B
ill Cosby’s Upper East Side townhouse at 18 E 71st St. avoided foreclosure after a buyer paid $28 million, just shy of the $29 million asking price. The transaction, first reported by Realtor.com, closed in early November, less than a month after the property was listed. The seven‑story, 13,000‑sq‑ft residence—known locally as the Luyster Mansion—has long been a landmark on one of Manhattan’s wealthiest streets.
The limestone‑clad home sits beside iconic neighbors: the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” brownstone, Joan Didion’s former co‑op, and, across the street, the former Jeffrey Epstein mansion. Its proximity to Central Park adds to its allure, and the building’s copper mansard roof and 500‑sq‑ft roof garden are among its most striking features.
Cosby, 88, has largely stayed out of the public eye since the 2018 conviction for sexual assault—later overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2021. He purchased the townhouse in 1987 through a lawyer, reportedly as a surprise for his wife, Camille. The property’s 11 fireplaces, soaring central hall, and intricately inlaid floors reflect the opulence of the era in which it was built in 1899 by architect John Duncan.
In 2024, First Foundation Bank filed foreclosure proceedings, alleging the Cosbys defaulted on $17.5 million in loans and owed over $300,000 in property taxes. The couple denied the claims in court, but the sale ultimately proceeded, allowing the house to escape the bank’s grasp.
Cosby’s second Manhattan home, a 4‑story townhouse at 243 E 61st St., remains on the market. Listed for $6.99 million in April, the price was cut to $6.75 million in July amid a separate legal dispute. CitiMortgage later claimed the Cosbys defaulted on a $4.2 million loan for that property. The 5,000‑sq‑ft building, purchased in 1980, was once used by Cosby’s late son, Ennis, who was murdered in a 1997 robbery attempt in Los Angeles.
The foreclosure filing triggered a rapid bidding process. A private buyer secured the property at a price that left the bank satisfied. The transaction was completed in a matter of weeks, ensuring the townhouse stayed with a new owner.
Both properties are still listed, with Adam Schneider of Corcoran Westside Columbus handling the sales. Despite the controversies surrounding the owner, the homes’ historic architecture and prime locations continue to attract buyers.
The sale underscores how historic Manhattan homes can command premium prices despite the owners’ personal controversies. The Luyster Mansion’s blend of Victorian elegance and modern amenities continues to appeal to buyers, while the 61st Street townhouse offers a more modest yet still desirable option for those seeking proximity to Central Park without the grandeur of a mansion.
