Genevieve Gorder Puts Chic Manhattan Duplex on Market for $4.4M

I’ve always been drawn to homes that tell a story, and Genevieve Gorder’s Manhattan duplex is exactly that. You probably know her from Trading Spaces or her HGTV shows, but beyond the TV screen, Genevieve is a designer who lives and breathes her craft. She doesn’t just decorate a space—she shapes it to fit life, personality, and rhythm. That’s exactly what makes her longtime Chelsea home so captivating.

The duplex sits atop the historic Fitzroy Townhouse in Chelsea, Manhattan, overlooking the quiet Clement Clarke Moore Park. It’s not just a view; it’s a private green oasis in the middle of the city. The home spans nearly 2,500 square feet across the top two floors of this 1850s building, merging classic pre-war architecture with the personal touches of a designer who has lived here for decades.

Sunlight floods every corner, a rare feature for a Manhattan brownstone, and the multiple terraces and rooftop decks make the city feel almost within reach, yet beautifully removed from the chaos below.

If you’re someone who loves design, light, and thoughtful layouts, this isn’t just a listing—it’s a lesson in how a home can grow with a family and a life. It’s a space that tells you who lives there without saying a word.

Acquisition & Renovation Story

When I first read about how Genevieve acquired this duplex, I was struck by how much thought went into every step. She bought one side of the top-floor walk-up 21 years ago, drawn to the natural light and the tree-lined street she had admired for years.

“A brownstone is notoriously dark in the middle areas, so I will climb any stair for natural light any day,” she told Robb Report—and honestly, I can’t argue with that. Light changes everything in a home, and this duplex was bathed in it from day one.

In 2011, the adjacent unit became available, and she didn’t hesitate—she merged the two. This process wasn’t just about space; it was about creating a home that could grow with her family. The story was chronicled on her 2014 HGTV series Genevieve’s Renovation, giving viewers a glimpse into her hands-on approach.

Unlike many celebrity homes that feel staged or distant, this one evolved organically, reflecting real life, real needs, and real design choices.

Reading about it, you realize this isn’t just a high-profile sale; it’s decades of thoughtful living, captured in every corner, every staircase, and every room.

Interior Highlights & Design Details

Step inside, and you immediately feel how layered and personal this space is. The duplex has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, but what really matters is how adaptable each room is. Genevieve says, “Every room can almost be everything,” and walking through it, you can see why. It’s a home that flexes with life rather than forcing life to flex to it.

The materials tell a story too. Hand-scraped French white oak floors, a marble kitchen island, and custom built-ins coexist with globally sourced architectural details. There’s a tactile richness here that photos can’t capture, and I think that’s what sets this home apart from typical Manhattan listings. Every texture, every finish feels intentional, soulful, and loved.

The lower level includes a tranquil living room with an original marble fireplace that could double as a primary suite thanks to a spa-like bath and oversized dressing closet. The other two bedrooms share a vintage-inspired bath with brass fixtures and a classic clawfoot tub—a perfect blend of modern comfort and old-world charm.

Upper Level & Outdoor Spaces

One of the first things that hits you about the upper level is the sense of openness. A floating staircase leads to two bedrooms that open onto private terraces, north- and south-facing, giving panoramic city views. If you’ve ever dreamed of a city home with breathing space, this is it.

The terraces aren’t just aesthetic—they’re functional. Water features, plantings, and automated irrigation create an alfresco sanctuary that feels miles away from Manhattan traffic. The upper-level primary suite is a serene retreat, complete with a freestanding soaking tub in the bedroom itself.

Genevieve describes it as “a home with four rooftop decks, a bird sanctuary pretty much in the back. It’s so quiet—it’s kind of surreal that you’re in New York and you’re waking up to birds every morning.” And honestly, that quote alone makes me want to move in.

Outdoor spaces like these are rare in Manhattan, and they’re a huge part of what makes this duplex unique. They turn a home into an escape—a private oasis right in the city.

Much like Lori Loughlin’s Los Angeles estate, which sold for $12.65M, these terraces and rooftop decks elevate the property from a home to a private urban retreat.

Personal Motivations & Life Changes

Why sell a home like this? For Genevieve, it’s deeply personal. With her daughter heading off to college, she’s ready for the next chapter—abroad.

“We’re getting our dual citizenship with Croatia, and it felt like time to do what I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t,” she says. Their plan is to create rentals in the southern Mediterranean, while keeping New York as a base.

Reading that, I felt this listing wasn’t just about money or market trends—it’s about life transitions. The home carries a family’s story, a designer’s signature, and now, the opportunity for someone else to add their own chapter.

It’s rare to see a sale that’s both high-profile and emotionally honest, and it makes the listing feel alive rather than transactional.

If you want quick updates on luxury listings and design inspiration delivered straight to your phone, there’s a handy WhatsApp feed that shares curated highlights daily—perfect for staying on top of the NYC market.

Chelsea Market & Pricing Context

Looking at the broader Chelsea market, $4.35 million is more than just a number—it’s a statement. Manhattan co-ops of this size and quality don’t come along every day, especially with a celebrity designer’s personal touch.

Most luxury listings focus on glossy photos or the square footage, but here, the combination of history, sunlight, terraces, and design pedigree sets it apart.

If you’ve ever wondered how a home like this stacks up against other Chelsea properties, consider the rarity of multiple outdoor spaces, historic architectural details, and a designer who actually lived in and shaped the space.

It’s not just another luxury listing; it’s a lifestyle investment. And that’s something the market notices.

Luxury listings often grab headlines, from Genevieve Gorder’s Chelsea duplex to Jessica Simpson’s $18M L.A. mansion, showing how celebrity homes reflect both lifestyle and market trends.

Who This Home Appeals To?

This duplex isn’t for everyone—and that’s the beauty of it. It’s ideal for someone who values design authenticity, natural light, and private outdoor spaces in the heart of Manhattan.

Families, design enthusiasts, or buyers seeking a combination of city living and personal sanctuary would instantly connect with this space.

If you’re imagining yourself here, think about adaptability: rooms that flex with your needs, terraces for quiet mornings or entertaining, and a home that feels lived-in yet polished.

This isn’t just a pretty shell—it’s a home with soul, and the right buyer will instantly recognize that.

Whether it’s a historic Manhattan duplex or a famed childhood home like President Donald Trump’s former Queens residence, buyers often seek a unique story and connection when investing in property.

Key Takeaways & Actionable Insights

Here’s what really makes this listing stand out:

• Design pedigree: Every corner reflects Genevieve’s hands-on approach and personal taste.
• Outdoor spaces: Rare in Manhattan—multiple terraces, rooftop decks, and a small bird sanctuary.
• Adaptable layout: Rooms evolve with family needs.
• Market context: Chelsea co-ops of this type and caliber are scarce.
• Life story: The sale is part of a personal life transition, giving the home depth beyond price and square footage.

If you’re a design lover or luxury buyer, it’s worth noting how intentionality and personal touch can elevate a property from simply beautiful to truly exceptional.

I’m curious—if you could live in a Manhattan home like this, what feature would matter most to you? The terraces, the light, or the designer touches?

For more insider stories on celebrity homes and NYC luxury properties, check out our Real Estate & Homeownership section and explore what’s trending this month.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. Listing details, pricing, and availability may change without notice. This is not financial, legal, or investment advice.