Bill Cosby's NYC Homes in Foreclosure — One Listed at $29M

A Symbol of Wealth and Controversy

Bill Cosby’s Upper East Side townhouse, once a symbol of his success and love for his wife Camille, is now facing a dramatic transformation. The property, located at 18 E. 71st St., has been listed for $29 million, marking a significant shift in its legacy. This sale comes amid mounting financial challenges that have plagued the couple.

The home, which Cosby originally purchased in 1987 for $6.2 million, was reportedly a gift to Camille during his peak as a television icon. The 13,000-square-foot residence, known as the Luyster Mansion, features a striking limestone-and-copper façade and reflects the neo-French Classic style. Designed in 1899 by John Duncan, the architect behind Grant’s Tomb, it stands as a testament to Gilded Age elegance.

Despite its grandeur, the property has become entangled in legal and financial issues. Court records indicate that the Cosbys have defaulted on $17.5 million in loans tied to the home. In addition, they owe over $300,000 in property taxes, with the first Foundation Bank foreclosing on the property last year. The couple has denied the bank’s claims in legal filings, but the situation remains unresolved.

A Historic Home with Regal Interiors

The townhouse offers a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury. Its interiors are nothing short of regal, featuring a Carrara marble vestibule that leads into a center hall with 15-foot ceilings. The primary parlor spans 500 square feet, complete with inlaid mahogany floors and 11 fireplaces. French doors open onto East 71st Street, while an original mahogany-and-bronze elevator connects most of the floors.

A dramatic drawing room boasts 20-foot vaulted ceilings and herringbone parquet floors, while a formal dining room can accommodate up to 30 guests. The adjacent chef’s kitchen, once part of the Lycée Français, includes terracotta tile, beveled glass, and a restaurant-grade rotisserie oven.

The primary suite offers dual full bathrooms, with vaulted skylights adding natural light to the chamber floors. The top level features a tranquil study, a guest room with private terrace access, and wide-plank pine floors. A 500-square-foot roof garden crowns the property, offering a private retreat.

Financial Struggles and Legal Challenges

The Cosbys’ financial troubles extend beyond this single property. In December, CitiMortgage sued the couple for defaulting on a $4.2 million loan tied to a separate Lenox Hill townhouse at 243 E. 61st St., which Cosby bought in 1980. This four-story home, listed for $7 million in April, saw its price drop by nearly $250,000 in July amid legal proceedings.

The couple’s financial struggles have been compounded by their legal history. Cosby was convicted in 2018 of assaulting Andrea Constand, though he was released in 2021 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the ruling. More than 60 women have publicly accused him of sexual misconduct, significantly impacting his public image.

A Legacy in Question

The listing of the Upper East Side townhouse highlights the complexities of Cosby’s financial and legal challenges. Despite the property’s historical significance and architectural beauty, it now serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by the couple. The absence of any mention of Cosby in the listing underscores the desire to focus on the property itself rather than its owner.

As the market continues to watch the situation unfold, the sale of this iconic home will likely remain a topic of interest. Whether it will find a buyer or continue to face legal hurdles remains to be seen. For now, the townhouse stands as both a symbol of past glory and a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement.