The former home of legendary artist Jasper Johns, located north of New York City, is now available for purchase at the surprisingly affordable price of $600,000.
Situated in the town of Stony Point, approximately 33 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin-like abode holds a significant place in art history. It was a gathering place for art-world luminaries, including renowned dancer-choreographer Merce Cunningham, and served as a creative sanctuary for Johns himself. Notable photographers Judy Tomkins and Arnold Newman even captured portraits of the artist within the walls of this rustic retreat.
Johns acquired the 1930s home in 1973 for a mere $48,000, and he made several modifications during his ownership, including the addition of a living room and studio. He resided in the house throughout the ’70s and ’80s, a period during which he produced some of his most iconic paintings. Notable works created during this time include “Flag” (1983), which sold for a staggering $36 million at Sotheby’s New York in 2014, as well as “Two Flags” (1973) and “Usuyuki” (1979–81). However, it remains uncertain whether these particular masterpieces were crafted within the Stony Brook studio.
Spanning 2,100 square feet, the interior of the house exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Nestled on approximately an acre of forested slope, the property offers picturesque views of a brook. Additional features include a two-car garage and a detached studio apartment that presents an opportunity for passive income. Floor-to-ceiling windows strategically placed in various rooms take advantage of the abundant southern light. The second-floor studio boasts glass garage-style doors that open onto a wooded area, creating a unique treehouse-like experience.
Currently, the house is listed as a set for photo shoots on Giggster by host Masha G., who rents it for $100 an hour. She describes the former barn where Johns entertained notable figures like Robert Rauschenberg and John Cage as “hygge as all get-out.” Among her clients are prestigious publications such as Vogue Australia and L’Officiel.
Jasper Johns, who recently celebrated his 93rd birthday, remains an influential figure in the art world. In 2021, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York jointly organized a historic two-venue retrospective exhibition dedicated to his illustrious career. Artnet News critic Ben Davis highlighted the intriguing contrast between Johns’s introspective style and the vibrant, hyper-pop aesthetic of the present art scene, making a case for his continued relevance.
For art enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat, the opportunity to own Jasper Johns’s former hideaway presents a unique connection to an iconic artist and a chance to immerse oneself in the atmosphere that inspired his groundbreaking work.