Buzz Ruhrman Relists Gramercy Park Townhouses for $13.99 Million
Film director Buzz Ruhrman has re-entered Manhattan’s luxury real estate scene, relisting his Gramercy Park townhouses at a price of $13.99 million. This marks a significant drop from its initial asking price of $19.99 million back in March 2022.
This five-story residence spans 8,500 square feet and has been on and off the market for the last three years, including a series of price reductions.
Most recently, the price was dropped to $14.99 million in September 2024, and before that, it saw adjustments to $18.9 million in June 2022, $17.99 million in September 2023, and $15.99 million in May 2024.
Luhrmann purchased the Anglo-Italianate property located at 243 E. 17th St. for $13.5 million in 2017. He undertook extensive renovations, infusing the space with his theatrical flair. He decided to list the home in 2022 as he found himself spending less time in New York and more in his native Australia.
The house, built in the 1850s, is set on a unique 28-foot wide lot, facing Stuyvesant Square Park. It features a distinctive cast-iron balcony, arched windows, and detailed cornices.
Known for films like “Romeo + Juliet,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “Moulin Rouge!”, Luhrmann staged the residence with light furniture and cabinetry, likely to broaden its appeal to potential buyers.
Now listed with Sotheby’s International Realty, alongside agents Karen, Keith, Alan, and Casey Heyman, the property was previously handled by Corcoran. The brokerage hasn’t commented on the matter.
A gated entrance leads through a well-kept front yard to the main entrance. At the garden level, the chef’s kitchen—designed by Clive Christian—features top-notch Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. This kitchen connects to a formal dining space illuminated by a forest fireplace, and the French doors open to private gardens adorned with bistro lights.
The parlor floor boasts impressive characteristics, like a soaring 16-foot ceiling, dramatic curved staircases, and large, arched windows.
The primary suite includes a spa-like bathroom, access to a terrace, and a walk-in closet. The upper levels feature additional bedrooms and versatile areas—ideal for home offices or nurseries. Notably, the fourth floor has a secondary sleeping area and an entertainment bar.
The English basement, reachable via an elevator or private entrance, consists of a screening room, a powder room, an additional laundry area, and a guest suite.
Previous listings have pointed out the home’s architectural distinction, emphasizing that it is the only Anglo-Italian home in a district that typically comprises more uniform structures.
Luhrmann resides here with his wife, production designer Catherine Martin, and their two children. The couple has been married since 1997 and has a rich collaborative history along with several well-known film projects, including the recent Elvis Presley biopic.
