Henry J. Hardenbergh, the premier society architect of “Old New York” and designer of some of New York City’s most celebrated buildings, among them the Dakota and the Plaza Hotel, designed this gorgeous Queen Anne townhouse in 1883. The current owner, an experienced townhouse developer featured in the New York Times Style Section, performed a historically conscious interior renovation in 2000, as well as a façade and stoop restoration in 2007.
Hardenbergh’s original shutters, pocket doors, banisters, carvings, hardware, mantels, and stained glass windows are meticulously restored. Period light fixtures and wallpaper were added in keeping with the building’s history. The current owner even persuaded the Landmarks Commission to approve the antique exterior lanterns by showing photographs of comparable ones at the Dakota.
Located a half-block away from the Museum of Natural History on the block featured in “Seinfeld” and the access street to Shakespeare in the Park, this home is right in the heart of the Upper West Side and is the perfect starting point for your family’s appreciation of the best this famous neighborhood has to offer.
What really turns this house into a home, however, is the exceptional warmth of its ambiance and modern livability. Its southern exposure onto an extra wide street makes it wonderfully bright. A new kitchen and three and a half baths feature state-of-the-art fixtures, marble countertops and a custom designed mosaic floor in the powder room. A full wall of new mahogany French doors on the parlour level leads out to a charming balcony, creating two levels of garden access. There are four renovated wood-burning fireplaces, located in the living room, library and in two of the four bedrooms. A four zone heating and air conditioning system and triple paned windows keep the house comfortable and quiet. A climate controlled redwood wine cellar, basement exercise room and an unusually large and beautifully landscaped garden all add to the pleasure of living in this extraordinary home.
LAYOUT
Garden Level:
You enter through a beautifully planted bluestone paved sunken entrance. On your left, original oak doors lead to what once was the servants’ “downstairs” front parlour. Currently a forth bedroom, this space gains character from a wood-burning fireplace with a restored original oak mantel. The doors and pocket shutters in this room are original, as are all of the doors and shutters throughout the house. This room has two closets and is exceptionally large, occupying the front and center of this level. The garden rear houses a full bath and the family entertainment room, which includes a built-in bar with sink and refrigerator. The rear wall of the entertainment room is brightened by a broad window with a window seat, a wonderful spot for reading or looking out onto the garden in the wintertime. To the right is a door to the remarkably large garden. This private oasis has original bluestone paving and is newly landscaped. The stylish exotic wood fencing was installed in 1999. Large enough for large parties to comfortably gather for grilling or al fresco dining, the spacious garden also gains charm from the iron-wrought staircase leading up to the balcony and the parlour level. A mature blossoming cherry tree and two dogwood trees currently herald the arrival of spring!
Parlour Level:
Ascending the recently restored stoop, you enter the formal parlour level. Passing through the beautiful vestibule, with its original woodwork, tiled floor and glass panels, you enter the living room, which is the full width of the house and features beautiful new columns and Brazilian cherry parquet floors. Eleven-foot ceilings on this level add to the expansive feeling of the parlour floor. A wood-burning fireplace with a restored original mantel further enhances the glow of this room. The vaulted ceiling and paneled dining room occupies the center of this level. To the right is the kitchen, complete with Viking appliances and marble countertops, opening to a breakfast area overlooking the garden. A rear wall of French doors opens onto a full width balcony with steps descending to the garden, providing a second level of garden access and a wonderful flow for entertaining. A half bath with a striking mosaic floor is also hidden away behind original pocket doors on this level. The beautifully refinished and original staircase leads up to the third floor past a hallway decorated with nineteenth century period wallpaper.
Third Floor:
This floor constitutes the “master suite” of the house. This floor has ten-foot ceilings and all of the woodwork, doors and pocket shutters are original. The front of this level is currently a charming library lined with built in bookcases. A bow window, accented by original stained glass fleurs de lys, gives plenty of light to read by. Restored original shutters and doors preserve the room’s sense of history, while the wood-burning fireplace creates the perfect ambiance for study, reading, or relaxing. The center area on this level is lined with cabinetry and is separated by original pocket doors. Currently this area houses extra closet space for the master and the owner’s guitar collection. The quiet master bedroom is tucked into the rear of this floor, with California Closets and large windows overlooking the garden. This bedroom also features a recently remodeled full bath with marble accents and striking woodwork. A linen closet is tucked away nearby.
Fourth Floor:
As you ascend to the fourth floor the stairwell is lit above by you notice the gorgeous stained glass skylight directly above. Originally the “nursery,” this floor houses two bedrooms; the front bedroom has two windows with restored pocket shutters and a wood-burning fireplace. The center of this level is currently used as an office and is lit by a skylight. The rear bedroom is L-shaped and includes a full bath with shower.
Basement:
A laundry room and a workout area occupy part of this level, while the rest is devoted to storage. This level also houses the building mechanicals.
Price: $5,250,000
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