Tucked away in the urban neighborhood of The Bronx lies a hidden gem – a small slice of heaven in the center of the bustling New York City. Built by famous architect Robert Gardener and the brainchild of John J. McKelvey, this pair of stunning buildings overlooking the Hudson River is home to 17 Tuscan-style co-op apartments complete with a central courtyard garden and beautiful terraces. To step through the gate is to step across the continent with the sweeping river views, colorful plant life, and stone arches. Welcome to Villa Charlotte Brönte – a taste of Italy in the middle of The Bronx, New York.

New York is known for many things – great art, musicians, delicious food, and much, much more. Travelers may visit the Big Apple to walk to the top of the Empire State Building, take in the art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or even take a carriage ride in Central Park. Most people, however, are not aware of this hidden getaway located in the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood of Riverside overlooking the Hudson River, only a car or metro ride away from these famous travel destinations.

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Just five minutes from the bustle of the Metro-North Station and 20 minutes away from Grand Central, nestled between tall city buildings and wrought iron railings, is the elegant entrance to this majestic villa. Designed in 1926, this pair of historical buildings is home to 17 private apartments, lush gardens, and breathtaking views. Once through the central wrought iron gate, guests are instantly swept away from the bustling streets of New York and into a serene Italian villa through a series of stone pathways complete with colorful gardens and stunning river scenery.

A New Design

The three-story stucco-covered buildings overlooking the Palisades were designed by the famous architect Robert Gardener who was responsible for designing the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences Building, (renamed Staten Island Museum) and was commissioned by lawyer and writer John J. McKelvey, in response to the recent wave of high-rise apartment buildings popping up in his beloved hometown. The “City Beautiful” movement was brought to New York by Daniel Burnham and was created in an attempt to beautify and clean up the current urban landscape in the 1890s and early 1900s. McKelvey, taking personal offense to the movement, jokingly labeled it the “ugly city” movement and sought to create his own oasis in the area for those who wanted to escape the new designs and changes popping up all over the city.

McKelvey, having already designed Villa Rosa Bonheur in 1924, posted advertisements in the New York Times for anyone whose "soul is hungry for the majesty of the river." to come and enjoy the Villa Charlotte Brönte. These tile-roofed buildings separated by a breathtaking courtyard sit regally perched on a hill overlooking the Hudson River in an area of the Bronx known as Spuyten Duyvil (named "spouting devil" after the fierce tidal currents created there). Each apartment has its own stone entrance and terrace (many overlooking the historical Hudson River) as well as hardwood flooring and natural tiling throughout. Although they have been updated to reflect many modern conveniences, these apartments have kept the classic Tuscan-styling, brick fireplaces, and relaxed countryside feel. The warm natural materials and classically styled glass throughout these areas all but hide away the bustle of the city outside.

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Today's Villa

Today, these elegant apartments located at 2501 Palisade Avenue are more expensive than many other current co-op apartments of this size and cost approximately $680/sq ft. The most recent recorded sale in the buildings was completed in 2019 for $1,875,000. Other sales over the last 10 years have ranged anywhere from $349,000 all the way up to $1,297,128 with 7 different apartment-style options ranging from 1,100 – 2750 square feet. This most recent multilevel unit - complete with wine storage in the pantry - is located in section C of the building and includes 5 large bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and is a total of 2,750 square feet.

A Must-Visit

Named after the famous English novelist and poet Charlotte Bronte, this pair of buildings is a local stop on many social media walking tours and a budding tourist attraction - although you will want to get permission to visit the gardens here as they are privately owned as part of the Co-op.

Want to see for yourself? Come visit the Villa Charlotte Brönte!

Charlotte Bronte Villa Inc

2501 Palisade Ave, The Bronx, NY 10463

Book a ride:

Metro-North Railroad - 1 (212) 532-4900

Grand Central Station (212) 340-2583

Driving Directions:

From the Henry Hudson Pkwy

  • Head Northeast on NY-9A - N (3.2 mi)
  • Take exit 18 for Kappock St (0.1 mi)
  • Turn Right onto Johnson Ave (0.2 mi)
  • Continue to Palisade Ave (Destination will be on the left)