What is 70 Willow Street known for?

It is known as the former home of author Truman Capote, who rented the basement apartment there for ten years from 1955 to 1965.

Which books did Truman Capote write while living at 70 Willow Street?

Capote wrote and finished 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s' and 'In Cold Blood' while living there. He also wrote the essay 'A House in the Heights' (also referred to as 'Brooklyn Heights: A Personal Memoir') at this address.

Who originally built the house?

The house was built in 1839 by Adrian van Sinderen, a Dutch descendant.

What does the house look like?

It is a pale yellow Greek Revival townhouse with over 9,000 square feet of interior space.

Did Truman Capote own the house?

No, Capote rented the basement (or garden) apartment from 1955 to 1965. The house actually belonged to his friend, Tony Award-winning theatrical designer Oliver Smith.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

70 Willow Street (Truman Capote House) in New York City

What to know

70 Willow Street is a pale yellow Greek Revival townhouse located in the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. The house was originally built in 1839 by Adrian van Sinderen, a Dutch descendant, and features over 9,000 square feet of interior space. While it has mostly functioned as a single-family home, it once served as a sanctuary for one of the twentieth century's most famous authors. Between 1955 and 1965, Truman Capote rented a basement apartment from his friend, Tony Award-winning theatrical designer Oliver Smith. During this decade of residency, Capote produced some of his most critically acclaimed literature, including 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'In Cold Blood.' He also penned the essay 'A House in the Heights,' which captures his affection for the area. Capote's time here was marked by a mixture of glamour and pretense. When Oliver Smith was away, Capote would often entertain his high-society friends and boldly claim that he owned the entire house, despite only renting the garden level. This playful deception reflects the spirit of the author's social climbing and the sophisticated atmosphere of the Heights. In 2012, the property sold for $12.5 million and was restored to its original 1839 appearance. Today, it stands as a quiet reminder of the literary history embedded in the quiet, cobblestone streets of Brooklyn.

Visitor tips

Take a photo of the pale yellow facade to capture the classic Greek Revival style.
Look for the neighborhood guidepost that quotes Capote's line, 'I live in Brooklyn. By choice.'
Since this is a private residence, please remain on the public sidewalk and respect the residents' privacy.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, 70 Willow Street is surrounded by by the cobblestone streets and historic townhouses that inspired Capote's memoir of the neighborhood.