A hidden hillside village in the Bronx — likened to the Amalfi Coast of Italy — is suddenly seeing a wave of homes hit the market, and locals say it’s unlike anything they’ve ever seen.
Nestled along the Hudson River, Villa Charlotte Brontë, a fairy tale-like co-op complex in Spuyten Duyvil, is experiencing a flurry of listings — something nearly unheard of in the 99-year-old enclave where homes are rarely up for sale.
Now, three units are on the market at once — a one-bedroom, a two-bedroom, and even a sprawling three-level triplex — with prices ranging from $649,000 to $1.24 million.
‘Most of the time, there’s nothing available here. It’s very rare,’ listing agents and longtime residents Bill and Rebecca Sherman told the Daily Mail.
‘This doesn’t happen — the last time there were three listings at once was 18 years ago when we bought,’ Bill said.
Built in 1926 and styled after a Mediterranean cliffside village, Villa Charlotte Brontë looks more like something from coastal Italy than the concrete jungle.
‘You feel like you’re in Europe — but you’re a stone’s throw from Manhattan,’ Bill said. ‘Because of how the building is laid out, with inner courtyards and archways, it really reminds you of little villages in Capri. We’ve heard comparisons to Tuscany too.’
John Jay McKelvey, a local lawyer with a love of European architecture and a public distaste for the city, was the brains behind the construction.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is notorious for its stunning and unique cliffside architecture
Bill and Rebecca Sherman have lived in Villa Charlotte Brontë for 18 years and now they are listing two of the three homes currently on the market
Built in 1926 and styled after a Mediterranean cliffside village, Villa Charlotte Brontë looks more like something from coastal Italy than the concrete jungle
The picturesque waterside architectural escape is just 25 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
The little-known Bronx village is home to ivy-covered stone facades, arched entryways, private terraces, dramatic river views, and even a sunken courtyard.
Some call it ‘America’s Amalfi Coast’ — and the picturesque waterside architectural escape is just 25 minutes from Midtown Manhattan.
‘I love it when people come by, and they want to take a picture in front of the place I live to be part of their memory,’ Rebecca said.
The Shermans understand the appeal firsthand — each year, they’ve taken their own children’s back-to-school photos in front of Villa Charlotte Brontë.
Bill says the villa is so picturesque that people have assumed it’s not real: ‘We had Zoom calls where people thought it was a fake background.’
‘We’ve heard rumors that we have a yacht club, a dog café, even a wine cellar,’ said Bill. ‘None of that is true — but it’s flattering. As long as people are respectful, we don’t mind the attention.’
While the co-op is tight-knit and listings are rare, a mix of retirements, people downsizing, and life changes have prompted a sudden turnover. In fact, between 2016 and 2020, not a single unit was listed publicly.
Now, three are available at once — a major event for a building with just 17 residences total.
The Shermans say the co-op is tight-knit and listings are rare
Villa Charlotte Brontë is a fairy tale-like co-op complex in Spuyten Duyvil, nestled along the Hudson River
Three homes were just listed out of the 17 total properties in the co-op – which is highly rare
The $949,000 property features an enchanting terrace, ‘an ideal spot for breakfast or drinks at sunset’ the listing agents said
A ‘true eat-in kitchen’ makes the experience complete, according to the listing agents
The bluestone paths lead you through beautiful gardens and charming stone archways
The enchanting and oversized bedroom in the $649,000 property boasts high ceilings and a beautifully laid out space
‘Each of the three units is completely different, and you’ll almost never see that. It’s a once-in-a-generation moment,’ Bill said.
‘From the outside, you’d never imagine how spacious the units are. Every unit faces the river, and no two are alike.’
The listings are a one-bedroom for $649,000, a two-bedroom with river views and a fireplace for $949,000, and a four-bedroom with multiple terraces for $1.24 million.
The largest of the three properties is listed by Ari Susswein and Adam Zucker, realtors with Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
It is beautifully decorated with white interiors and wooden finishes, and boasts stunning views of the river from its many windows.
What Villa Charlotte Brontë lacks in size, it makes up for in mystique. Residents describe it as ‘one of a kind,’ and interest from outside buyers has only grown since its equally iconic sister building, Villa Rosa Bonheur, was demolished in 2021.
With inventory this low and charm this high, buyers rarely get a shot at calling Villa Charlotte Brontë home. For those dreaming of an Italian villa lifestyle — without ever leaving NYC — this may be their only chance for years to come.
When units do become available, they are usually quickly snapped up.
One of the homes (pictured ) has four bedrooms and stunning river views
The four-bedroom house (pictured) was listed for $1.24 million
The most expensive of the properties currently on offer (pictured) has modern and bright white interiors with wooden cabinetry and finishes
Ernest Lawson painted the area surrounding Villa Charlotte Brontë in 1910
Earlier this year, a $915,000, two-bedroom home was sold to Riverdale locals who had always admired the Villa.
But the villa is not for everyone. ‘It’s more about who the building attracts. This place is almost 100 years old — there’s a level of care required,’ Bill said.
‘Buyers need to have funds beyond the purchase price for maintenance, because we’re very invested in preserving the building’s character.
‘We’re also the only pre-war co-op directly on the river in Riverdale. The only other historic rental nearby — Villa Victoria — is next door.
‘Another building, Villa Rosa Bonheur, was controversially demolished a few years ago. So this place really stands alone.’
