18 East 76th Street

The historic Henry Block House a 22 foot-wide townhouse, located at 18 East 76th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues. It was designed by prominent townhouse architect, John G. Prague, in 1881. It was sold to George C. Clausen, a member of a renowned brewing family, who served as the President of the Park Board, and as Park Commissioner, under Mayor Van Wyck.
In 1906, the namesake owners of the house, Henry Block and his wife, commissioned famous designers the Herts Brothers to renovate their Victorian townhouse with neo-Classic and Beaux Arts elements. The Herts Brothers were prominent in New York high society, renowned for designing the interiors of The Knickerbocker Hotel, The St. Regis, and several Astor family yachts. Their design elements are highly sought after by museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the de Young Museum in San Francisco.
This majestic townhouse boasts a classically-inspired limestone facade and exterior staircase, with a lavish marble vestibule. It is a 5-story, 11,000 square foot mansion, located on one of the best tree-lined blocks on the Upper East Side. Features include an elevator, three entrances, and 36 rooms. These rooms include six bedrooms–two of which are master bedrooms–seven bathrooms, and three powder rooms. The home also has seven gas burning fireplaces, a terrace, a sprinkler system throughout, and an interior staff staircase between the parlor and fourth floors.
Upon entering, you are welcomed by the breathtaking reception hall with soaring 13-foot ceilings and walnut and Corinthian pilaster columns. A grand staircase, replete with bronze floral designs, descends into this beautifully mirrored room, which is trimmed with opulent decorative details. Each door is topped with a lunette window that floods light into the interior rooms. Throughout the home, the ceilings and walls are adorned with custom bronze sconces, regal medallions, and flora & fauna plaster decorations. On the parlor floor, the gracious living room features a magnificent black marble fireplace and enormous French windows. A large mirrored storage hall, with glass and walnut pocket doors, connects the living room and the dining room. The dining room is accented with a black and white veined marble fireplace, a chestnut mantel, and elegant chevron floors. With many of the impeccable original Victorian details intact, the house upholds its charm -- a truly timeless, one of a kind property.
With its proximity to Central Park, “Museum Mile,” and the city’s most venerable cultural institutions, 18 E. 76thStreet only adds to the beauty of the neighborhood. The grand allure of old New York is brought to life inside this incredible home.