A Brooklyn Heights townhouse that has been a home base for a community of divorcées has sold for $1 million above its $10 million asking price, Gimme Shelter has learned — and it was listed a mere seven days.
The seller of 17 Willow Place is Elise Pettus — a “divorce whisperer” and founder of UNtied. Unlike the Knot, which helps women plan their weddings, UNtied helps women navigate the world of divorce — especially those riding the “gray divorce” wave — after Pettus wished something like it was around when she was getting divorced.
Think of her, The Post once wrote, as part of a new set of divorce concierges for wealthy New Yorkers outsourcing divorce-related stress and creating new communities for themselves. Some of the workshops and dinner parties she has hosted for her well-heeled community have been held within the charming ivy-covered walls and garden of this townhouse, as chronicled in the New York Times.
The ritzy three-story spread is built on the site of an early 19th-century carriage house. Architect Robert Kahn sculpted the modern manse around the facade and sidewalls of the former structure — and the result is stunning. And the home certainly proved to be quite popular as a result.
As word spread that the house was about to hit the market, that network of women who had “an emotional connection” to it helped fuel the buzz.
“Through her network, Elise knew a million brokers. Hundreds of them. They [and other divorcées] always gathered at the house for UNtied events. It meant a lot to everyone because their lives became better through the process of dealing with their divorces,” a friend said.
The townhouse wasn’t even ready to show when the calls started pouring in and potential buyers were offered 20- to 30-minute time slots to see it. The buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, is an individual who saw the level of interest and put in a high bid, a source said.
Pettus bought her half of 17 Willow Place for $1.88 million in 2014 from her ex, Daniel Algrant, according to property records. Algrant is a filmmaker and writer who co-wrote and directed “Naked in New York,” a film produced by Martin Scorsese. In March, the month she listed the house, Pettus wrote an article for “Oprah Daily” about the moment she knew her marriage was over.
At 4,600 square feet, the tony townhouse features four bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It was completed in 2012. The minimalist property uses glass window walls and skylights to let in the light. It also comes with a coveted curb cut for a private garage.
The dwelling opens to a large, double-height living area with a dramatic three story curved staircase. The living area is also primed for entertaining, and features a woodburning fireplace and a two-story casement window wall that opens to an enchanted, walled-in garden.
The main bedroom is on the top floor and boasts a gas fireplace, plus a long hallway filled with closets.
Design details also include a rare, rear atrium courtyard.
Ideal for a family or individual working from home, the residence features three workspaces and a screening room.
The listing broker was Joan Goldberg, of Brown Harris Stevens.
