Celebrity Style
Neil Patrick Harris Lists $7.3M New York Brownstone
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka have officially put their handsome Harlem brownstone on the market. The 8,000-square-foot, five-storey house was originally built in 1907 and purchased by the couple in 2013 for $3.6 million. It was once a bed and breakfast, so the couple did an extensive renovation to turn it into a warm and whimsical family home that they could enjoy with their twins Harper and Gideon. Nearly eight years later, the actors are listing the property. Scroll down for a peek inside, and let us know in the comments below, would you move in?
The lot is 20-ft. wide, which is unusual for New York City.
Right as you walk into the foyer, you’re greeted by the gorgeously restored woodwork. An eclectic gallery wall entices guests up the stairs.
The music room boasts high ceilings, statement artwork and handsome millwork, plus a Yamaha piano with Wi-Fi, so it can play any song you stream.
How cozy is this lounge? The gas fireplace and vintage bar are from a Connecticut hotel, and the chandelier is designed by Carolina Fontoura Alzaga, using bicycle chains instead of crystal ropes.
On the second floor, natural light fills the open-concept living and dining room. Splashes of color from the rug, artwork and throw pillows energize the white and wood envelope.
Aside from being an actor, David is a professional chef (he trained at Le Cordon Bleu and worked at Mario Batali’s Babbo restaurant), so he oversaw the kitchen renovation. The charcoal gray cabinets with contrasting trim and glossy, dark wood floors are elegant and charming.
The principal bedroom is all about luxury with a sumptuous wall-to-wall headboard, velvet pillows, textured wallpaper and statement light fixture.
Trend alert: black-framed shower doors are having a moment because of their industrial-meets-graphic look. Neil and David were already ahead of the game when they designed their stunning principal bathroom.
The top floor features three more bedrooms and two bathrooms, a laundry room and Neil’s office. This is one of the bedrooms, which provides a comfortable stay for the couple’s A-list friends.
Neil’s top-floor office is hidden behind a secret door that opens when the eye of a magician on a vintage poster is pressed. It’s quite fitting because Neil is a magic enthusiast — he’s a former board member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Inside, you’ll find vintage props and posters, including one from the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.
There’s another large office used for Neil and David’s production company with whimsical details, like a red leather banquette, acoustic phonograph and other intriguing props.
Watching reruns of How I Met Your Mother feel like a cinematic experience thanks to this luxe at-home theater. Vintage movie posters, including one for the 1965 cult classic “Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors,” adds quirk and charm.
The outdoor space is bigger than most New York City apartments at nearly 2,000 square feet. There’s a rooftop deck complete with a barbecue, wisteria-covered pergola and dining and lounge areas.
This intimate alfresco seating area at the back of the building feels like a secret garden with string lights and plenty of lush greenery. It’s the perfect place for cocktails on a warm fall evening!
Would a celebrity home be complete without an outdoor hot tub? Tall fencing maximizes privacy for the famous couple.
Courtesy of Compass; @dbelicious via Instagram (Neil's headshot)