Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Buy $13 Million Manhattan Penthouse

Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have added a new gem to their real estate portfolio. The couple recently purchased a sprawling penthouse in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill neighborhood for approximately $13.5 million. The transaction not only marks a notable entry in New York’s luxury co-op market, but it also highlights a prewar building designed by one of the city’s most revered residential architects.

Located on the Upper East Side, Carnegie Hill has long been associated with understated wealth, cultural depth and architecturally significant residences. This acquisition underscores the enduring appeal of the area, even amid shifting dynamics in the broader housing landscape. Their new home crowns a building originally designed by Rosario Candela, whose legacy continues to influence the city’s highest-end real estate.

A closer look at the penthouse: scale, style and sophistication

Spanning more than 4,000 square feet of interior space and over 2,500 square feet of terraces, the penthouse provides a sense of openness in a city where space is rare. The home includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms across two levels, featuring original details and modern updates that reflect a balance of history and functionality.

The main living room features a fireplace, oversized windows and access to one of the home’s multiple terraces. These outdoor spaces wrap around the structure, creating an atmosphere that is both expansive and calm. A set of French doors leads to the outdoor areas, helping to blur the line between interior comfort and city-facing openness. The kitchen is updated with marble countertops, custom cabinetry and high-performance appliances, ideal for both quiet meals and entertaining.

One of the most distinctive elements is a skylit stairwell that connects the lower and upper floors. It functions as a central focal point, visually connecting different parts of the home. The upstairs includes a wraparound terrace, a primary suite with a fireplace and a marble-clad bathroom, and additional bedroom space that maintains a sense of seclusion.

Rosario Candela’s design legacy lives on in this Upper East Side co-op

While celebrity purchases often draw attention, the architectural lineage of Johansson and Jost’s new residence adds a deeper dimension. Designed by Rosario Candela, the building represents a style of residential architecture that helped shape the fabric of New York in the early 20th century.

Candela became known for luxury layouts that emphasized both discretion and proportion. His designs featured long entrance galleries, corner rooms with multiple exposures and private bedroom wings — elements that gave his apartments a sense of flow and separation. Many of his buildings appear restrained from the street, only revealing their true scale and elegance upon entering.

The penthouse includes several Candela trademarks. The multiple terraces reflect his emphasis on light and open air, while the internal stairwell and generous ceiling heights echo his preference for vertical movement and spaciousness. Fireplaces, elegant moldings and gallery-like hallways further affirm the architect’s influence. Candela-designed buildings rarely change hands, and when they do, they often attract buyers who appreciate the design pedigree.

Carnegie Hill remains one of Manhattan’s most enduring enclaves

Carnegie Hill continues to attract buyers drawn to tradition and stability. Named after Andrew Carnegie, whose former mansion now serves as the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, the neighborhood is known for its culture, discretion and architectural heritage.

Situated between East 86th and East 98th streets, Carnegie Hill is defined by classic brownstones, prewar co-ops and tree-lined streets that offer a more residential pace of life. The area is home to institutions like the Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum and elite private schools, making it attractive to families and individuals who seek proximity to culture without sacrificing privacy.

Unlike much of Manhattan, which continues to grow upward, Carnegie Hill retains a relatively low-rise profile. Buildings designed by architects like Candela contribute to the neighborhood’s cohesive appearance, offering continuity at a time when much of the city is in architectural flux.

In a city that often values novelty, this purchase is a quiet reaffirmation of quality. Johansson and Jost have invested in a part of New York that respects its past and continues to offer comfort, privacy and beauty for those who seek more than just a place to stay.

Sources:
New York Post
The Wall Street Journal