Updated 6 years ago
Sold
20 East 78th Street
Upper East Side, Manhattan | Fifth Ave & Madison Ave
15 Rooms7 Beds7.5 Baths8,760 Square FeetSingle Family
$18,800,000
floors / apts5 / 1
Lot Size25'x102'
Built Size25'x65'
ZoneR8B
Building TypeTownhouse
RE Taxes$156,416
Price Per SF
$2,146
This property was sold for $18,800,000 on 07/29/20.
Listing Features
- Architectural Dtls
- Beamed Ceilings
- Original Details
- WBFP
- Central AC
Outdoor space and views
- Garden [24'x25']
- Terrace
Building Amenities
- Video Intercom
- Elevator
- Fitness Facility
- Garden
- Laundry Room
- Playroom
- Wine Cellar
Property Description for 20 East 78th Street
TIMELESS ELEGANCERarely do design and spatial elements hit just the right notes as they do in this opulent, David Easton designed, 25-ft. wide townhouse located in one of Manhattans loveliest townhouse blocks within the Metropolitan Museum Landmark District.Nestled between Fifth and Madison Avenues, this fine red brick and limestone house was built in 1866 by Charles Graham for cotton dealer Michael B. Fielding of the family firm Fielding & Gwynn. In 1904 it became the residence of Isaac D. Einstein who was president of the International Handkerchief Manufacturing Company.Four stories in height above a high English basement, perhaps the most striking feature of the house is a two and a half-story projecting bay of limestone, which rises from the garden level to the third floor. The three-sided bay is elegantly accentuated by classical details. Although removed years ago, the door was originally was located on the parlour floor and reached by a high stoop. Today, exterior mahogany doors are flanked by two freestanding Ionic columns, which support a blank entablature that now serves as a sill to the parlour floor transomed casement window above. Majestic interior bronze doors open onto a breathtaking, grand double-height entry gallery. To the left is a regal formal dining room with wood burning fireplace separated from the rear eat-in kitchen by a handsome butler service area. A charming sun room and delightful garden can be accessed from the breakfast area of a bespoke kitchen equipped with top of the line appliances and custom wood cabinetry. A mud room and powder room is also located in the rear.The home enjoys impressively well-proportioned rooms, which include a divine living room with a wood burning fireplace, guest powder room, and an august wood-paneled library also with a wood burning fireplace, hand-carved millwork and coffered ceilings. The master bedroom floor consists of two large sumptuous baths located on each side of the wing, a serene large rear chamber facing the garden, a front study, plus a dressing hall with multiple custom closets. Five bedrooms are located on the top two floors, all with baths en-suite and a terrace on the fourth floor. Facing the street on the top floor, is a large playroom as well as a laundry/kitchenette. The cellar houses mechanical rooms, storage rooms, gym and a wine cellar. The elevator services all floors.
Building Details for 20 East 78th Street
OwnershipSingle Family
Building TypeTownhouse
Service LevelVideo Intercom
AgePre-War
AccessElevator
Year Built1899
Floors/Apts5/1
Transit and Citi Bike
Subway
77 St
0.24 miles
86 St
0.48 miles
Citi Bike
5 Ave & E 78 St
0.06 miles
E 76 St & Park Ave
0.16 miles
Upper East Side | Manhattan
Quick Profile
Exuding a cosmopolitan, refined air that is reminiscent of Paris or other European cities, the Upper East Side (the UES, to local cognoscenti) has a reputation as being a bastion of wealth and privilege. Even though it was built by American “royalty” families like the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts, Kennedys, Carnegies and Rockefellers, whose elaborate mansions once anchored Fifth Avenue, there are affordable housing options throughout the neighborhood. The further east you move, away from Central Park and the more commercial avenues, the more likely you are to find quiet, tree-lined streets with historic townhouses and brownstones. Keep your eye out for reasonably priced apartments in pre-war low-rise and even a few high-rise buildings.
With abundant, beautifully landscaped green spaces, including the oasis of Central Park acting like a backyard, the area is quiet and lushly green. You can relax and unwind in John Jay Park, Carl Schurz Park or take a stroll along the East River Promenade. The whole neighborhood seems isolated from the workaday chaos of the city at large. Add to that the history of the neighborhood and the abundance of cultural institutions, and you have a uniquely welcoming neighborhood.
Known for its abundance of high-end retail shopping, especially on Madison Avenue, the Upper East Side is host to the Barneys New York flagship department store. Here you can find upscale goods, fashion and home decor items. You will also find the edgy runway-inspired Alexander McQueen collections. If you are dying to treat your feet to red-soled opulence, be sure to visit the Christian Louboutin boutique. These are only a small sampling of this high-end shopper’s paradise that features everything from designer boutiques that offer the ultimate in haute couture to resale shops where you can find last season’s best on sale at hefty discounts .
There are many unique dining experiences, from fine dining to the casual bite-on-the-go, awaiting you in the UES. Sushi is going through a renaissance in the city, and the best omakase-style sushi can be found at Sasabune on E 73rd Street. Omakase sushi means that you leave the choice of ingredients, preparation method and presentation to the chef. Elegant French cuisine can be experienced at JoJo, E 64th Street, housed in gorgeous townhouse. Just for fun, visit the Lexington Candy Shop on Lexington Avenue, to get a taste of an old-fashioned soda fountain.
All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer.
OLR ID: 20496TH
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