O
nly twelve households hold the keys to one of Manhattan’s most secluded green spaces, and one of those keys is now on the market.
The townhouse at 157 East 65th Street, a 6,000‑square‑foot, five‑bedroom, six‑level residence, offers exclusive access to the Jones Wood Garden—a hidden oasis tucked between Third and Lexington avenues, bordered by the narrow streets of East 65th and East 66th.
The garden, spanning roughly 10,800 sq ft, is shared by just twelve homes. Its quiet, intimate atmosphere has earned it a reputation as a “last civilized spot” in the city, a place where the changing fall colors and spring cherry blossoms are rarely witnessed by the public. The garden’s history dates back to the 1920s, when a block of tenement brownstones was transformed into a private community centered around this lush enclave.
The townhouse’s design reflects its heritage. A grand living‑room window frames the garden, while a private back patio opens onto the leafy communal space. The formal dining room also looks out onto the garden, and a large basement‑level gym and heated tile floors in the chef’s kitchen add modern comforts. The primary suite, occupying the entire third floor, boasts two wood‑burning fireplaces, a handmade mosaic floor reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” and a wall of four garden‑facing windows.
The property’s past is as storied as its present. It once belonged to philosopher John Dewey, who commissioned an oversized elevator for his disabled son and a massive picture window on the parlor floor. Dewey’s heirs kept the home for decades, but it fell into disrepair before being sold in 2010. Bankruptcy lawyer Ira Dizengoff and his wife Betsy acquired the townhouse for $6.45 million, undertaking a comprehensive renovation that included a new central staircase, a basement level, and a loft‑like fifth floor with two private terraces. Their meticulous work preserved the historic character while adding contemporary luxury.
In May 2024, a rare surge saw four of the twelve homes listed simultaneously—a first for New York’s secret garden communities. Three of those four were sold within months, fetching between $7.75 and $9.75 million. Only 157 East 65th remains on the market, now listed by Compass’s Paradigm Advisory at $11.95 million. The current owners are eager to sell, believing that a fresh, minimalist presentation—whitewashed walls and clean furnishings—will showcase the home’s potential.
Despite its exclusivity, the garden is surprisingly under‑used. “It feels more like a personal sanctuary than a shared backyard,” said Mark Jovanovic of Paradigm Advisory. “You would expect a bustling crowd, but there’s not,” he added, comparing it to Gramercy Park.
With just twelve keys granting access to a quarter‑acre of communal space, Jones Wood ranks among Manhattan’s largest secret gardens. Its blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and unparalleled privacy makes it a rare find in the city’s real estate landscape.
