9 East 81st Street, TWNH

Neo-Federal Townhouse just off Fifth Avenue

With 5 stories and a width of approximately 20', the elevatored house contains 6,150 square feet, elegant entertaining rooms, 7 bedrooms and a wonderfully lush garden. The location is just off Fifth Avenue and on a particularly beautiful block of other architecturally important townhouses. The house has been fully and continually renovated by the current owner and is in excellent condition.

The current exterior and interior renovations were done by Peter Pennoyer in partnership with the internationally renown landscape architect, Madison Cox.

This handsome neo-Federal brick and limestone-trimmed townhouse was built in 1878 by the brother/sister team of Richard Arnold and Henrietta Constable, the fifth largest landowners in Manhattan. The family's architect, Griffith Thomas, designed the house as well as Caroline Astor's house at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, the ballroom of which was erroneously reported to accommodate 400 people, thereby defining the "Sacred 400" of New York Society. In 1916, Amos R. E. Pinchot bought the house and retained the firm of Murphy & Dana to create the existing neo-Federal facade.

Ground Floor: The entry Foyer leads to a square Gallery with a free-floating circular staircase which creates a lovely space for displaying art and sculpture. The large Formal Dining Room has enchanting hand painted Chinese wallpaper and 3 French doors opening into a wonderfully landscaped Garden. There is a large eat-in Gourmet Kitchen and a Serving Pantry.

Second Floor: The circular stair opens into a 41.5' long open Living Room with 12' ceilings and uncluttered walls, perfect for large works of art. In contrast, the large paneled library creates a more intimate environment and opens through French doors onto a nice size planted Terrace. For entertaining, there is a spacious Wet Bar and Pantry with mahogany cabinetry and a Powder Room.

Third Floor: This level is entirely devoted to a Master Suite, which comprises a large, south-facing Bedroom with wonderful light. There are 2 connected Master Baths and a walk-in closet, plus a Study or spacious Dressing Room which opens onto a Terrace.

Fourth Floor: The 2 Bedrooms have ensuite Baths and large walk-in closets. There is also another room that may be used as a single Bedroom or Office with Bathroom access.

Fifth Floor: Like the 4th floor, there are 2 Bedrooms with ensuite baths and a third room for a single Bedroom or Office with Bathroom access. In addition, there is a laundry room and Kitchen.

Basement: The fully finished Basement a sizable open room with storage. A separate area is ready to be used as a Media or Exercise Room.