A stunning penthouse at 21 Bond Street in Manhattan's NoHo Historic District has hit the market for $8,995,000, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of New York's architectural history. The six-story loft building, constructed in 1893, exemplifies the neighborhood's commercial Renaissance Revival architecture with its distinctive brownstone piers framing cast-iron storefronts and Palladian-inspired second-story windows.
The top-floor unit underwent a dramatic transformation under its current owner, who spent several years converting what was previously described as a "boring white box" into an extraordinary modern home. According to reports, the property was initially listed last May for $9.5 million and had previously belonged to a German sculptor. The renovation was inspired by both Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach" and the building's cast-iron heritage, creating a unique living space that honors the past while embracing contemporary luxury.
The renovation process involved stripping away existing sheetrock to expose century-old brick walls and original timber framing, revealing the authentic character of the historic loft. A massive skylight was installed in the unit's impressive 14-foot-high ceiling, flooding the space with natural light. Throughout the home, hand-selected individual planks of Dinesen white oak flooring were installed, while antique European elements, including a Provençal-style mantel sourced from a Paris flea market, add distinctive character to the living spaces.
The great room serves as the centerpiece of the penthouse, featuring three skylights equipped with motorized blackout shades that fill the space with sunlight. The room is further enhanced by arched windows and a gas fireplace, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. Twenty-first-century amenities include a Mitsubishi concealed central air system, Nest-controlled steam heat, sophisticated Lutron-controlled lighting with an ERCO track-lighting system featuring wall washers and spotlights, and a Sony projector with a 125-inch motorized movie screen for entertainment.
The kitchen represents a perfect marriage of loft authenticity and penthouse luxury, featuring high-end Miele appliances including a 36-inch refrigerator/freezer, dual-fuel range, and dishwasher. These premium appliances are surrounded by custom oak cabinetry fronted with antique chicken-wire glass, creating a sophisticated yet rustic aesthetic. Standout fixtures include a Julien sink, elegant Rosso Verona marble countertops, and vintage 1950s drafting chairs by General Fireproofing Co. that add a touch of mid-century industrial design.
The primary bedroom showcases the unit's architectural grandeur with south-facing steel windows and soaring 13-foot ceilings that frame the sleeping space beautifully. The room features another gas fireplace for ambiance and floor-to-ceiling mirrored oak wardrobes that provide ample storage while maintaining the sophisticated design aesthetic. The en-suite primary bathroom is a spa-like retreat featuring radiant-heated French terracotta floors, a deep porcelain cast-iron soaking tub, dual sinks, and a towel warmer for ultimate comfort. An antique Empire-era vanity topped with Belgian blackstone and a smart heated bidet toilet complete this luxurious space.
The penthouse includes three additional bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed with built-in desks and divided oak wardrobes that maximize functionality while maintaining the home's cohesive design language. All bedrooms feature solar-powered skylights equipped with blackout shades, ensuring optimal lighting control and energy efficiency. A second full bathroom maintains the same level of historic elegance and luxury as the primary bath, featuring matching terra-cotta flooring and high-end fixtures and finishes throughout.
The six-unit boutique loft building offers exceptional privacy and exclusivity, with only one unit per floor and private keyed elevator access for each residence. As an added investment opportunity, each unit comes with a one-fifth ownership share in the ground-floor retail store, providing potential rental income. Residents also enjoy access to a communal rooftop terrace that offers outdoor space and city views atop the historic building, making this penthouse not just a home but a complete lifestyle investment in one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods.
