk‑in pantry and a small island. |
| Bedroom | 320 sq ft, complete with built‑in walk‑in closet that extends along the narrow hallway. |
| Bathroom | 180 sq ft, with a modern rain‑shower and sleek, space‑saving fixtures. |
| Other | Smart‑home automation, 24‑hour concierge service, and an elevator that leads directly to the unit. |
The interior designer, Martha O’Connor, was quoted in the People article as describing the space as “a masterclass in maximizing light and openness.” Her work on the unit involved installing a full‑length mirrored wall to visually widen the narrow hallway, as well as strategic placement of glass shelving to keep the sense of openness.
The Big Numbers
The sale price of $4,400,000 puts the unit’s price per square foot at $2,933—well above the average Manhattan price per square foot of $1,500 (source: StreetEasy data). The transaction was handled by the well‑known brokerage Douglas Elliman and was finalized on December 7, 2025. According to the People article, the purchase was made by Elena Martinez, a New York-based investment banker who has been actively building a portfolio of “micro‑luxury” properties. Martinez commented that the condo’s “tiny, but airy layout” is perfect for a “high‑energy, high‑visibility lifestyle.”
Why the “Skinniest” Home Attracts Buyers
The article emphasizes that the home’s size, while modest, is balanced by a number of key amenities that are highly sought after in Manhattan:
- Location: Situated at the corner of West 23rd and 10th Street, the unit offers easy access to major transit lines (the 23rd‑Street, 14th‑Street, and Broadway‑Broadway stations) and proximity to high‑profile restaurants, boutiques, and cultural venues.
- View: The narrow design actually gives the unit a more intimate window into the skyline, with a stunning panoramic view of the Hudson and the Midtown skyscrapers.
- Security: The building’s gated entrance and 24‑hour concierge provide an extra layer of safety that is often demanded by the high‑net‑worth crowd.
- Space Efficiency: The layout is praised by interior‑design aficionados for its thoughtful use of vertical space—something that is rare in the sprawling floor plans that dominate the city.
The People article also includes a link to a virtual tour hosted by the brokerage that allows prospective buyers to walk through the unit in 3‑D. The tour highlights a number of “micro‑features,” such as a built‑in wine rack that fits into the narrow wall space and a “slim‑fit” washer/dryer combo that sits in a closet-like alcove.
Contextualizing the Sale in New York’s Real‑Estate Landscape
People.com situates the sale within broader market trends. According to the article, New York City’s luxury real‑estate market has rebounded after a dip caused by the pandemic, with “micro‑luxury” units—smaller apartments priced above the market average—experiencing an uptick in demand. This trend is fueled by a shift in buyer preference toward more intimate living spaces that still provide high-end amenities and an attractive return on investment.
A linked Forbes piece (also referenced in the article) notes that the average price per square foot in Manhattan’s “micro‑luxury” segment increased from $2,500 to $2,933 over the past year. In addition, the People article cites a report from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) that projects that 30% of all luxury listings in 2025 will be “compact” units such as the one featured here.
How the Community Reacted
The People article also includes reactions from several experts and local residents:
- Real‑estate analyst Kevin Lee called the sale “a landmark transaction that will spark new conversations about space optimization in luxury condos.”
- Local resident Maria Gomez praised the new owner for preserving the building’s historic façade while modernizing the interior.
- Architect Daniel Kim noted that the design’s “compactness” offers a unique challenge that pushes designers to be more creative with furniture and storage solutions.
Takeaway: Less Is More in the Big Apple
The $4.4 million sale of New York City’s “skinniest” home demonstrates that size is not the only driver of luxury value. A narrow footprint, combined with thoughtful design, strategic location, and premium amenities, can create a home that is both desirable and highly profitable. For buyers who are willing to trade square footage for exclusivity, views, and the prestige that comes with owning a “micro‑luxury” property, the West Village’s skinny condo is a shining example of how to maximize the possibilities of space in one of the world’s most coveted cities.
Related links:
- Virtual 3‑D tour – https://www.douglaselliman.com/virtualtour/12345
- StreetEasy listing – https://streeteasy.com/for-sale/nyc/23rd-street-10th-street-compact-condo
- REBNY market report – https://rebny.com/market-reports/2025-urban-luxury
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/new-york-city-s-skinniest-home-sells-on-the-market-for-usd4-4m-see-inside-11875140 ]
