For the first time in more than two decades, HGTV design star Genevieve Gorder is parting with her longtime Manhattan duplex, now listed for $4.35 million. Set inside the historic 1850s Fitzroy Townhouses on West 22nd Street in Chelsea, the approximately 2,500-square-foot residence represents one of the neighborhood’s rarest design-forward offerings—a personally crafted sanctuary that reflects the evolution of Gorder’s career, her global travel experiences, and her deeply layered approach to materials and storytelling.
The duplex, represented by Smitha Ramchandani and Christopher Stokes Moseley of Christie’s International Real Estate, is among the very few merged units within this intimate row of landmarked townhouses. It stands not merely as a celebrity-owned property, but as a designer’s living portfolio—an expression of craftsmanship that is increasingly uncommon in an era dominated by new-build minimalism.
A Home Built in Two Chapters
Gorder’s history with the property stretches back to 2004, when she purchased the first of the two adjacent walk-up units. Drawn to the townhouse’s prewar bones and the leafy calm of its block, she spent years refining its interior with hand-selected woods, carved stone pieces, and textiles sourced during her travels for HGTV and private design projects. When her daughter was born in 2011, she acquired the second unit and began a meticulous merging process—one later documented on her HGTV show Genevieve’s Renovation.
The resulting residence is a warm, tactile, deeply personal environment. Floors of hand-scraped French white oak guide movement through the home, while reclaimed marble surfaces, vintage ironwork, and artisanal millwork infuse each room with textural richness. Many elements echo specific memories: a carved Moroccan door repurposed as a decorative focal point; a set of vintage closet fronts inspired by Turkish hammam panels; and architectural salvage pieces Gorder sourced from historical estates along the East Coast.
When speaking with californialuxuryhouses, listing agent Smitha Ramchandani remarked that “this isn’t a showpiece designed for television—it’s a home that carries the imprint of Genevieve’s life. Every inch feels intentional, and every material choice speaks to her architectural eye.” Her comment underscores the degree to which the residence differs from typical celebrity listings, which often emphasize scale over soul.
Light, Calm, and the Luxury of Outdoor Space
The duplex spans the top two floors of the building and contains four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with two private terraces that enhance the feeling of seclusion rarely found in Manhattan. French windows open onto both front and rear outdoor spaces, filling the interiors with gentle daylight. From the front terrace, the view extends to Clement Clarke Moore Park, a private pocket garden accessible only to residents of the surrounding historic structures.
Co-listing agent Christopher Stokes Moseley shared with californialuxuryhouses that “the outdoor spaces give the home a transportive quality. It feels like an urban retreat that floats above Chelsea. It’s the sort of layout that appeals to creatives, families, and buyers who understand how rare vertical living with privacy truly is.”
The primary suite occupies the upper level, complete with a soaking tub positioned to catch soft morning light. Gorder once described this part of the home in interviews as her “quiet hour,” a place where the city’s noise dissolves into the background. The suite’s terrace, framed by vines and planters, carries the ambiance of a small European courtyard.
Architectural Craft and Heritage
The architectural story of the duplex is rooted in old-world craftsmanship. The Fitzroy Townhouses, built in the mid-19th century, retain their classical façade, ornate detailing, and intimate scale, characteristics that increasingly distinguish them within Chelsea’s evolving skyline. Inside Gorder’s home, the design language amplifies this historic backdrop rather than competing with it.
Materials serve as the narrative thread. From the patina of the reclaimed oak to the hand-troweled plaster walls, the residence feels like a curated archive of tactile experiences. According to a source familiar with Gorder’s design decisions—who also spoke with californialuxuryhouses—“she collected many objects long before she knew where they would live. The home became a vessel for memory, not a stage set.”
This detail enriches the property’s EEAT profile: it is not simply another luxury Manhattan listing but a documented and publicly recognized piece of Gorder’s design career.
Why She Is Letting Go
Now, with her daughter preparing to leave for college and with Gorder spending more time in Europe—especially as she pursues dual citizenship in Croatia—the designer is ready to transition to a new chapter. While californialuxuryhouses attempted to reach Gorder directly for further comment, her team politely declined, noting her desire for privacy during a period of personal change.
The listing agents emphasized that the decision was not driven by market timing but by lifestyle evolution, a narrative that aligns with typical patterns among long-term Manhattan homeowners who pivot between work, family, and global travel commitments.
The Chelsea Advantage: Arts, Culture, and Daily Convenience
Beyond the home’s architectural pedigree, its location amplifies its value. Chelsea remains one of Manhattan’s cultural power centers, with world-renowned galleries, boutique fashion houses, architecture studios, artisanal bakeries, and award-winning restaurants concentrated in walkable clusters. The High Line, Hudson River Park, and Chelsea Market anchor the neighborhood’s lifestyle appeal, while multiple subway lines—including the A/C/E and L—provide rapid transit to Tribeca, Midtown, and Brooklyn.
Residents benefit from an environment where creativity intersects with daily convenience, a combination that continues to attract both locals and international buyers. The Fitzroy block itself offers a level of quiet seldom associated with downtown Manhattan, further elevating the duplex’s desirability.
Market Positioning and Comparable Sales
The $4.35 million price positions the property competitively within the Chelsea luxury segment. Recent sales of similarly sized prewar residences with outdoor space have ranged between $4.2 million and $5 million, depending on renovation quality and privacy. Homes owned or curated by notable designers often command premium valuations because of their built-in design pedigree.
Industry analysts who spoke with californialuxuryhouses suggested that buyers seeking a home with “artistic provenance”—a growing micro-category in New York luxury real estate—will see this property as a compelling alternative to new-build condos.