Sale of Iconic Estate Represented by Christie's Real Estate

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Called “the greatest jazz salon ever”, this unique estate was on the market for only 3 months before it sold to its next steward to usher it into its subsequent era of greatness. The Baroness purchased the property in 1958, she singlehandedly elevated jazz to a global art form in large part because of the constellation of legends regularly performing at her New Jersey home. Since her death in 1988, the estate has served as home of jazz great and dear family friend Barry Harris who lived there for 30 years until his passing in December.

Books have been written about Baroness Pannonica "Nica" de Koenigswarter. She has been featured in almost every major global publication throughout her life, celebrating her profound impact on American jazz. The Baroness, heir to the Rothschild fortune, mentored such greats as Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins and Barry Harris. Always a backdrop in her story was this Weehawken, New Jersey estate. Here, these international jazz legends showcased their prodigious talents almost nightly.

Baroness de Koenigswarter’s New Jersey estate, which includes a Bauhaus-inspired home in need of restoration and with breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan’s 40th Street skyline, just sold for US$1,750,000 and was represented by Rosita Wheeler of Christie’s International Real Estate Group Hoboken Sales Gallery.

“This property was an opportunity for both the collector seeking to restore this architectural masterpiece or the visionary imaging a new chapter for a rare piece of real estate,” says Wheeler. “I am so excited to see the vision of the buyer come to life with this historic gem.”

Highlights include:

• Prestigious location on a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after Kings Bluff neighborhood, the 2,837 square-foot home is designed in the historic Bauhaus international style, notable for flat roofs, large plate-glass windows and open floor plans. It is currently configured for a primary suite and one additional bedroom.
• The home was completed in 1947 by architect Ralph Pomerance, whose work was showcased at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
• Austrian-American movie director Josef von Sternberg, twice nominated for a Best Directing Oscar for “Morocco” and “Shanghai Express,” commissioned the project.
• The original architect’s blueprints are available
• The Baroness purchased the property in 1958. She was a constant and benevolent benefactor on the thriving New York jazz scene of the mid-1900’s. Her home was described as metropolitan area's greatest jazz salon ever with more quality music heard there than in most concert halls
• In an age when jazz was not yet recognized as a legitimate art form, the Baroness provided support of every kind—emotional, ideological and financial
• Thelonious Monk retired to her estate until his death in 1982. Barry Harris similarly lived there for 30 years until his death in December
• Countless jazz tunes were composed at the house, most notably “Weehawken Mad Pad” and “Coming on the Hudson”, both by Thelonious Monk. The baroness’s book “Three Wishes: An Intimate Look at Jazz Greats,” is replete with photos of legendary musicians performing in her home.

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About Christie’s International Real Estate Group

Christie’s International Real Estate Group is an exclusive partner of Christie’s International Real Estate (CIRE). With more than 25 offices and 1,000 associates, CIRE Group services clients with all of their real estate needs throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. CIRE is a global real estate network of more than 31,000 agents across 48 countries, representing annual sales volume of more than $100 billion. With a staff of accomplished real estate agents and brokers, the firm’s clients receive the highest levels of customer service and customized, personalized real estate services. For more information, call 201-962-9551 or visit www.christiesrealestate.com

*Interior home image contains virtual staging.

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