Updated a year ago
Sold
161 East 74th Street
Upper East Side, Manhattan | Lexington Ave & Third Ave
15 Rooms7 Beds5.5 Baths6,800 Square FeetSingle Family
$8,675,000
floors / apts6 / 1
Lot Size20'x102'
Built Size20'x60'
ZoneR8B
Building TypeTownhouse
RE Taxes$123,288
Price Per SF
$1,276
This property was sold for $8,675,000 on 07/08/25.
Listing Features
- Architectural Dtls
- WBFP
- Central AC
Outdoor space and views
- Balcony
- Garden [20'x25']
- Patio
- Terrace [19'x4']
- Garden Views
Building Amenities
- Elevator
- Fitness Facility
- Garden
- Gated Entry
- Laundry Room
- Outdoor Parking
- Playroom
- Roof Deck
- Second Entry
Property Description for 161 East 74th Street
Be a part of the Upper East Side renaissance!
Two Family House currently configured as a single residence, 161 East 74th Street is in the most quintessential Lennox Hill location. Captivating views through the double height ceiling of the top floor greenhouse of the St. Jean Baptiste Church and private garden vignettes. Exceptional light on all floors. With over 6,600 square feet of interior space across six floors, over 1,200 square feet of exterior space between the garden, terrace and a roof deck, six gorgeous fireplaces and an elevator, you can call this magical beauty your home.
Legend has it, the house was one of four houses built by a brew master from Yorkville for his four children. In fact, there are two niches on each side of the main living room where there was a passage between the houses. Now, these niches remain as a nod to the past while serving as an architectural detail and to display sculpture and art.
Later on, the house was owned and enjoyed by John Felix Charles Bryce who was friends with Ian Flemming - the creator of James Bond. The character Felix Leiter, friend of Bond in the novels, was named after Bryce. John Felix was married to Josephine Hartford Bryce, a granddaughter of George Huntington Hartford, the founder of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. According to her New York Times obituary, she was active in horse racing and was a longtime trustee of the foundation that donated money for medical research. Josephine's brother, Huntington Hartford, a philanthropist, businessman and an art collector in his own right, also spent time in the house - if these walls could talk! Some of the most legendary Upper East Side soirees where held at number 161 on this East 74th Street.
The current guardian of this house brings us to the present day. He is a world renowned plastic surgeon who is leaving his mark on groundbreaking medical research. His parents were recognized as Righteous among Nations at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem for their role in rescuing twelve Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.
The next owner will undoubtedly add their own signature to the rich history of the property and will carry it forward.
It goes without saying that 161 East 74th Street is within striking proximity to Central Park, Museum Mile and New York institutions such as The Carlyle Hotel, The Mark Hotel and The Surrey to name a few. Dubbed "the hottest restaurant neighborhood" by Bloomberg and the "dose of downtown cool" by the New York Post, the brand new Chez Fifi is slightly to the West of the house and the legendary JG Melon is slightly to the East.
All showings are by appointment only. Additional information and a very clear and accurate high resolution set up is available upon request.
Two Family House currently configured as a single residence, 161 East 74th Street is in the most quintessential Lennox Hill location. Captivating views through the double height ceiling of the top floor greenhouse of the St. Jean Baptiste Church and private garden vignettes. Exceptional light on all floors. With over 6,600 square feet of interior space across six floors, over 1,200 square feet of exterior space between the garden, terrace and a roof deck, six gorgeous fireplaces and an elevator, you can call this magical beauty your home.
Legend has it, the house was one of four houses built by a brew master from Yorkville for his four children. In fact, there are two niches on each side of the main living room where there was a passage between the houses. Now, these niches remain as a nod to the past while serving as an architectural detail and to display sculpture and art.
