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By: Daisy Fay
The Manhattan penthouse once cherished as a romantic haven by Hollywood icons Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is now on the market for $9.95 million, per the New York Post. This co-op gem, nestled in the prestigious 1120 Fifth Avenue building, offers breathtaking views of Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and a touch of old Hollywood charm.
This marks the first time in 40 years the apartment has been available. Newman, who passed away in 2008 at 83, and Woodward, now 94, purchased the property in the early 1980s. The sale is being managed by their daughters on behalf of Woodward, who has lived quietly in Westport, Connecticut, since her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2007, the Post notes.
The nearly 3,000-square-foot penthouse occupies half of the top floor of the 15-story limestone building, built in 1925. It features two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and two terraces totaling 2,300 square feet. According to Clea Newman Soderlund, the couple’s youngest daughter, the space was a cherished retreat for her parents.
“They would spend weeks there, going to the theater, opera, or dinner with friends,” Clea told the New York Post. “It was their romantic spot.”
A Space for Glamorous Gatherings
The terraces were a focal point for entertaining, hosting guests like Tom Cruise, Cher, and even Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Clea recalled how the space was ideal for cocktail and dinner parties.
The penthouse retains its prewar charm, boasting 11-foot ceilings, herringbone wood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and built-in bookshelves. Though updates have been minimal since the 1980s, these features add to the property’s timeless appeal.
“The bones are what’s really spectacular,” Noble Black, a Douglas Elliman broker handling the listing, told the Post. While the primary bedroom was expanded by merging two smaller rooms, other aspects remain untouched, including the original kitchen and some vintage wallpaper and tilework.
Outdoor Views and Personal Touches
The terraces offer unparalleled views, with one overlooking Central Park and the other providing a wraparound perspective of the city skyline. Clea mentioned her mother specifically sought a terrace for their dogs, but the property delivered far more, offering sunrises and sunsets that framed their New York oasis.
Inside, the primary suite features two walk-in closets, a hand-painted tile bathroom, and a soaking tub. The living room, with a carved wooden mantel and baby grand piano, was a favorite spot for the couple to relax and listen to music.
Though most of the family’s personal belongings have been removed, Clea said the apartment holds decades of memories, including family dinners and watching New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The listing also includes a two-bedroom unit on the building’s ground floor, used by the Newmans as an office, gym, and guest space.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were more than Hollywood legends—they were philanthropists and humanitarians. Newman founded the SeriousFun Children’s Network and Newman’s Own Foundation, legacies that endure alongside their screen achievements.
For buyers seeking a mix of historical elegance and cinematic allure, this penthouse offers an extraordinary opportunity.