The Great Neck residence, nestled on Long Island’s Gold Coast, served as Groucho Marx’s abode before his journey to Hollywood to embark on further cinematic ventures with his brothers. After 64 years, this historic home is hitting the market for $2.3 million. Marx, who resided there from 1926 to 1931, made a nostalgic visit in the 1970s, shortly before his passing in 1977, leaving behind a legacy commemorated by a Great Neck Historical Society Heritage plaque. The house, located in Thomaston Village within the Great Neck Park District, holds cherished memories, including a fond encounter with a young Greg Bruell, now 56, who recalls Marx’s gracious visit during his childhood. Preserved within its walls is a postcard of gratitude from Marx himself. This residence witnessed the filming of two Marx Brothers classics, “The Cocoanuts” (1929) and “Animal Crackers” (1930), adding to its historical significance. Abe Kanfer of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty emphasizes not only its historical value but also its expansive grounds, boasting woodlands, a verdant lawn, and flourishing gardens, rendering it a secluded sanctuary amidst the bustling city.
The Colonial house features elements of Tudor and Cotswold design.
The Colonial-style residence, boasting five bedrooms and four baths, was erected in 1923 on a spacious half-acre plot, offering an array of amenities. Adorned with mature trees and blooming gardens, the property features a tiered outdoor dining space, a flagstone patio, and an attached two-car garage.
The formal dining room has parquet flooring, boxed ceiling beams and original moldings.
Spread across three levels, the house underwent a recent expansion in 2014, adding a new portico and enhancing its features. Inside, one finds formal living and dining areas, expansive casement windows, a cozy fireplace, a cedar closet, central air conditioning, and a luxurious spa-inspired bathroom complete with an oversized shower, a spa tub, radiant heated marble flooring, and two skylights.
A grand staircase leads to the bedrooms.
During Bruell’s childhood, he and his siblings fashioned clubhouses within the crawl spaces of the unfinished sections of the house. With a penchant for rearrangement, they periodically swapped bedrooms, while the home served as a bustling hub for their large extended family, hosting frequent gatherings and celebrations.
The primary en-suite bath has an oversized shower, a spa tub, two skylights and marble flooring with radiant heat.
Bruell’s parents, avid Marx Brothers enthusiasts, acquired the property in 1959, drawn by its association with their comedic idol. Over the years, the family undertook multiple renovations and expansions, modernizing the layout while preserving the home’s classic charm.
The kitchen opens to a terraced dining patio.
Reflecting on his mother’s renovations, Bruell recalls the addition of a kitchen and office area, along with a comprehensive interior overhaul that included the removal of walls to create a more spacious living area. Despite residing primarily in Boston after college, Bruell maintained a strong connection to the house, eventually founding an air transport company, Transcend Air, to facilitate his frequent visits.
The primary suite has a sitting area.
Will the Bruell family miss the house? You can bet on it, Bruell affirmed. “We’ve held onto it longer than any other owners, so it would have been wonderful to keep it within the family,” he remarked, mentioning that his father has passed away, and his 93-year-old mother recently relocated to the Boston area to be closer to him. “But my roots run deep here.”
Oversize windows connect the house to the outdoors.
Marx isn’t the sole prominent figure in the North Shore community, which served as a sanctuary for celebrities during the Roaring Twenties. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald commenced writing “The Great Gatsby,” drawing inspiration from the extravagant parties he and his wife, Zelda, attended while residing there. The community’s Gatsby Lane stands as a testament to this connection.
The living room has a fireplace that’s flanked by built-in cabinets.