236 East 49th Street

Uniquely situated amongst the historic townhouses of the coveted Turtle Bay Gardens, 236 East 49th Street is an elegant 19-foot wide, 5-story single-family with an elevator and approximately 5,690 square feet of meticulously finished interior space, plus an additional approximate 1,000 square feet of magnificent outdoor space in the breathtaking South garden, two terraces and balcony.

236 East 49th Street is one of twenty townhouses which comprise the distinctive Turtle Bay Gardens Historic District. Sharing a unique interior garden, reminiscent of tranquil European courtyards, this captivating enclave counts Katharine Hepburn, E.B. White, and Stephen Sondheim amongst its notable residents over the years. The townhouses of Turtle Bay Gardens offer exclusive home care and landscaping maintenance to the residents, with an outstanding service team, much like that of a full-service apartment building.

Features of this superb home include: an elevator, multi-zone HVAC system, gracious ceilings reaching nearly 11 feet, grand rooms for impressive entertaining, exceptional light and air through floor-to-ceiling windows, and Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout. A UV film lining the grand windows throughout the residence is designed to protect treasured art and furniture.

Advanced home systems include an alarm system with perimeter cameras, irrigation throughout the South garden and terraces, and a sound system.

HISTORY

The Turtle Bay Gardens were conceptualized by Charlotte Martin, a descendent of early Dutch settlers in New York, who purchased the existing buildings between 1919 and 1926. She filled in the generally swampy backyards to create a beautiful shared garden with two old willow trees, benches, and a fountain replicating one found at the Villa Medici in Rome. Low masonry walls separated the surrounding individual private gardens from each other.

Ms. Martin redesigned the individual townhomes as well, orienting each of the living rooms to face the gardens. Cast iron turtles were installed at the gate posts of the entrance railings, invoking a charming whimsical touch.

The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission asserts that these homes constitute "one of New York's most intimate and picturesque neighborhoods." Tucked away from bustling city life on a serene tree-lined block, and amongst these historic gardens, 236 East 49th Street provides a rare urban oasis, yet is still in close proximity to public transportation and the best restaurants and shops New York City has to offer.

LAYOUT

Basement

Accessed by either elevator or stairs, the home's basement features a laundry room, storage area, and mechanicals for the property.

Garden Floor

Enter this splendid home through the impressive cast iron gates, ornamented with the characteristic turtles distinctive of Turtle Bay Gardens. Continue through the entry vestibule to the home's gracious foyer, which affords striking views of the elegant central mahogany staircase. Adjacent to the entry vestibule lies a spacious walk-in closet, and a windowed powder room is discreetly tucked away.

On the South side of this level, the grand dining room affords stunning garden vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows and an elegant French door. The tranquil South garden is surrounded by the neighboring townhouse gardens, and affords access to the shared courtyard. An irrigation system allows the delightful garden to maintain its lush charm.

Adjacent to the dining room lies the spacious eat-in kitchen, with top-of-the-line appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Thermador oven and stove. An efficient butler's pantry off the kitchen and dining room is replete with granite countertops, cherry wood cabinetry and a dishwasher.

Parlor Floor

The grand Parlor Floor boasts soaring ceilings reaching nearly 11 feet, and intricate molding with remarkable detail. Affording astounding proportions, the stunning living room receives brilliant South light through floor-to-ceiling windows, and a French door which leads to the adjacent irrigated terrace. This sizable South-facing terrace overlooks the lower private garden, and is a grand open vista to all of Turtle Bay Gardens.

The living room is graced with an ornate, intricately detailed fireplace, and a wet bar with refrigeration. Towards the front of this level lies a stately study, lined with custom-built cherry wood cabinetry, and with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tree-lined street below. The graceful guests' powder room on this floor brims with beautiful crown molding.

Third Floor

The Third Floor is dedicated to the home's regal full-floor master suite. The well-proportioned master bedroom receives lush treetop views of the Turtle Bay Gardens through large windows, and boasts a beautiful fireplace with a marble surround and stunning detail.

The adjacent master bath affords dual vanities with sinks, and the spacious dressing room is replete with custom-built cabinetry for abundant storage.

Fourth Floor

The Fourth Floor is comprised of three gracious bedroom suites, each with ample closets. The rear bedrooms overlook the lower garden, and the eastern suite has access to a charming Juliet balcony. The front bedroom enjoys the full width of the home, and overlooks the tree-lined street. Two full baths and a large walk-in closet complete this wonderful level.

Fifth Floor

The Fifth Floor affords a comfortable, graciously-proportioned den, complete with coffered beamed ceilings reaching nearly 11 feet, a fireplace and wet bar with refrigeration. The South-facing den receives excellent natural light by way of floor-to-ceiling windows, and features a large planted terrace, which overlooks the gardens of the Turtle Bay enclave.

A separate enclosed glass bedroom on the Fifth Floor affords abundant closet space, and is served by a full bath. This room is ideal for use as a separate guest suite, or as additional entertaining space.