The Gustav Mayer House – A True American Masterpiece

I can say without hesitation: 24 Saint Stephens Place is one of the most extraordinary historic homes in all of New York City. Built in 1855, this Italianate villa is not only a testament to timeless design but also a living archive of American history.

Rising on the storied grounds of the Rose & Crown Tavern—where British General William Howe once read the Declaration of Independence to his troops—this house tells a layered story that is equal parts architecture, culture, and heritage.

Commissioned by a Staten Island militia commander and designed in line with the picturesque ideals of Alexander Jackson Davis and landscape visionary Andrew Jackson Downing, the villa was conceived in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Later it became home to Gustav Mayer, the German confectioner whose vanilla wafer recipe—crafted in this very kitchen—helped lay the foundation for what would become the Nabisco empire. Few homes carry such a unique blend of American tradition and European artistry.

The first floor, restored to museum-quality detail, is filled with treasures: a grand double parlor, original handcrafted details, three bedrooms, two kitchens, and two full baths, all exuding craftsmanship that simply doesn’t exist today.

Upstairs, over 2,800 square feet awaits restoration, with eight additional rooms and plumbing already in place, offering immense creative opportunity.

Set on more than half an acre, the home is crowned by its romantic cupola, where sweeping views of Raritan Bay and the Verrazzano Bridge recall the grandeur of another era. Its interiors—dreamy and atmospheric—have captivated some of the world’s greatest fashion photographers.

Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and W Magazine have all chosen its rooms as their stage, graced by icons like Gisele Bündchen, Lauren Hutton, and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Priced at $1,350,000, this is not just property for sale—it is an invitation to become part of the story of one of New York’s rarest and most culturally significant landmark homes. More than bricks and mortar, it is an heirloom of architecture, memory, and artistry, awaiting its next steward.

Grand Historic Residence
$1,350,000
24 Saint Stephens Pl, Staten Island, NY 10306

9 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
5,200 Sqft of Living Space
0.52 Acres Lot
️ Built in 1855 – Timeless Elegance

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