This 19th-Century New York City Townhouse, Listed for $15 Million, Sits Atop a 33-Foot Indoor Pool
There’s no doubt that this townhouse in New York’s Upper West Side neighborhood was a standout when it was built in 1891, and now, more than 130 years later, the home remains a coveted piece of residential real estate.
The 19th-century townhouse on West 70th Street was built by architect Gilbert Schellenger, who designed residences and commercial buildings throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. The 20-foot-wide townhouse spans 8,500 square feet spread over six stories, with four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two powder rooms.
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Listed for $14.9 million, the brownstone has been meticulously renovated for today’s modern buyer with all kinds of creature comforts, from smart home technologies to a snow-melting system on the front patio to 11 zones of central air conditioning and radiant heating.
The home has been transformed to feel exceptionally spacious and airy, with a 60-foot-long great room and soaring ceilings. Rare for a New York City townhouse, there is plenty of natural light from both sides thanks to the low-rise buildings that surround it. This means future owners can enjoy natural sunlight throughout the day and will have incredible views of the city from nearly every room. A beautiful wooden staircase connects all six floors, plus the roof, as does an elevator.
“This home is a great fit for a luxury condo buyer,” says listing agent Lisa K. Lippman with Brown Harris Stevens, who is co-listing the property with Anne Prosser. “It offers all of the things that new construction does, with the benefit of an unrivaled location in a landmark neighborhood and monthly fees lower than you would find in a condo. This is one of the best blocks in Manhattan.”
The garden level houses a family room and an eat-in kitchen with a walk-in pantry. The bright kitchen has a large dining area with banquette seating and French doors to the rear patio that includes a built-in grill and ample seating area, ideal for warm summer nights.
The parlor level houses the sprawling great room, as well as a chic wine bar, while the third floor holds a pint-sized study, a home theater, and a mezzanine lounge easily converted into a bedroom. Four more bedrooms, including the primary suite, can be found on the upper two floors. And, whether someone wants to add a grill or practice sunrise yoga, the rooftop deck overlooks the neighborhood.
There are several rooms that can be transformed into additional bedrooms or hobby rooms, like an art studio or children’s playroom. The most impressive amenities, however, are down in the basement, where there’s a 33-foot-long swimming pool and spa, as well as a fitness area. The ambient-lit pool area has plenty of room for multiple chaise lounges to relax after you’ve had a dip, while the gym is large enough to accommodate a variety of exercise equipment.
The townhouse is conveniently located just a block from Central Park.
Click here to see more photos of 45 West 70th Street.
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