This spectacularly designed Clarence True townhouse is one of an extant row of five overlooking Riverside Park. Built in True’s signature low-stoop Elizabethan Renaissance style, this New York City townhouse is distinguished by elegance and comfort. The interiors reference the tastes of the 19th century and the fine arts of the Renaissance and the Classical periods. The formal parlour and dining room recreate the past while incorporating modern touches. A wood-paneled elevator makes all six floors easily accessible. The chef’s kitchen contains everything you could desire: state-of-the-art appliances, generous counter space, and an eat-in area seating at least six. Built in speakers provide music on every floor. Whether your family prefers a breakfast on the hidden terrace overlooking Riverside Park, or a simple cup of coffee in front of Saturday morning cartoons displayed on your home theater screen, this house has what you need to feel at home.
Unlike many smaller Manhattan townhouses, this home was built to accommodate not only your family but also your personal staff. It contains over 7,500 square feet of usable space. The independent one-bedroom apartment under the eaves is perfect for a live-in nanny or maid. The convenient service entrance is camouflaged by attractive wrought ironwork. There is also plenty of workspace for your assistant, publicist, and other staff. An elevator means that your staff can access the entire house as easily and discreetly as possible.
LAYOUT
Garden Level:
Entering through stunning frosted glass doors with decorative ironwork, you find yourself in the entrance hall. A plaque on the left wall explains the history of the house. Marble slab floors extend through the front room to your right. On your left is a gas fireplace with a gleaming wood mantel. The nearby powder room boasts 4’ wainscoting and hand-painted frescoes recalling the Tuscan countryside. A cloakroom is tucked away from the hall, providing discreet access to the service entrance. The eat-in kitchen is brightened by a decoratively tiled exhaust hood and backsplash. The center island includes an extra sink and a large cutting board surface. The double oven and wood-grained Sub-Zero refrigerator are state-of-the-art. The kitchen also includes table seating for six, as well as a rear pantry with a marble counter of its own. This space is currently used as an assistant’s workspace.
Parlour Level:
Up the white paneled main staircase you reach the parlour level. The front parlour was lovingly redesigned in 2008. Delicate white and blue Venetian plaster ornaments the walls and ceiling. Two front windows overlook Riverside Park, while a side window looks onto the private terrace. A hidden flat-screen TV appears at the push of a button. Through pocket doors inset with leaded glass inserts, you reach the formal dining room. Original herringbone parquet floors, cream wall paneling, an elegant gas fireplace, and coffered ceilings suggest the nineteenth century. That era’s penchant for the Italian Renaissance is whimsically referenced by frescoed details after Michelangelo. A French door opens onto the private terrace. This unexpected outdoor space is decorated in wrought ironwork and overlooks the leafy bank of Riverside Park. The rear of this level houses a powder room in black and white, as well as a butler’s pantry with a climate controlled wine rack.
Third Floor:
French doors open onto the third floor landing, a delightful space illuminated by an etched glass side window. On your right is the current owner’s library. This space benefits from quarter sawn oak floors, rich wainscoting, built-in bookshelves, and a gas fireplace. Three soaring windows overlook Riverside Park, and can swing wide open to let fresh air pour in. The rear of this level is currently a spacious guest suite with front and rear windows. The room is trimmed with two-foot wainscot, and the decorative fireplace features a mantel with an antique motif that recalls the parlour front. The adjoining guest bathroom includes a steam shower with a marble seat, as well as a state-of-the-art electronically controlled bidet. The floors are heated. The nearby elevator provides the ultimate convenience for your visitors.
Fourth Floor:
The master suite is illuminated by two casement windows with views of the Riverside Park sunset. A carved mantel surrounds the fireplace on your right. The shades, music, and television can be programmed with the Crestron system for a pleasant awakening each morning. The adjoining full bath boasts twin sinks and an onyx countertop. A separate vanity with seating and its own onyx counter is located near generous closets that provide everything you need in a dressing room. Nearby are the steam room, shower, and Jacuzzi tub. The walls are tiled in iridescent mosaic stone, and there are onyx countertops and floors. Through a pocket door to the rear you reach the rear bedroom, currently used as a home gym. Built-in speakers, an additional adjoining bath with a steam shower, and plentiful closets mean that this space can be used as a guest suite, additional master suite, or exercise suite according to your fancy.
Fifth Floor:
In the fifth floor hallway is an alcove hiding central controls for the household speakers, lights, temperature, and security. Original stained glass allows natural light to pour in. The front room is currently a play room/study and home theatre. A state-of-the-art projector and blackout shades create the perfect environment for screenings. Built-in bookshelves and desks also make this an ideal space for homework. Two full bathrooms and two inviting bedrooms, each with its own character, complete this suite where your children can study, sleep, play, and feel at home.
Sixth Floor:
Slanted ceilings and a skylight, along with a small terrace, give charm to this topmost floor. The rear bedroom is currently the nanny’s room. This charming space boasts pocket doors, two skylights, elevator access, two closets, and an adjoining bathroom with a view of Riverside Park. A rear stairway down to the fifth floor means that your nanny will be close at hand if the children need her. This level also has room for storage. The elevator means that your nanny or guests can access the lower levels directly, without entering your private family areas.
Basement:
The front of this level is a comfortable living room with a flat-screen TV and built-in saltwater aquarium. The wet bar has a refrigerated wine rack. A powder room with a brown geode countertop is found nearby. To the rear is the butler’s pantry with copper fixtures, a wine rack, a wood-paneled refrigerator, and copious cupboard space. Through shutter-style doors to the right is a carpeted room, perfect for a playroom, study, or practice room. This level also provides storage and houses the building mechanicals.
Price: $19,750,000 |
