Squeeze inside New York's skinniest house as it goes on sale for a whopping $4.3m (twice what it sold for in 2010)

Last updated at 3:07 AM on 22nd May 2011

Size isn't everything: The Millay House at 75 1/2 Bedford St in New York City

It's New York's skinniest house, but you will need to have a fat wallet if you want to live there.

The narrowest house in the city, once home to Cary Grant and a modern tourist attraction in its own right, has gone on sale for a whopping $4.3million - double what it sold for just one year ago.

The hefty price increase is down to the renovations at number 75 1/2 Bedford St - though at just 9.5ft wide and 30ft deep, it's hard to envision what sort of renovations could have justified such a cost.

But the broker claims The Millay House has been 'meticulously restored' - and its colourful history and position firmly on the city's tourist trail will help.

Along with Grant, the property has been home to actor John Barrymore, poet Edna St Vincent Millay and cartoonist William Steig - none of whom, clearly, ever suffered from claustrophobia.

The house's unique size is due to the fact it was built in the mid-1800s after its neighbours simply to fill in a carriage entrance way leading to the stables behind the next door property.

Now a well-known stop-off on the tourist trail in Bohemian Greenwich Village its fame is a far cry from its past use as a shoemaker's shop and a sweet factory.

The skinny house even came close to demolition in 1950, before a lawyer stepped in to save it and its neighbours from being razed.

But its future appears assured for now. It sold for $1.6million in 2000 and $2.175million in 2010 - now the owners have listed it with an asking price of $4.3million.

Not much room to swing a cat: Inside New York's skinniest house

But there's room for a bathtub! The house is just 9.5ft wide

That's some $4,343 per square foot.

The broker gave a detailed description of the renovations to justify the leap in price: 'Flooring throughout is reclaimed rift and quarter-sawn antique oak,' the listing stated.

'The beautifully appointed kitchen features white oak cabinetry, custom millwork, Crema Ella Italian marble countertops and backsplash.

'Meticulously renovated': The house comes with a $4.3million price tag

Narrow your view: Plans show the interior of the historic townhouse, once owned by Cary Grant

'The windowed master bath, with a balcony overlooking the planted garden, is exquisitely designed with a claw foot tub, separate shower, mosaic tiles, Italian marble and English Lefroy Brooks fixtures.

'Each fireplace is framed with natural Travertine marble.

'All of these modern conveniences have been seamlessly integrated, including central air, washer/dryer and new radiators throughout. The 2nd bath features Dolomite and Calacatta marble.'

Anyone dreaming of a slimmed-down lifestyle in their own skinny property can beat New York's offering by heading further south to Virginia.

The Wedge in Richmond is just 7.5ft wide at the front and is rented out for a snip at $950 (£585) a month.