A Fifth Avenue maisonette that Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward often used as a private office and guest space is back on the market. This follows the unfortunate blocking of a previously accepted offer by the co-op board.
Joanne Woodward, now 95 and mostly out of the public eye since Newman’s passing in 2008, has a deep connection to this property. It’s one of the few remaining Manhattan residences linked to the iconic couple, now highlighted once again due to the board’s unusual decision.
The two-bedroom, 1.5-bath apartment at 1120 Fifth Avenue went under contract on December 5, following a wave of interest that included multiple offers exceeding the asking price of $1.69 million.
However, the deal fell through when the board declined to approve the buyer. The seller has since relisted the property at the same price, with all new offers being accepted until March 3. After that, a winning bidder will be chosen.
“We had several offers well above the asking price, but one was so high that we needed to verify there were no mistakes,” said Noble Black from the Corcoran Group, who is marketing the property alongside colleagues Jennifer Kaufman Stillman and Jeffrey Gageby.
Black mentioned that the two-week window for bids is meant to bring back some of the original bidders as well as attract new potential buyers.
“This gives everyone enough time to check out the property again and figure out their best offer,” he added.
The maisonette, located below the couple’s former penthouse, served as an office and guest retreat, a place they cherished since the early 1980s.
Unlike the penthouse, which hit the market in 2024 for $9.95 million and eventually sold for over $14 million, this lower-level home has retained much of its original character, including furniture and art pieces belonging to the couple.
“Although quite different from the Newman family penthouse, the maisonette boasts significant charm and has great ‘bones’,” Black pointed out, referencing its spacious layout, large windows with views of Central Park, and its favorable position above street level.
The entrance at lobby level adds to its allure, making it feel more like a second floor than a typical maisonette.
Ultimately, he noted that the property’s allure arises not just from its famous past but also its architectural appeal.
“The connection between Newman and Woodward certainly caught the eye of buyers,” Black said, adding that serious offers stem from the apartment’s strong foundation and uniqueness.
Situated in a 1925 cooperative designed by notable architect JER Carpenter, the home features a formal entry leading into a combined living and dining space with prewar characteristics and sweeping views of Central Park. An eat-in kitchen with a window and a convenient powder room accompany the main living area, while a separate wing houses two bedrooms and a full bathroom.
