NYC townhouse hidden in an ultra-exclusive garden enclave where Bob Dylan once lived asks $11.5M for sale

A meticulously restored Georgian townhouse at 241 E. 48th St. has come up for sale — and beyond its many perks, it comes with coveted access to a rare oasis in Manhattan. Priced at $11.5 million, this 5,500-square-foot residence sits within the exclusive Turtle Bay Gardens, a historic enclave known for its lush, private communal garden — a lush hangout accessible only to the 20 surrounding homes. The property, a five-story masterpiece with a finished cellar, boasts a recent Landmarks-approved renovation and modern luxuries like a smart home system and elevator access, all while preserving its turn-of-the-century charm.

(The townhouse occupies 5,500 square feet.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(The great room.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(The dining room leads out to the patio and secret garden.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(The secret garden is only accessible to the 20 surrounding homes.Heritage Images via Getty Images)

(A colorized shot of the garden from 1919.Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Turtle Bay Gardens, nestled between East 48th and 49th streets between Second and Third avenues, has long been a magnet for luminaries. In 1920, Charlotte Hunnewell Sorchan transformed the area by acquiring adjacent lots and reimagining them as a cohesive community.

(The patio of the townhouse, which leads to access to the garden.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(The kitchen.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(A breakfast nook.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(A second-level living space.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(The fifth floor offers a terrace and can be used as a fourth bedroom or a bonus room.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty)

(One of two bedrooms on the third level.Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty) But perhaps the garden enclave’s most famous resident was Bob Dylan, who lived next door at 242 E. 49th St. for two decades, from the 1980s to 2005. That property, which is also one of the few that enjoys garden access, listed for $7.25 million in December 2024. It entered into contract in February. Ref:  NYC townhouse hidden in an ultra-exclusive garden enclave where Bob Dylan once lived asks $11.5M for sale Photo Credit-Travis Mark for Sotheby’s International Realty, Heritage Images via Getty Images