Photo: Martha Hunt/ Instagram & Hayley Ellen Day
Martha Hunt is putting her Tribeca home on the market, offering buyers the chance to own a stylish Manhattan residence tucked away on a quiet cobblestoned alley. The former Victoria’s Secret Angel is asking $3.75 million for the two-bedroom, three-bathroom condominium at 5 Franklin Place, according to NY Post.The property is far removed from the typical image of a busy New York apartment. Although it sits in one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighbourhoods, its location gives the home an unusually private feel. The building is set on a charming alley between Franklin and White streets, just west of Broadway, and the surrounding atmosphere is more discreet and residential than many parts of Tribeca.Listing broker Taylor Middleton of Douglas Elliman described the setting as “like having your own private street.” The appeal, she said, is that the home feels “hidden, and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”A private retreat in TribecaHunt purchased the condominium in 2017 for approximately $3.45 million, two years after the building was completed. She is now looking for a larger home for herself, photographer Jason McDonald and their daughter, Emery, according to the report.The residence spans roughly 1,700 square feet and has three exposures, allowing natural light to enter from multiple directions. That abundant light was one of the features that initially attracted Hunt to the apartment, according to Middleton.The home has a loft-like layout with an open kitchen, living room and dining area arranged for both relaxed family life and entertaining. The large windows and open floor plan make the space feel even broader, while the apartment’s high ceilings add to its airy character.The residence was reimagined by AD100 designer Giancarlo Valle and later featured in Architectural Digest. His design brought a warm, personal quality to the modern apartment, combining custom finishes with carefully selected vintage and contemporary furniture.A light-filled interiorThe report further suggests that at the centre of the home is an open chef’s kitchen that anchors the main living and dining areas. The layout allows the kitchen to remain connected to the rest of the apartment, rather than being separated behind a wall.The design also includes sage-hued limewashed walls in the bedrooms, adding a soft colour contrast to the clean architectural lines. Five-inch plank oak floors run through the home, creating a warm foundation beneath the more dramatic glass, stone and metal details. The ceilings rise to approximately 9.5 feet, helping the apartment maintain a spacious, open feel.The primary bedroom suite is designed as a private retreat within the residence. It includes custom built-ins, a walk-in closet and a separate sitting area with its own window. The adjoining marble bathroom has a spa-like look, with natural light and carefully chosen finishes that make it feel more like a private wellness space than a standard city bathroom.Furniture shown in the Architectural Digest feature included a vintage Mario Bellini sofa for B&B Italia, along with a custom bronze-and-ceramic dining table and banquette. These pieces helped give the apartment a distinctive character while keeping the overall design comfortable and lived-in.A boutique building with a rooftop poolThe apartment is located in a boutique condominium building designed by Eran Chen’s ODA Architects. Completed in 2015, the building is recognized for its curved forms and cantilevered upper structure, which give the exterior a sculptural appearance. The interiors were designed by Andres Escobar.The building includes amenities that are uncommon for a smaller Tribeca property, including a shared rooftop pool and terrace. Residents also have access to a fitness centre, a full-time concierge and a doorman.The rooftop gives residents an outdoor escape without leaving the building. For a family living in the middle of Manhattan, that combination of privacy, service and outdoor space can be particularly valuable.The curved exterior and discreet alley setting also help distinguish 5 Franklin Place from the older loft buildings and large glass towers that define much of the Tribeca market. It offers a newer interpretation of the neighbourhood while retaining the sense of seclusion that many luxury buyers seek.A home connected to fashion and pop cultureHunt’s connection to the property adds another layer of interest. She became widely known through her modelling work, including appearances for major fashion brands such as Prada and Miu Miu. She was also a former Bulgari ambassador and one of the models associated with Victoria’s Secret.She was once part of Taylor Swift’s well-known “girl squad” and appeared in Swift’s 2015 music video for “Bad Blood.” That pop-culture connection is likely to make the listing especially appealing to fans and celebrity-property watchers, although the apartment’s architecture and location are its main selling points.Unlike many celebrity homes marketed through elaborate branding, the Tribeca residence is being presented as a refined, private city home. The focus is on light, design, space and the rare feeling of having a quiet retreat in a crowded metropolis.Why the property stands outThe $3.75 million asking price places the residence firmly in the luxury segment of the Tribeca market. The listing has been described as a rare combination of celebrity ownership, architectural design and private outdoor amenities.The home’s appeal comes from the way those elements work together. It has the proportions and openness of a loft, the privacy of a tucked-away street, the polish of a professionally designed interior and access to a shared rooftop pool.For Hunt and her family, the apartment served as a Manhattan base for nearly a decade. For its next owner, it could offer a quieter way to experience one of New York’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, without giving up the energy, restaurants and culture that make Tribeca so popular.The residence is listed by Taylor Middleton of Douglas Elliman for $3.75 million. Go to Source
