Yoko Ono’s $5.5M Two-Story NYC Townhouse She Shared with John Lennon

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Sophia Chen

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Sophia Chen

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John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger

John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s first New York City home is not merely a building; it’s a window into a transformative time when one of the most iconic figures in music was redefining himself after the breakup of the Beatles.

This unassuming two-story loft in SoHo, which they purchased in 1971, became the setting for a new chapter in their lives, intertwining artistic expression, cultural influence, and personal reinvention.

Before Lennon and Ono’s ownership, the loft had a rich history that added to its significance, beginning with its occupation by artist Brendt Berger and his wife Mani Feniger.

The building’s story encompasses not only creative expression but also a fascinating slice of New York City’s real estate landscape.

Facade of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger

The Start of a New Era

When John Lennon and Yoko Ono arrived in New York City, they were not only searching for a home but also seeking a fresh start.

The Beatles had just disbanded, and Lennon was about to release Imagine, an album that would become one of his most celebrated works.

Their decision to settle in a loft in SoHo was a reflection of their desire to immerse themselves in the dynamic cultural landscape of the city.

But this building’s significance started long before Lennon and Ono called it home.

In 1964, Brendt Berger and his wife Mani Feniger rented the two-story townhouse for a mere $200 per month.

Looking to reduce their expenses, Berger sublet the second floor to Kenjuru Sasaki, who worked at the Electric Circus, a psychedelic music venue, for $125 per month.

This left Berger and Feniger with an unbelievable rent of $75 per month in SoHo—a reflection of the drastically different real estate landscape of the time.

John Lennon with wife Yoko Ono
Image Credit : Bob Gruen

Architectural Elegance

The building, constructed around 1920, exemplifies early 20th-century New York architecture.

Its Art Deco facade boasted a distinctive checkerboard pattern of glass squares, paired with curved cast-iron railings and a redbrick upper section adorned with ornate details.

This building’s character made it an ideal match for Lennon and Ono, a couple who were far from ordinary.

Entrance of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : JLL
Front Door in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger

A Hub of Creativity

More than just a residence, this loft became a hub of creativity and intellectual exchange.

The space was a meeting point for artists, musicians, poets, and thinkers, all attracted to the energy and vision that Lennon and Ono exuded.

It was within these walls that ideas flowed freely, collaborations were born, and seeds for future projects were sown.

Before Lennon and Ono moved in, the townhouse was sold in 1969 to a new owner, who gave Brendt Berger and Mani Feniger just one month to vacate.

In a quick-thinking move, Berger negotiated an option to purchase the building for $50,000.

He then found a buyer, David Diao, willing to pay $53,000 for the property.

At the closing, the building was briefly transferred to Berger’s name before he signed it over to Diao for a $3,000 profit.

With this money, Berger compensated Sasaki, his tenant, with $1,200 and used the remaining $1,800 to relocate with Feniger to Eastport, Maine, where they established an artist community known as Sunspot.

Shortly after, David Diao sold the property to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, adding yet another layer of cultural significance to the property.

Artistic Venture at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Mani Feniger
Artistic Venture at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger

Although the couple eventually moved to their more famous residence at the Dakota, this SoHo loft remained a critical part of their story.

It was here that they laid the foundation for their life in New York, a life characterized not only by music and art but also by activism and social change.

Old Photograph in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger
Artist at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger
An Artist at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger

A Legacy Preserved

Today, the SoHo loft stands as a testament to this pivotal period in John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s lives.

While they eventually left this space behind, its walls still resonate with the couple’s creative spirit and their search for new identities.

The building’s Art Deco charm and historical significance make it a unique piece of New York’s cultural fabric.

People at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Brendt Berger

Though Yoko Ono now resides on a farm in the Catskills, she still maintains an apartment at the Dakota.

However, this loft remains an integral part of her and Lennon’s legacy.

It serves as a reminder of a time when they were at the forefront of the cultural revolution, shaping not only the city of New York but also the world.

In a city constantly in flux, this SoHo loft is a rare link to a moment when two of the most influential figures in modern history were carving out their place in a new city, helping to define a generation’s art and culture.

Artist at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : Mani Feniger

A Creative Haven

The interior of the 3,832-square-foot loft was equally remarkable.

Its open-plan living area, with light brown hardwood floors and minimalist white walls, provided a sense of freedom and spaciousness.

A staircase led up to a bedroom loft, lit by a large skylight—a perfect retreat for Lennon and Ono.

The property also included two gallery spaces, ideal for displaying art and hosting gatherings with fellow creatives.

Living Area in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : JLL
Kitchen in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : JLL
Bathroom in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : JLL

Perhaps one of the most significant features of the home was the fully soundproofed recording studio.

In this space, Lennon could experiment with new sounds and ideas away from the pressures of the outside world.

Studio in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's New York Home
Image Credit : JLL

This studio became the birthplace of numerous creative projects, allowing Lennon and Ono to explore new artistic directions.

It truly was a creative haven.

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