From an Historic Farm Estate to a Grand NYC Apartment: Inside His Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Empire
REAL ESTATE NEWS — Harry Belafonte was not just a renowned singer, actor, and civil rights activist, but he was also a notable real estate investor. Belafonte owned several homes during his lifetime, including a historic farm estate in Upstate New York, a grand apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and two condo units in the iconic Apple Bank Building.
One of Belafonte’s most notable properties was the Old Farm estate in Chatham, New York, which he owned from the 1950s to the early 1990s. The property sits on 100 plus acres and includes a colonial home built in 1792. The main house features a first-floor master bedroom wing with a fireplace, while the original carriage house has a guest suite, a beamed ceiling game room, and a three-bay garage. Belafonte renovated the guest house in the 1960s, intending to use it as a summer retreat for his friend and fellow civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. Sadly, King never got to use the property as he was assassinated before he could do so.
The Old Farm estate also includes a two-bedroom guest house on the hillside overlooking the main house. The property was put on the market for $2.9 million some years ago and eventually sold in 2020 for $1.95 million.
Belafonte also owned a spacious 21-room apartment at 300 West End Avenue in Manhattan, where he lived for almost 50 years. The building was built in 1908 and features a grand lobby, a full-time doorman, and a live-in superintendent. The apartment has been described as elegant and stately, with high ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, and grand proportions.
In 2007, Belafonte purchased two condo units in the Apple Bank Building at 2100 Broadway. The building was originally built in 1928 as the Central Savings Bank and was converted into luxury condos in 2004. The building features a grand lobby with a 40-foot ceiling, a 24-hour doorman, and a fitness center. Belafonte’s units were on the 20th floor and offered stunning views of the city skyline. | COMMENT
Harry Belafonte, a legend of song,
His voice like honey, sweet and strong,
A man of passion, purpose, and grace,
A shining star, a guiding face.
From Harlem’s streets, he rose up high,
To spread his wings, to touch the sky,
His music spoke of hope and dreams,
Of love and justice, of freedom’s gleams.
He sang of islands in the sun,
Of day-o and the coconut drum,
He wove a tapestry of sound,
That moved the heart and stirred the ground.
But Harry was more than just a voice,
He was a force, a vital choice,
He marched for rights, he spoke for change,
He fought for justice, he bridged the range.
He owned a farm, a country dream,
A place of peace, a place to scheme,
He renovated, he restored,
He welcomed guests, he loved the Lord.
In New York City, he made his home,
A spacious place, a place to roam,
He lived in style, with grand décor,
A true icon, forevermore.
And in the Apple Bank Building high,
He owned two condos in the sky,
With stunning views and modern flair,
A place to breathe, a place to care.
Harry Belafonte, a name to know,
A legacy that continues to grow,
A man of talent, heart, and soul,
A shining light, a guiding goal.
Belafonte’s last home was with his third wife, photographer Pamela Frank, whom he married in 2008. The couple lived in New York City, but it is not known whether they owned any additional properties. Belafonte passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy not just in music and activism but also in the world of real estate.
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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker CalDRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and images have been created or modified by AI. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.