$6,750,000
Updated a year ago
Sold

129 East 81st Street

Upper East Side, Manhattan | Park Ave & Lexington Ave

12 Rooms4 Beds2.5 Baths4,600 Square FeetSingle Family

$6,750,000
floors / apts4 / 1
Lot Size17'x102'
Built Size17'x70'
ZoneC1-8X
Building TypeTownhouse
RE Taxes$81,444
Price Per SF
$1,467

This property was sold for $6,800,000 on 07/10/25.

Listing Features

  • Architectural Dtls
  • Original Details

Outdoor space and views

  • Backyard
  • Garden [16'x42']
  • Terrace [6'x11']

Building Amenities

  • Garden
  • Laundry Room

Property Description for 129 East 81st Street

Welcome to 129 East 81st Street—an elegant townhouse perfectly positioned on a beautiful tree-lined block between Park and Lexington Avenues, in the heart of the Upper East Side’s Gold Coast. This exceptional residence embodies refined living, offering a rare blend of sophistication, comfort, and timeless style—a unique opportunity for the most discerning buyer. Property Highlights: ** Private Garden A serene 43-foot garden professionally landscaped with tall decorative walls offers a tranquil urban retreat. ** Gracious Layout Four generously sized bedrooms, a flexible office or fifth bedroom, three full baths, and two half baths offer ample space for refined, comfortable living. ** Elegant Details Thoughtfully preserved prewar details include wood-burning and decorative fireplaces, classic hardwood floors, soaring 12-foot ceilings on the parlor floor, and over 10-foot ceilings on the upper levels—bringing both character and scale to the home. ** Modern Amenities Central air conditioning, a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen with premium appliances, laundry room, and a full unfinished basement with generous storage provide comfort and convenience tailored to modern living. Layout Overview: Garden / Entry Level Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this floor welcomes you with a gracious foyer that flows into a spacious dining room and open-plan kitchen, leading seamlessly to the beautifully landscaped garden. A fireplace anchors the entertaining space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The chef’s kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, a large wine cooler, Miele dishwasher, and a dedicated pantry room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open directly to the serene garden—ideal for indoor-outdoor living and al fresco dining. Also on this level is an elegant powder room and a versatile bedroom currently used as a gym, easily reimagined as a guest room or home office. Parlor Floor: This stunning level is the heart of the home, defined by soaring ceilings, graceful proportions, and rich architectural detail. The north-facing living room is grand and luminous, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and a dramatic oversized window that floods the space with light. Across the central landing, a south-facing library/den offers a more intimate retreat. Clad in handsome wood paneling with custom bookcases and a decorative fireplace, the space exudes warmth and character. A discreet wet bar and well-placed powder room enhance the floor’s functionality. Third Floor: The serene primary suite overlooks the garden and features a decorative fireplace, walk-in closet, and an en suite bath. A second expansive bedroom faces south, also with a fireplace and walk-in closet—providing comfort and privacy. Fourth Floor: Two large bedrooms offer versatile living options. The rear bedroom features a charming terrace framed by exposed brick. The front bedroom, currently used as a den or family room, overlooks the treetops of 81st Street. A skylit bathroom, additional skylights over the staircase, and a full laundry room complete this floor. Neighborhood: Built in 1880, this elegant residence is located in one of the Upper East Side’s most desirable enclaves, known as the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side. Known for its architectural distinction and historic charm, the area has long been home to New York City’s most iconic townhouses and cultural landmarks. Just moments from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park, the home offers access to world-class art, nature, and leisure. Nearby Madison Avenue provides premier shopping, upscale dining, and proximity to elite schools—offering an unparalleled lifestyle of convenience and prestige. Experience the pinnacle of luxury living at 129 East 81st Street, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication in the heart of the Upper East Side.

Listing History for 129 East 81st Street

Now
07/10/2025
$6,800,000
Sold and Closed by Bahar Tavakolian
Compass
04/29/2025
Contract Signed by Bahar Tavakolian
Compass

Building Details for 129 East 81st Street

OwnershipSingle Family
Building TypeTownhouse
AgePre-War
AccessWalk-up
Year Built1920
Floors/Apts4/1
Learn More About the Building

Transit and Citi Bike

Subway

77 St
0.22 miles
86 St
0.25 miles
86 St
0.36 miles

Citi Bike

3 Ave & E 82 St
0.12 miles
E 84 St & Park Ave
0.14 miles

Contact Agents

Contact Agents

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: 100212TH