Later on, the house was owned and enjoyed by John Felix Charles Bryce who was friends with Ian Flemming - the creator of James Bond. The character Felix Leiter, friend of Bond in the novels, was named after Bryce. John Felix was married to Josephine Hartford Bryce, a granddaughter of George Huntington Hartford, the founder of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. According to her New York Times obituary, she was active in horse racing and was a longtime trustee of the foundation that donated money for medical research. Josephine's brother, Huntington Hartford, a philanthropist, businessman and an art collector in his own right, also spent time in the house - if these walls could talk! Some of the most legendary Upper East Side soirees where held at number 161 on this East 74th Street.
The current guardian of this house brings us to the present day. He is a world renowned plastic surgeon who is leaving his mark on groundbreaking medical research. His parents were recognized as Righteous among Nations at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem for their role in rescuing twelve Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.
The next owner will undoubtedly add their own signature to the rich history of the property and will carry it forward.
It goes without saying that 161 East 74th Street is within striking proximity to Central Park, Museum Mile and New York institutions such as The Carlyle Hotel, The Mark Hotel and The Surrey to name a few. Dubbed "the hottest restaurant neighborhood" by Bloomberg and the "dose of downtown cool" by the New York Post, the brand new Chez Fifi is slightly to the West of the house and the legendary JG Melon is slightly to the East.
All showings are by appointment only. Additional information and a very clear and accurate high resolution set up is available upon request.
Listing History for 161 East 74th Street
Now
07/08/2025
$8,675,000
Sold and Closed by Victoria Vinokur
Brown Harris Stevens
05/20/2025
Contract Signed by Victoria Vinokur
Brown Harris Stevens
Building Details for 161 East 74th Street
OwnershipSingle Family
Building TypeTownhouse
AgePre-War
AccessElevator
Year Built1910
Floors/Apts6/1
Transit and Citi Bike
Subway
77 St
0.14 miles
72 St
0.23 miles
68 St-Hunter College
0.3 miles
Citi Bike
3 Ave & E 72 St
0.12 miles
E 77 St & 3 Ave
0.15 miles
Upper East Side | Manhattan
Quick Profile
Exuding a cosmopolitan, refined air that is reminiscent of Paris or other European cities, the Upper East Side (the UES, to local cognoscenti) has a reputation as being a bastion of wealth and privilege. Even though it was built by American “royalty” families like the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts, Kennedys, Carnegies and Rockefellers, whose elaborate mansions once anchored Fifth Avenue, there are affordable housing options throughout the neighborhood. The further east you move, away from Central Park and the more commercial avenues, the more likely you are to find quiet, tree-lined streets with historic townhouses and brownstones. Keep your eye out for reasonably priced apartments in pre-war low-rise and even a few high-rise buildings.
With abundant, beautifully landscaped green spaces, including the oasis of Central Park acting like a backyard, the area is quiet and lushly green. You can relax and unwind in John Jay Park, Carl Schurz Park or take a stroll along the East River Promenade. The whole neighborhood seems isolated from the workaday chaos of the city at large. Add to that the history of the neighborhood and the abundance of cultural institutions, and you have a uniquely welcoming neighborhood.
Known for its abundance of high-end retail shopping, especially on Madison Avenue, the Upper East Side is host to the Barneys New York flagship department store. Here you can find upscale goods, fashion and home decor items. You will also find the edgy runway-inspired Alexander McQueen collections. If you are dying to treat your feet to red-soled opulence, be sure to visit the Christian Louboutin boutique. These are only a small sampling of this high-end shopper’s paradise that features everything from designer boutiques that offer the ultimate in haute couture to resale shops where you can find last season’s best on sale at hefty discounts .
There are many unique dining experiences, from fine dining to the casual bite-on-the-go, awaiting you in the UES. Sushi is going through a renaissance in the city, and the best omakase-style sushi can be found at Sasabune on E 73rd Street. Omakase sushi means that you leave the choice of ingredients, preparation method and presentation to the chef. Elegant French cuisine can be experienced at JoJo, E 64th Street, housed in gorgeous townhouse. Just for fun, visit the Lexington Candy Shop on Lexington Avenue, to get a taste of an old-fashioned soda fountain.
All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer.
OLR ID: 29047TH
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