A Treehouse in Manhattan: Exceptional Outdoor Spaces in NYC

One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter ~ Henry David Thoreau

There is no better feeling than celebrating the onset of summer after a long, dark, cold winter. Memorial Day weekend signals a time to shed layers, hit the beach, and dine al fresco. Some people will brave hours of traffic heading from NYC to Eastern Long Island, while others may decide to take the trek Upstate or abroad. Even if you can’t get out of town, there are plenty of world-renowned outdoor parks and spaces to cool off in the Big Apple. Fortunately for city dwellers, some of the most beautiful oases are found attached to NYC’s most exceptional properties.

Our journey begins at a 19th century townhouse in Greenwich Village where beauty meets whimsy right in the backyard. It’s not often one sees a treehouse in the middle of Manhattan, but that’s exactly what is found outside this beautifully restored 12th street manse. A landscaped garden with bluestone seating reveals an enchanted round cedar treehouse suspended 10-feet off the ground in a towering 90-foot London Plane tree. The townhouse boasts more than 5,000 square feet of interior space with high ceilings, beautifully proportioned rooms, five wood-burning fireplaces, and a private roof terrace. Fun fact: the home was formerly home to musician David Byrne and is currently owned by an acclaimed artist.

Price: $17,000,000

Agent: Richard Orenstein

Property ID # 21796808

Just a few minutes away across the East River in Carroll Gardens is a marvelous 2,900 SF duplex with the benefits of a full service building and the privacy of a townhouse setting. Designed by Gluck+ Architects, this home boasts oversized windows overlooking a private 1500+ SF garden terrace. This space is perfect for entertaining, sipping summer cocktails, taking in a sunset, or firing up the grill for an outdoor dinner party. Residents can also exercise their green thumb in the 5,300 square foot landscaped rear garden with vegetable garden and communal bocce court.

Price: $3,499,000

Agent: Harkov-Lewis Team

Property ID #: 21628351

Further Uptown, in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, there’s a grand estate that practically comes with its own park! This lush property with a Greek Revival style six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath home with two wood burning fireplaces and soaring ceilings sits majestically above the Hudson River. The verdant lawn gently slopes toward the water allowing for panoramic views and amazing sunsets. With plenty of room to roam, this estate brings the best of country living to the City – and all just 25 minutes from Grand Central Terminal!

Price: $4,988,888

Agent: Sandhya Tidke Team

Property ID#: 21359921

Looping around to Upper Manhattan, one will find one of the most breathtaking outdoor spaces in all of NYC. Located on Central Park North, this four-bedroom, four-bath triplex trophy penthouse boasts 5,500+ SF of indoor space and unparalleled direct views of Central Park and the entire Manhattan skyline from two huge planted terraces connected by an outdoor staircase. One can look south to Billionaire’s row from the outdoor hot tub, allowing for the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience. There are numerous seating areas, a pergola, and something for the senses at every turn. With space like this, who needs a beach house?