Historic Jerusalem Bishop's House Sold for $13.5 Million

The historic Bishop's House at 25 Prophets Street in Jerusalem has been sold for NIS 50 million (approximately $13.5 million), after initially being listed for NIS 54 million in February. The buyer is a company established by U.S. residents planning to immigrate to Israel. The final sale price is about 7.4% lower than the asking price, a moderate discount for a luxury market transaction, especially for a historic property with unique characteristics.

The transaction was facilitated by Ronit and Tomer Dweck of Prosperity Real Estate. The sale also involved Value Added Tax (VAT), bringing the total consideration to approximately NIS 59 million (around $15.9 million). The property, built in 1876 during the Ottoman era, is one of the few remaining original stone estates in central Jerusalem. It sits on a 1-dunam plot and includes a two-story stone building designated for preservation, a large inner courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Old City and the Moab Mountains. The built area is approximately 630 square meters.

Throughout its history, the Bishop's House has served various purposes. In the 1970s, it was home to the family of British-Jewish media mogul Robert Maxwell. Later, it was sold to another Jewish buyer of English descent and leased to Azorim, which used it as a sales office for a nearby residential project until about three years ago. Azorim also developed a residential project on part of the original 5-dunam site behind the historic building, comprising 116 apartments.

The sale price offers insight into the local luxury market. A apartment in the Azorim project behind the house sold for about NIS 70,000 per square meter in late 2025. The Bishop's House purchase price translates to approximately NIS 79,000 per square meter of built area, but this figure does not account for the private plot, courtyard, rooftop areas, and the architectural value and preservation restrictions of the historic building.

Originally built by the London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews, the house initially served Anglican missionaries. From 1878 to 1902, it was home to Vicar Arthur Hastings Caley, after whom it is also known as "Caley House." During World War II, it was converted into a glass factory. After the 1948 War of Independence, it housed a kindergarten run by Finnish mission nurses. In later years, parts of the house were used for residences and by a Jerusalem artist.

Despite various uses and ownership changes, many original features remain, including thick stone walls, high ceilings, and historic staircases. The house is designated for preservation and restoration, a process that may require significant investment due to development limitations. The brokers noted the property's unique historical significance, stating it is entering a new era of preservation and renewal.