261 West 85th Street

Beaux-Arts architect C. P. H. Gilbert, renowned for his opulent New York mansions and townhouses, created this five-story residence in 1895. From West 85th Street, near the corner of West End Avenue and the neighboring landmarked Clarence True house, you ascend wide front steps and enter under the graceful curve of a limestone facade. All the important original details remain, in mint condition, from the exterior’s artfully-carved facade to the carefully-restored interior wood staircase, windows and fireplaces. The current owners harmoniously added Arts & Crafts style interior design. Practical “tilt and turn” windows are a modern amenity.




A peaceful two-level garden with fountain in the yard, and a two-level roof deck, with fully grown trees, climbing vines, grasses, and flowers, make a natural oasis for relaxing and entertaining. A luxury garden level duplex can be used for substantial rental income, or as an atelier or large home office. And the location is both convenient and beautiful: lush ginkgo trees line the block, while Riverside Park and the subway are mere minutes away.




Garden Duplex Apartment

Fully and recently renovated, this duplex features a gracious entrance room on the garden level, a loft-like living room with high ceilings, double window exposures, and a full bath. A separate dining area with wall-to-wall glass doors opens to the garden. The spacious garden deck overlooks the lush plantings, slate patio, and a sculpted fountain, all shaded and surrounded by a variety of mature trees. The open-plan, eat-in kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, a marble floor, and new wooden cabinetry with abundant storage space. Downstairs, the spacious room features high ceilings, a walk-in closet, en-suite full bath, a linen closet, a washer and dryer closet, and a storage room.




Entry Foyer and Staircase

A decorative fireplace with original tile and an embellished wood-carved overmantle accents the entryway. The inner vestibule of the foyer is secured by two massive half-glass doors. As you ascend the stairs, you pass wainscot of rare flame wood paneling, floral plaster ornamentation, an historic “bridal bench” on the landing, and a Craftsman style wood screen above.


Parlour Floor

This floor’s garden-facing room, currently used as a library, has original parquet wood floors and a grand oak fireplace with historic glass mirror and rose marble. A large modern window looks over the garden, and there is ample floor-to-ceiling wooden cabinetry for books and storage. At the northern end of the floor is a large closet and storage area, a half bath, and a glass door that leads to stairs down to the garden. Connecting the north and south rooms is an “arcade,” presently used as a home office. The sunny, spacious “atelier” room has 11 foot ceilings, south-facing bay windows, a decorative fireplace with mirror, and a clerestory window facing west.