163 East 64th Street

Constructed in 1872 by notable architect John G. Prague and situated on a superior block on the Upper East Side, 163 East 64th Street offers 8,000 square feet of both grand and comfortable townhome living...with additional air rights that will allow an upward expansion of 1,400 square feet.

Onlookers readily remark on the distinguished raked limestone and red clay brick facade on this stately five story residence. The facade was restored by the same craftman that worked on Saint John the Devine. While only residents and guests have the pleasure to step from the hustle bustle of the City streets across the bluestone radiant heated sidewalk pavers through a secure, gated entry into the majestic garden floor. Once inside, you?ll find inlaid marble floors, mahogany doors, a powder room, and hand painted Chinese panels on the walls. While stepping through the art gallery styled foyer you?ll get a sneak peek of the grandeur of the home.

An impressive alternative to the beautiful spiral staircase is an original, elegant and pristine 1923 Otis elevator servicing all floors. Passengers will note the detailed parquet floor, beveled-mirror panels and painted trompe l?oeil ceiling.

With five contiguous rooms, the second floor is an entertainer?s dream. The mirrored French receiving area provides immediate delight as you glance up at the impressive Russian-styled chandelier. You can relax in the handsome and welcoming library surrounded by personal tomes, elegant art and richly-carved wood panels. The moldings of English pine date back to 1872. A heavy dark green marble fireplace add to the warmth and intimacy of this room.

Continuing through you?ll enter the music room featuring a large grand piano, the heart of the home for social gatherings and cheer. The walls are lined with beautifully painted canvas panels in the style of Fragonard?s "Pursuit of Love" and "Blind Man's Bluff" that were inspired from the Frick Museum. In a manor that welcomes entertaining, complimented by a state of the art audio-visual system that continues throughout the entire floor.

Readily adjacent to the music-filled living space is a full service American walnut demi-lune bar base topped with thick green marble. A semi-spherically patterned, custom inlaid wood floor provides a dramatic counterpoint to the Lalique-inspired skylit glass ceiling depicting the North wind.

Time to gather for a meal.....the formal dining room can comfortably seat 16 guests yet this banquet room remains intimate and romantic with its Rouge Royale marble fireplace, lyrical 19th Century Viennese crystal chandelier and parquet de Versailles floor. A trio of soaring windows look out across the treetops to neighboring townhomes nestled into this special corner of New York City.

Down a discrete stairs, just below the dining room, at the back of the garden level is a well-proportioned chef?s eat-in kitchen. Features include walk-in wine storage, large marble kitchen island, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf stove, Meile dishwasher, and Trie sink. In addition, the parlor level is home to a small gymnasium, a quiet outdoor patio, and a separate service entrance for deliveries.

When it?s time to retire from the evening?s festivities the third floor offers three separate and serene sleeping quarters. Two of the three well-proportioned bedroom suites posse their own fireplaces, large closets, and en-suite baths with beautiful marble and onyx finishes. The third bedroom, currently utilized as a staff suite, has its own full bath and private staircase to the dining room and garden level kitchen.

With an expansive fourth floor deluxe master suite, the owner can seamlessly move from the well-portioned bedroom with large walk-in closet and luxurious master bath to the adjoining yet private formal home office or media room. The master suite enjoys direct elevator access as well as custom mahogany built-in cabinetry.

Bring clients or guests through a light-filled room lined with custom bookshelves to the dining terrace which feels like you?re in the south of France. Red brick archways frame wrought iron enclosures, blue stone with rich green marble offers radiant heat to effortly melt snow and ice. In warmer months, the bubbling of the bronze terrace fountain mingles with the chirps of the birds....It?s easy to forget you are in New York City.

The immaculately maintained basement level ensures the household runs smoothly. Features include full height ceilings, a window, a walk-in cedar closet, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, laundry room, storage closets and an impeccable mechanical room.,Architectural Masterpiece Located on NY?s Gold Coast, 163 E 64th stands out as one of the city's finest examples of Neo Georgian architecture. Originally built by noted architect John G. Prague in 1872, the house was reimagined in 1902 by prominent architect, R.D. Graham who clad the exterior in red clay brick and raked limestone. This elegant 15 room, 20 ft wide mansion has five bedrooms, 5 full baths, 3 half baths, 8 fireplaces, a Beautiful 19' x 19' landscaped roof terrace with heated floor, water, electric, music, and a high speed wood paneled elevator which services all levels including basement. Ground floor: From the courtyard surrounded by a tall wrought iron gate, there are 2 entrances into this home. On the right, the main entry opens into a marble foyer with guest closet and powder room. A large vestibule opens to the gym which includes a full bath and separate entry from the street. In the rear of the garden level is a large chef?s kitchen with walk in wine storage and access to the rear garden. The Parlor floor: The unusually generous, 90 ft parlor floor is perfect for grand scale entertaining as well as intimate gatherings and includes 12 ft ceilings throughout. The sunny south facing library has antique English pine paneling dating to 1872 and a wood burning fireplace. Next to the elevator landing there is a powder room between the library and the large curved landing at the top of the stair. The impressive Louis XIV-style paneled living room features 10 French Rococo canvases inspired by the Fragonard room of the Frick Collection and a beautiful hand carved marble fireplace. Between the living room and dining room is the bar/atrium which is flooded with natural light from the Lalique-inspired Northwind and Universe glass ceiling. Features include a Belle-Epoque bar with granite top made of American Walnut, and beautifully inlaid wood floors. The grand north facing dining room features open sunny garden views through oversized windows and includes parquet de Versailles flooring and a Rouge Royale Louis XIV-style marble fireplace. The Third floor is comprised of 3 large very sunny bedrooms all with baths ensuite, 2 having wood burning fireplaces. The north facing bedroom is accessed by its own private staircase. The Fourth floor: The Master floor includes a very gracious sunny south facing bedroom with high ceilings, a wood burning fireplace and custom mahogany built ins, and a large sky lit bath. Adjacent is a bedroom / office with a fireplace and bath. The 2nd bedroom includes an anteroom with fireplace that leads to the terrace. Additional FAR allows for a 5th floor and potentially 1,400 sq ft of expansion with proper approval. This block has established it own association devoted exclusively to the care and maintenance of this lovely tree lined street. Additional features includes multi-zoned Central AC with individual control for each room. Back up generator for power outages Temperature controlled wine cellar Cedar closets Heated terrace and sidewalk to melt snow Custom sound system inside and out State of the art security system Photos ? Donna Dotan Photography & Amiaga Photo & Evan Joseph