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By: Ellen Cans
There are only about 258 townhouses available for sale in Manhattan, which makes sense in a city full of skyscrapers. There are close to double as many penthouses in the city as there are townhouses, per StreetEasy.
As per a recent article in the NY Post, some of the townhouses would also be impossible to replicate, with renowned architects and famed Gilded Age finishes, making them a true rarity. “Townhouses are a limited commodity, particularly in desirable neighborhoods,” said Douglas Elliman’s Sandra Ripert. “They’re rare but just so much fun, and the market has been strong for them.” Its easy to understand why, when a townhouse does hit the market, it not only makes a splash, but often sets records. In 2018, a 41-foot-wide limestone townhouse at 19 E. 64th St. sold for $90 million, setting a standing record.
Per the Post, recently in a surprise of events a group of townhouses hit the market, allowing us a glance inside some of the Big Apple’s largest, highest priced and most fabulous homes. The most expensive and most notable of these homes is seven-level, 10-bedroom mansion at 973 Fifth Ave. The Italian Renaissance-influenced, 16,000-square-foot home, across the street from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is being listed for $72.5 million.
Completed in 1907, it was originally built for railroad tycoon Henry H. Cook. The home was the one of the last masterpieces ever designed by famed architect Stanford White. The home has meticulously preserved the original floor plan, the limestone staircase, the original leaded-glass windows, the two grand parlors, and the French stained glass which White personally delivered. The home still features mother-of-pearl and brass push buttons to operate the lights and a cast-iron walk-in safe. The home is being listed with Adam Modlin, founder and Chief Executive of Modlin Group.
Just about a block away, there is another masterpiece for sale, another remnant from an era lost. This mansion at 4 E. 79th Street was listed for sale in August, asking $65 million. Commissioned by real estate and grocery mogul James E. Nichols in 1898, the 35-foot-wide home boasts six bedrooms, with a total of 15,200 square feet of space designed by C. P. H. Gilbert. Notable features include mahogany doors, oak paneling carved crown moldings, and more. The listing is being handled by Sotheby’s Serena Boardman.
Per the Post, on Madison Avenue, at 144 E. 65th Street, a 40-foot wide colonial revival is being listed, with an ask price of $57.5 million. Built in 1924, the home has the proud distinction of having been the residence to David Rockefeller for some 70 years. The eight bedroom home was renovated in 2022 by Steven Harris Architects. That home is also being listed with Modlin.
Another exquisite townhouse to have hit the market is at 9 W. 54th St., across the street from the Museum of Modern Art. The mansion is asking $56 million. Built in 1896, the 50-foot wide home spans 24,000 square feet — giving it the distinction of being the largest single-family home listed in NYC. There are 11 bedrooms, 12 fireplaces, two elevators and 11 more staff bedrooms. The mansion had once served as the headquarters of the US Trust Company. Since 2009, however, it has been held privately, without any tenants. The home was listed in April with Douglas Elliman’s Patricia Vance and Sandra Ripert.
