A landmark of the utmost pedigree, this five-story single-family townhouse was once the New York residence of diplomat, humanitarian and First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt. Built by architects Buchman and Deisler in 1898, the 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath home has played host to society's finest from filmmakers to financiers for over a century. In addition to the approximately 8,000-square-feet of living space, every meticulously crafted floor is enhanced by usable outdoor space.
Upon arrival to the all-limestone edifice, with a distinct two-story bowed facade, a gated entry opens into a columned portico and reveals twin iron grille doors. These then enter into an elegant vestibule and a second set of iron grille doors soon give way to a welcoming entrance gallery. Both warm hues in the marble floor and a pleasing, curved staircase augment the entry hall. Past the powder room and coat closet, the sun-filled kitchen bears a banquette and large center island for informal dining; the kitchen opens onto a media room with 10-foot-long skylights and twin doors that grant access to the back garden.
A rear stair leads upward to a serving kitchen and a gracious formal dining room with a sculptural marble fireplace. Here, a large window onto the rear garden invites more natural light. The parlor-level landing features an ornate, hand-crafted stairwell with marble newel posts. In a masterful display of high design, the front living room unites a marble fireplace, as well as the interior of the bowed front with curved floor-to-ceiling windows and a decorative frieze all beneath soaring 12-foot ceilings.
The master suite channels the magnificent mansion's depth and scale. Toward the front, aligned with the bowed facade, the master bedroom radiates with dramatic, natural light. To the rear, an equally impressive master bath offers a view of the garden. It's spaciously defined by a marble tub, separate shower and twin sinks. A row of closets beyond the suite leads to a sunny home office. Both the fourth and fifth floors each feature two additional, generously proportioned bedrooms and two full baths. Further, the fifth floor landing complete with large skylight has been turned into a smaller bedroom ideal for a young child. Finally, a full stair to the roof reveals a grand, green garden. Views from here stretch across 74th Street, including the iconic Carlyle Hotel and reach to the tree line of Central Park, a mere block away.
This 19th-century home is the finest in a row of eight limestone townhouses from the same acclaimed architects. It's a certified landmark in the Upper East Side Historic District as deemed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Mrs. Roosevelt occupied the home until her time of passing, and a collection of her memorabilia remains, as well as a letter from her attorney confirming the recording of her deed. Be it light, ample interaction with the outdoors or elegant detailing, there's no other home of this spectacular stature.
