Step into luxury living at 55 East 74th Street, a meticulously designed historic townhouse crafted by Buchman and Deisler in 1898. Once graced by the presence of Eleanor Roosevelt, this expansive limestone landmark remains a testament to New York's illustrious past and stands as an entertainer's paradise, capable of hosting up to 500 guests. Nestled among a row of eight impeccably maintained townhomes in a prime location, this six-bedroom, 5.5-bath residence epitomizes the epitome of Manhattan living, offering the best of today and tomorrow.
As you approach the gated entry and distinctive two-story bowed facade, a grandeur unfolds. Enter through columned portico and twin iron grille doors into a spacious entertaining area adorned with 12-foot ceilings and a resplendent Louis XIV chandelier. The modern, sun-drenched kitchen features a banquette and an oversized center island for casual dining, complemented by a media room bathed in natural light from 10-foot skylights and a tranquil rear garden. Almost every floor of this townhouse boasts functional outdoor spaces, affording iconic views of The Carlyle Hotel and Central Park.
Ascend to the parlor level, where 12-foot ceilings continue to set the stage for historic gatherings. This level has hosted luminaries ranging from John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev to Prince Edward and Leonard Bernstein. Hyde Park moldings adorn the front living room, featuring a marble fireplace, curved floor-to-ceiling windows, and a decorative frieze. A formal dining room boasts a fully operational wood-burning marble fireplace and an antique Swarovski chandelier. Access this level through a custom period staircase with marble newel posts or a discreet rear stair.
The full-floor primary suite maintains the townhome's grand scale, offering a south-facing, light-filled bedroom, a luxurious primary bath with a marble soaking tub, separate shower, and dual sinks, extensive closets, and an inviting home office. Above, the fourth and fifth floors house four additional bedrooms with en suite baths and an additional junior bedroom. At the pinnacle, a rooftop garden oasis provides panoramic city views.
55 East 74th Street is the epitome of townhouse living, seamlessly blending historical glamour with contemporary comfort. Recent meticulous renovations to the property's mechanical systems, including an updated elevator, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, safety, and security programming, ensure modern functionality. Outside, the facade has been expertly repointed within the last two years, and a new roof installed within the last three years.
