42 East 81st Street

Impeccably renovated over a 15 month period, the current owner added exquisite new details and modern systems while preserving the integrity of the extraordinary home. The renovation included the construction and installation of a stunning custom built staircase and bannister from Rhode Island, cast-on moldings, the preservation of original hardware where possible, installation of new metal windows and doors throughout the first floor and second story terrace, the addition of an elevator, and the installation of new Pella windows throughout most of the house. Originally built in 1872 as a 4-story house with stoop, the house has gone through several renovations. In 1913, then owner, Dr. Samuel Murtland made several aesthetic changes to the structure. In 1926, Roscoe H. Hupper, the country's leading maritime lawyer at that time purchased the house and removed the stoop and added an additional floor creating a 5-story house with basement as it remains today. The house is passionately maintained by the current owner; the townhouse is in perfect, move-in condition.


Garden Floor: from the bluestone forecourt, the front door enters on to an inviting vestibule. A large dining room with windows overlooking the greenery of the forecourt welcomes you to this special house. Two coat closets and a private powder room are located between the dining room and the sizeable kitchen. The open kitchen plan has a center island, serpentine marble countertops, double dishwashers, disposal, hooded and vented to the outside Thermador 4 burner stove with grill, Subzero refrigerator and separate under-counter double refrigerator drawers, double Thermador ovens and warming drawer, microwave, and custom Steve Marks cabinetry. Off the kitchen a delightful breakfast area leads to a beautiful south facing garden with planted border. The garden is equipped with electrical and lighting systems.


The parlor floor has an exquisitely appointed formal living room with a wall of double height original windows overlooking the beautiful tree lined street. There is a comfortable entertaining room facing south with new metal doors to a wrought iron balcony with bluestone floor overlooking the garden. Both rooms on this level have gas-burning fireplaces.
The third floor consists of two bedroom and large connecting bath. The south facing primary bedroom has a gas-burning fireplace and plenty of natural light. The second room is used as a study. A splendid wall of built-in closets lines this space. The limestone bath connects to both rooms. It has double sinks, a Pulsar whirlpool tub, and steam shower.


The fourth floor consists of two more bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath, and ample closets.


The fifth floor has an additional south facing bedroom and bath with dual access from the bedroom and from the hallway, a home office, and a guest room with an en suite bath. This floor is illuminated by a skylight located over the staircase and landing on this floor.


This extraordinary home is located one block from Central Park on beautiful tree-lined East 81 Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue. Many of New York's highly coveted destinations are just moments away including the city's finest restaurants, cherished neighborhood shops, boutiques, and galleries, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and other world-class museums along Museum Mile, and top public and private schools.



SPECIAL FEATURES


Faade: Front: Brick covered with brownstone material with a limestone base Back: Brick

Central Air Conditioning: Living room and primary bedroom each has its own unit. The top two floors are serviced by a brand new unit. The entry level and basement share one unit (2 years old)

Fireplaces: There are three working gas-burning fireplaces. All working fireplaces have inducers. All fireplace mantels are original

The house is set up with Cat 5 wiring.