Property Details

This home offers incredible scale, light and functionality. Have it all with this historic townhouse designed by Buchman and Deisler in 1898 and once home to Eleanor Roosevelt, the expansive limestone landmark has played host to New York’s most notable and remains an entertainer’s dream today, comfortably accommodating up to 500 guests. Located in a super-prime location among a row of eight equally well-maintained townhomes, this six-bedroom, 5.5-bath residence offers the best version of Manhattan living, now and tomorrow.

After arriving outside a gated entry and distinctive two-story bowed facade, step inside a columned portico and two sets of twin iron grille doors to a grand scale entertaining space with 12-foot ceilings and a Louis XIV chandelier. Beyond, a modern, sun-filled kitchen features a banquette and oversized center island for casual dining, with a media room bathed in natural light from 10-foot skylights and rear garden following. In fact, most of the townhouse’s five floors offer functioning outdoor space, often with iconic views of The Carlyle Hotel and Central Park.

Continuing the soaring 12-foot ceilings, the parlor level has played host to countless cultural and political icons, from John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev to Prince Edward and Leonard Bernstein. Hyde Park moldings are found throughout this level, with a front living room showcasing a marble fireplace, curved floor-to-ceiling windows and decorative frieze, a formal dining room with a second fully operational, wood-burning marble fireplace and antique Swarovski chandelier, and rear service kitchen. The parlor level can be accessed from a custom period staircase with marble newel posts, or a more private rear stair.

The full-floor primary suite continues the townhome’s grand scale, with a south-facing, light-filled primary bedroom, gracious primary bath offering a marble soaking tub, separate shower and dual sinks, extensive closets and a bright, welcoming home office. Above, the fourth and fifth floors contain four additional bedrooms with en suite baths as well as one additional junior bedroom. At the top, enjoy a rooftop garden oasis with expansive city views!

The pinnacle of townhouse living, 55 East 74th Street brings the glamour and weight of history, updated to embrace how we live today. In fact, the property’s mechanical systems have been meticulously renovated over recent years, including an updated and enlarged elevator, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, safety and security programming. Outside, rest assured with a facade that has been repointed within the last two years and a new roof within the last three years.

Live in history, live in glamour, live in comfort, live in luxury.