Bill Cosby’s long-time townhouse on the Upper East Side has found a buyer less than a month after being listed, according to reports. The property, located at 18 East 71st Street, was put on the market by Corcoran Co. for $29 million, and the sale agreement was finalized on Thursday, October 16, as per StreetEasy records.
The exact sale price isn’t disclosed, but this marks another twist in a turbulent period for the disgraced entertainer and his wife, Camille. Earlier this year, court documents indicated that the couple had defaulted on a $17.5 million loan associated with the mansion.
Designed in 1899 by architect John Duncan, who also created Grant’s Tomb, this impressive 13,000-square-foot home stands as one of the Upper East Side’s majestic Gilded Age residences. It boasts an elaborate limestone facade, a copper mansard roof, and its proximity to Central Park adds to its enduring allure, despite its complicated ownership history.
Cosby bought the house in 1987 for $6.2 million, reportedly as a surprise for his wife during his peak fame with NBC. At that time, the property, known as the Louis Star Mansion, showcased the grand neo-French Classic design that once characterized Manhattan’s affluent streets.
Interestingly, just a few doors down, Jeffrey Epstein’s former home fetched $51 million in 2021, illustrating that scandal hasn’t completely tarnished the area’s appeal. However, the current listing makes no reference to Cosby’s financial struggles.
According to filings in Manhattan Supreme Court, the couple stopped paying their mortgage in June 2024 and owe over $300,000 in property taxes. First Foundation Bank initiated foreclosure proceedings last year, although the Cosbys have denied the allegations in court.
The interior of the townhouse reflects its grand vintage design. A marble-lined entry leads to a spacious hall featuring 15-foot ceilings. The parlor covers 500 square feet and includes inlaid mahogany floors and one of 11 fireplaces. Notably, French doors provide views of East 71st Street, and a restored elevator connects multiple levels.
The double-height reception space showcases herringbone parquet floors, with the dining area below accommodating up to 30 guests. The adjoining kitchen, formerly part of the Lycée Francais, is equipped with terracotta tiles and a high-end rotisserie oven.
The primary suite on the upper level is unique, featuring two bathrooms beneath a skylight. The top floor includes a private study and a guest suite providing access to a terrace. Perhaps the highlight is a 500-square-foot rooftop garden, offering a slice of outdoor space in this exclusive part of Manhattan.
The ownership story has its complexities—Cosby’s initial purchase was done through a lawyer, later transferred to Camille’s mother, and finally into their names. In 1990, they accused their former lawyer of misappropriating funds related to the transaction, which hinted at ongoing financial conflicts.
The East 71st Street residence isn’t the only property entangled in their financial troubles. CitiMortgage filed another lawsuit in December for defaulting on a $4.2 million loan concerning a different townhouse at 243 East 61st Street, which the couple acquired in 1980. That four-story property was listed for $7 million in April, only to have its price cut by about $250,000 over the summer amidst legal disputes.
Now 88, Cosby remains under the shadow of his 2018 sexual assault conviction, which was overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court three years later, along with the allegations from over 60 women. A spokesperson for Cosby did not comment on the recent sale.
