NYC Rooftop Farmhouse Retreat Lists for $10.5 Million

A distinctive penthouse in Manhattan's West Village, featuring a rooftop farmhouse, extensive greenery, and panoramic city views, has been listed for $10.5 million. The unique property at 719 Greenwich Street offers approximately 1,100 square feet of outdoor space, including a working vegetable garden and a porch-fronted cabin.

The co-op unit, spanning 3,060 square feet, boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The current owners, developer David Puchkoff and his wife, writer Eileen Stukane, have lived in the residence for decades. Puchkoff acquired the six-story brick building in 1974 and converted it into a co-op, retaining the top floor for his residence.

Inspired by a visit to a rural retreat, Puchkoff, with architect Lawrence Tobe, designed the rooftop oasis. Soil was transported to the roof via a tube, and Puchkoff contributed significantly to the construction. The property features a cabin with a compact kitchen, accessible via a steel staircase from the living room, and a wooden porch equipped with a swing and dining area.

Stukane manages the garden, which yields produce such as eggplant, zucchini, lettuce, tomatoes, and basil. The porch has served as a gathering space for family and friends.

The interior of the apartment includes exposed brick, timber beams, oak floors, and large windows offering views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan. The living room is centered around a fireplace built from salvaged cobblestones. The kitchen features butcher block counters and a mahogany breakfast bar, while the primary suite includes a hot tub and views of Hudson Yards. Monthly maintenance fees are $5,468, inclusive of taxes.

The property gained wider attention in 2015 when aerial photographer George Steinmetz captured it from a helicopter, leading to viral exposure. In 2018, Puchkoff was involved in a legal dispute with the city after an anonymous neighbor's complaint resulted in a $1,200 fine and demands for a new certificate of occupancy, which led Puchkoff to sue the city. He stated at the time that permits had been filed in 2003 and questioned the basis of the complaint.

Brokers Jim St. André, Michael Maniawski, and Trevor Stephens of Compass are handling the listing. The asking price translates to approximately $3,431 per square foot, a figure significantly lower than the median asking price for four-bedroom units in the neighborhood, which stands at $21.75 million, according to StreetEasy data.