Martha Plimpton’s Brooklyn Victorian Home Sold for $2.6 Million
I still remember the first time I read about Martha Plimpton’s Brooklyn Victorian, tucked away in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. It wasn’t just another celebrity house—it felt alive with her personality. Over a decade ago, she turned a century-old white wood-sided structure into what she called her “dream come true.” And honestly, you could see why.
Inside, the house had that rare balance of historic charm and lived-in warmth. I loved imagining her cooking Bolognese on that six-burner Ilve stove, tomatoes fresh from the backyard, with Marcella Hazan’s cookbook open beside her.
Three guest bedrooms weren’t just for show—she welcomed friends, neighbors, and even called it “The Martha Plimpton House for Wayward Women and Divorcées.” That line alone gives you a sense of the house’s soul, doesn’t it?
Walking through her home in my mind, I could picture the sunlight spilling into the living room, the wood-burning fireplace flickering, and the garden quietly thriving outside. It wasn’t just a property; it was a reflection of the life she built, full of creativity, community, and care.
From Rent-Stabilized Upper West Side to Brooklyn’s Tight-Knit Community
Before Martha bought this Victorian, she spent the first forty years of her life in the same rent-stabilized Upper West Side apartment. That’s a long time to call one building home, and it clearly shaped her sense of community. But something about Prospect Lefferts Gardens called to her in a way Upper West Side never did.
She told The New York Times, “Cobble Hill and Park Slope were a little too twee for me. In this neighborhood, there are families of all ages, races and demographics.” I love that perspective—it’s rare to hear a celebrity value real, diverse community over flashy addresses.
When you walk these streets, you feel that tight-knit energy. Kids playing outside, neighbors chatting across fences—it’s the kind of vibe that makes a house feel like home, not just an investment.
Sale Details — Price, Timeline, and Renovation Highlights
Fast forward twelve years, and Martha decided it was time to part ways with her beloved home as she moved to London. According to Robb Report, the house officially sold for $2.65 million—roughly $1.3 million more than she paid back in spring 2013. She had undertaken a complete gut renovation in those years, turning the early-1900s structure into a modern Victorian gem.
Robb Report highlighted the sale, noting the thoughtful renovations that preserved the home’s historical character while updating it for today’s lifestyle. The listing, managed by Pamela D’Arc of Compass, emphasized both its charm and functionality—a rare combination in Brooklyn real estate.
Looking at the numbers, it’s impressive—not just for the return on investment, but for the careful attention Martha gave to every detail, from floors to fixtures. This wasn’t a quick flip; it was a home she loved, lived in, and then passed on thoughtfully.
Just like Olivia Wilde’s recent sale in Los Angeles, which took a $700K loss, Martha’s Brooklyn property shows how thoughtful renovations and community appeal can impact a home’s value.
Architectural Charm and Interior Highlights
One of the first things you notice is the house’s classic Victorian features: white wood siding, Corinthian columns on the inviting front porch, and high ceilings inside that let in light like it’s part of the décor.
The home spreads across roughly 2,800 square feet with four bedrooms, five baths, and a finished basement. Hardwood floors and decorative moldings give it that timeless feel, but it’s never cold or sterile—it’s lived-in warmth.
Walking through, you can see why these spaces feel special. Each corner tells a story, and it’s easy to imagine both quiet mornings with coffee in the sunlit living room and lively dinners on the garden deck below. This is the kind of house that blends history with real life, something many of us search for but rarely find.
The Heart of the Home — Living Spaces and Kitchen
If I could step inside, I’d start in the living room. A wood-burning fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves anchors the space, making it perfect for quiet evenings or gathering friends. The formal dining room flows seamlessly onto an alfresco deck overlooking a lush garden planted with fruit trees, vegetables, and roses. It’s not just beautiful—it’s practical, a garden that feeds you and a home that invites community.
And then there’s the kitchen. All-white, airy, and outfitted with a six-burner Ilve gas range, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, marble countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a butcher-block island—it’s a space designed for cooking, entertaining, and living.
