A unique penthouse in Manhattan's East Village is on the market for $7.5 million, featuring a distinctive cedar-clad cottage on its rooftop.
The property at 203 E. 13th St. offers a three-bedroom, three-bath duplex spanning approximately 2,000 square feet of indoor space, complemented by nearly 1,000 square feet of private outdoor area. The standout element is the cottage-like structure perched above the prewar building, a design choice that brokers describe as exceptionally rare in New York City.
Listing broker Corrin Thomas of Serhant noted that while rooftop additions typically must be set back to be inconspicuous, this cottage received approval during a time that allowed for its unique charm. He estimates seeing only one or two similar cottage aesthetics in the entire city.
Architectural Evolution
The property's unusual rooftop feature was not always present. According to brokers Thomas and Violetta Weddepohl, an earlier, simpler rooftop structure was transformed into the current cottage in the mid-1980s. This transformation has resulted in a home with a dual architectural character.
The lower level of the penthouse retains classic downtown loft elements, including exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and windows offering multiple exposures. It also features four working wood-burning fireplaces, with a potential fifth fireplace that could be made functional.
An internal staircase leads to the upper level, where the apartment's character shifts. This level is surrounded by two private outdoor areas, including irrigated terraces. From these terraces, the cottage's unconventional placement against the Manhattan skyline is particularly evident, featuring shingles, greenery, and a chimney.
The cottage maintains an A-frame roof, though its full height is currently concealed by the interior ceiling.
According to StreetEasy and the brokers, the current owner purchased the apartment in 2015 for $4.44 million and has occupied it as a primary residence for over a decade. The asking price of $7.5 million translates to $3,750 per interior square foot, with the brokers emphasizing that this valuation does not account for the extensive outdoor space. Weddepohl described the home as having "all the warmth of a townhouse" combined with abundant natural light and views from every window, calling it "a very magical place."