Actress Meryl Streep is a chameleon on stage and screen. She’s portrayed a prime minister, chef, editor, rock star, nun, witch, even an animated ant—each performance as convincing as the last.
In real life, Streep plays a well-compensated Hollywood legend with three Academy Awards, 21 Oscar nominations, critical acclaim and multiple homes on both coasts. Now it appears the versatile thespian is on the move again. In Manhattan, Streep just listed her River Lofts penthouse in the private celebrity-friendly hamlet of Tribeca for $24.6 million.
Streep makes wise choices and her River Lofts penthouse is another example—an open, bright and airy loft-style residence disguised as a townhouse. Thankfully it’s not The House of the Spirits (her melodramatic 1993 film) but rather the penthouse of the spectacular vistas.
Perched high above the Hudson River, the four-bedroom, five-bath penthouse is surrounded on three sides by a lushly landscaped 10-foot-wide terrace (spanning 2,231 square feet)—overlooking most of Manhattan’s dramatic skyline. Open-plan interiors boast similar panoramas through triple-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting light and terrace accessibility from virtually every room.
Spanning one massive floor, Streep’s 3,944-square-foot residence is directly accessed by a private elevator and vestibule which lead to a sky-lit gallery, living room and multiple dining areas (one topped by a custom crystal light fixture). A modern wood-burning fireplace and Brazilian walnut-planked floors exude an elegant ambiance and intimate pocket-door rooms showcase luxurious entertaining spaces.
A chic white Varenna kitchen would please Streep’s Julia Child character, outfitted with a double-wide Sub-Zero fridge, two Miele ovens and a six-burner cooktop, a Bosch dishwasher, and a dark butcher block island—all with ample cooking and prep space the 6-foot-3 real life Julia Child would have appreciated. A private den/office with skyline panoramas looks east and downtown with the World Trade Center towers in clear view.
The large master suite offers two separate bathrooms, two dressing rooms, and a sitting parlor with sweeping views of the boat-lined Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and uptown skyscrapers. A second bedroom (with an en-suite bath) also flanks the prime Hudson River side while the third and fourth bedrooms overlook the East Side skyline with a shared bathroom.
River Lofts is a full-service condominium with a 24-hour doorman, concierge, communal garden courtyard, fitness center, and an on-site garage. The building was designed by architects Tsao & McKown as a quintessential modern tribute to Tribeca's landmark industrial lofts, most of which were converted to residential. Streep’s penthouse is available for the first time since 2003. Douglas Elliman’s Jan Hashey and Steve Halprin, who have the listing, offered no comment.
Streep, the best actor on the planet (after all, Daniel Day-Lewis is officially retired), has invested in many homes over the years, including real estate in Connecticut, New York and Los Angeles. A shrewd negotiator, she and her husband Don Gummer paid $3.6 million for a 2-acre mid-century modern Pasadena home in 2017, well under the $4.1 million asking price, according to Time.com. In 2013, the couple purchased a $6 million-listed Hollywood Hills residence for $4.5 million.
Streep’s astute real estate investments have somewhat mitigated the fact that she was underpaid for years, considering her supernatural acting talent. She's channeled chef Child, Vogue's Anna Wintour-like editor, and Margaret Thatcher—convincing us she really was these inspirational women. She's even played a virtual mute and she sings as well. Is there anything Meryl Streep can't do on screen?
Streep's versatility draws comparisons to Hollywood’s greatest screen legends, including Katharine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Tom Hanks, Marlon Brando, and fellow Tribeca resident Robert De Niro. The star of Silkwood, The Devil Wears Prada, The Post, and the upcoming Mama Mia! Here We Go Again, took home Oscars for her commanding roles in Kramer vs Kramer, Sophie's Choice and The Iron Lady.
Whether it's at the Academy Awards or in a penthouse, it's guaranteed Streep will have the best seat in the house. So with the Tribeca penthouse, look for her to get exactly what she's asking for. Even if she doesn't, she'll act like she did.
