NYC’s Iconic Bubble House Listed for Sale After 50 Years

Located in Lenox Hill, New York, the Bubble House, designed by Maurice Medcalfe, features twelve oval windows and a Space Age stucco façade. It is a rare architectural gem in the Upper East Side, officially listed for the first time in over fifty years at a price of $5.75 million.

The Bubble House, originally a 19th-century brownstone, underwent a radical transformation in 1969 by architect Maurice Medcalfe of Hills & Medcalfe. His renovation resulted in a smooth stucco façade accented by twelve convex oval windows, a sculptural reimagining of the bay window that earned the residence its nickname. These unique apertures, which flood the interiors with natural light, contribute to the building’s distinctive Space Age character.

Situated on a quiet, tree-lined street in Lenox Hill, the Bubble House stands out dramatically against its traditional brick and limestone townhouse neighbors. This striking presence serves as a deliberate interruption in the architectural landscape, captivating the attention of passersby for decades. The home spans approximately 4,736 square feet over four stories and a basement, maintaining its mid-century layout with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a garden-level office. While the interiors are more modest than the striking façade, they feature recessed lighting, streamlined mantels, and white carpeting, embodying the style of the era during which it was transformed.