Imagine Martha herself, following Marcella Hazan’s recipes, making Bolognese with fresh garden tomatoes. It’s those personal touches that make a house memorable, not just a luxury listing.
I also love seeing community reactions to homes like this. Some of the latest discussions and tips about Brooklyn homes pop up daily on WhatsApp groups dedicated to real estate enthusiasts—you might find interesting ideas or design inspirations there.
Bedrooms and Suites — Comfort Meets Luxury
Upstairs, the house really shows its versatility. Three bedrooms on the second floor include one with a wall of cedar closets and a marble bath with radiant-heated floors, dual sinks, and a clawfoot tub.
Another bedroom has a bay window, perfect for reading or reflecting, while the third includes a built-in desk and a windowed closet, ideal for creative work.
The top floor is flooded with light and houses the primary suite, which could easily double as a playroom or art studio depending on your needs. The basement adds even more functionality, with a laundry area and a half bath. Every room feels intentional, designed to make life comfortable and practical without losing charm.
Martha Plimpton — More Than a Homeowner
It’s easy to forget that behind this beautiful house is a woman with a remarkable career. Martha Plimpton isn’t just “the celebrity who sold her Brooklyn Victorian.”
She’s the actress you probably remember from The Goonies, but also from The Good Wife, Raising Hope, and three Tony-nominated Broadway shows like Top Girls and Pal Joey.
Knowing her career trajectory makes her home feel even more alive. This was a space for creativity, for hosting friends, and for quietly living a life that balanced work and personal joy.
And honestly, seeing how someone integrates personal life into their home gives me ideas for my own space—it’s a reminder that a house isn’t just a place, it’s part of your story.
What This Sale Signals for Brooklyn Real Estate Trends?
Now, if you’re curious about the bigger picture, Martha’s sale actually says a lot about Brooklyn real estate. Historic homes like hers in tight-knit neighborhoods are gaining value faster than many modern condos.
According to local listings and trends, homes in Prospect Lefferts Gardens have appreciated steadily over the past decade, particularly properties that retain charm while modernizing amenities.
Compare this to other celebrity home sales in Brooklyn—Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, and Norah Jones have all seen similar interest in classic properties. For buyers or even curious onlookers, Martha’s sale is a glimpse into a neighborhood where history, community, and investment value intersect. It’s not just about price—it’s about lifestyle and long-term worth.
Similar to NFL star Josh Jacobs selling his Las Vegas mansion for $4.7 million, celebrity homes across the country show how location, history, and upgrades can drive attention and pricing trends.
Neighborhood Spotlight — Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Walking the streets of Prospect Lefferts Gardens, you quickly understand why Martha stayed so long. The area isn’t flashy; it’s lived-in, warm, and diverse.
Families of all ages, races, and backgrounds coexist here. Cobble Hill or Park Slope might get the headlines, but neighborhoods like this are the heartbeat of Brooklyn.
You’ll find tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, parks where kids play, local restaurants, and small shops that feel genuinely connected to the community.
For anyone interested in real estate or just in understanding New York neighborhoods, this area is a perfect example of how character and community add value in ways dollars alone can’t measure.
This reminds me of musician Blackbear’s recently listed renovated Los Angeles home for $10 million, where high-end finishes and thoughtful layouts play a central role in making a house both livable and Instagram-worthy.
Key Takeaways — Beyond the Price Tag
Martha Plimpton’s Brooklyn home is a lesson in more than real estate—it’s about living intentionally. You can see how personal touches, thoughtful renovations, and a connection to community make a house truly valuable. And while $2.65M is the headline, the real story is in the way a home becomes a part of your life and a reflection of who you are.
So here’s my question for you: if you could design a home that reflected your life, what would you include to make it uniquely yours? I’d love to hear your ideas—drop them in the comments or share a photo of a favorite space in your own home.
And if you enjoy following stories about celebrity homes and unique properties, you can catch more updates on X and join the conversation on our Facebook group.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on public records, credible news sources, and expert reports. Prices and property details are subject to change and should be independently verified. This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
