Property Description

This mint condition 40 foot wide mansion boasts one of the largest private gardens on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, a private garage with curb-cut and stunning interiors recently reimagined by renowned design firm Williams Lawrence. Located on one of the finest townhouse blocks in the neighborhood, 160 East 81st is a double-wide mansion with a private garage, an elevator and a landscaped South-facing garden. Situated with a triple-width house to the West and another double-width house to the East, the house is surrounded by vast gardens, low buildings and open sky.

Meticulously planned with double height spaces that open to the garden, a sophisticated wood-paneled library and a mezzanine, this house has a wonderful warm ease for everyday life as well as dramatic spaces for entertaining. Four gas fireplaces and one wood burning fireplace help bring warmth to the home.

A real chef's kitchen is open to a double-height family room with French doors leading to the garden. The garden-facing living room, also with 20 foot ceilings, is both grand and charming, and a formal dining room at the front of the house is currently configured as an inviting sitting room. There is also a powder room discreetly tucked away on this level, as well as direct access to the private garage.

The garden itself is 40 feet wide and 48 feet deep and offers a rare escape from the City.  Walking into the garden one feels as if one has entered a private, park-like oasis.

The second floor is anchored by a furnished mezzanine that overlooks the garden level rooms. This flexible space lends itself to dramatic entertaining.  On this floor there is also an elegant antique English pine-paneled library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a fireplace, as well as a lovely guest bedroom with ensuite bath.

The primary bedroom suite on the third floor stretches across the entire width of the house and overlooks the garden, receiving beautiful Southern light throughout the day. With generous closets and a primary bathroom with large walk-in shower and huge soaking tub, as well as two vanities and a separate water closet, the suite has beautiful views, a fireplace and complete privacy. At the front of the house on this level are two tree-top facing bedrooms, both with ensuite baths, and a shared study space. There is also a very large laundry room on this level.

The top floor of the house has an additional three bedrooms with wonderful exposures, a fireplace, a large living / dining room and full kitchen. This floor has been used in the past as a separate apartment and can be reached either by the grand staircase or from the front stoop of the house without ever entering into the main part of the house.

Property Features