244 East 49th Street, TH

Home to iconic actress Katharine Hepburn throughout her long career, this single-family townhouse epitomizes New York elegance – past and present. Updated interiors and carefully selected furnishings exceed standards of luxury while embracing historical character and a bit of a classic Hollywood touch.

Boasting four bedrooms, three full and two half bathrooms, plus formal entertaining spaces, this fully-furnished rental has room to accommodate any lifestyle immediately. Graceful floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning fireplaces, and ornate mantelpieces add another “wow” factor. Meanwhile, the kitchen and bathrooms feature custom stone tiling, top-of-the-line appliances, and stylish fixtures.

Future residents will have access to the private rear yard, and join Hepburn, Bob Dylan, Stephen Sondheim, and E.B. White on the long list of icons who have called the lush Turtle Bay Gardens enclave home.

Garden Floor:

The main entrance leads you into the stone-tiled foyer. On your left is an eat-in kitchen with a stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator, a six-burner Viking range and double oven, and built-in breakfast table and banquette. This is truly a chef’s kitchen and a coveted rental feature. Passing through the butler’s pantry with china cabinets and wine refrigerator, you reach the rear dining room. A wood-burning fireplace, wall sconces, and hardwood floors make this room warm and inviting. A wide set of windows give light while a glass door opens to the garden.

This garden is one of the most peaceful in New York City. Dine on the multi-level flagstone patio among flowering shrubs, berry-laden bushes, and the burble of a cheerful fountain. Beyond a low gate, stroll in Turtle Bay Gardens – a private pocket park accessible only to residents of the surrounding townhouses.

Parlour Floor:

Up the stairs you reach the formal parlour floor, with extremely high ceilings and elegant details. The rear library has floor-to-ceiling windows with period shutters, as well as a wood-burning fireplace and carved wood mantelpiece. A handsome wet bar connects the library to a grand front parlour. This romantic room has a wood-burning fireplace and marble mantel, hardwood floors, and three floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to a Juliet balcony.

Third Floor:

The third floor hosts a master bedroom suite that is both refined and spacious. The rear bedroom features a wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors and high ceilings as well as Hepburn’s mirrored vanity. Three windows overlook verdant gardens. The master bathroom is renovated to include a glass-walled shower as well as a claw-foot soaking tub and twin sinks. There are multiple closets, including a large walk-in that connects to the front room. The front bedroom room on the floor is almost equal in size to the master. It also has three windows and a fireplace.

Fourth Floor:

The townhouse’s fourth floor contains two wonderfully large bedrooms, both with ensuite baths and walk-in closets.

Cellar:

In addition to the building mechanicals, this level houses a wine cellar, laundry room, half bathroom, and extensive storage space.

NOW AVAILABLE end of March 2023