Updated a day ago
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169 East 71st Street

Upper East Side, Manhattan | Lexington Ave & Third Ave

12 Rooms4 Beds4.5 BathsSingle Family

$12,500,000
floors / apts4 / 1
Lot Size16'67"x102'
Built Size16'67"x45'
ZoneR8B
Building TypeTownhouse
RE Taxes$54,247

Listing Features

  • Architectural Dtls
  • Beamed Ceilings
  • WBFP

Outdoor space and views

  • Backyard
  • Juliet Balcony
  • Terrace

Building Amenities

  • Voice Intercom
  • Laundry Room
  • Second Entry
  • Stoop Entry
  • Wine Cellar

Property Description for 169 East 71st Street

169 East 71st Street - The One and Only
There are homes. And then, there are icons.

Welcome to 169 East 71st Street, a landmarked, turn-of-the-century townhouse that doesn't just sit on one of the Upper East Side's most enchanting blocks-it defines it. Immortalized as the backdrop to Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, this legendary residence offers more than cinematic history-it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a reimagined piece of New York.

Gracing a picture-perfect, tree-lined street between Lexington and Third Avenues, this five-story townhouse-with elevator, fully built-out basement, and approximately 4,465 square feet of meticulously designed interiors-has been transformed through a three-year, no-expense-spared renovation and restoration.

This two-family home features a 30-foot landscaped garden with custom latticework, two setback terraces, four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and three powder rooms. Original architectural details blend seamlessly with refined upgrades: soaring 10+ foot ceilings, white oak herringbone floors with ebony inlay, two gas fireplaces, central air conditioning, two laundry rooms, and a wine cellar with twin Liebherr wine and food refrigerators.

Parlor Floor:
The formal parlor is a statement in elegance, with period mantels, beamed ceilings, and custom millwork. White oak herringbone flooring with an ebony border anchors the space, while antique chandeliers and designer lighting from Porta Romana create a warm, refined glow. The living room features a burnished silver leaf ceiling and a concealed television hidden behind a hand-pieced antique mirror-combining luxury and discretion in equal measure. The dining area offers a built-in banquette, and the parlor-level gas fireplace adds intimate charm.

Kitchen, Parlor Floor:
A true chef's kitchen features Calacatta Gold marble countertops, a 6-burner Wolf range with vented hood, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, and custom cabinetry. A center island with seating is paired with an exquisite Calacatta Oro marble mosaic backsplash imported from Italy.

Third Floor:
Two well-proportioned bedrooms each enjoy ensuite, spa-like baths. One showcases Thassos marble and a jewel glass waterjet mosaic in Labradorite and Alabaster. The second offers double vanities, honed Carrara marble, and Thassos tile flooring. Plumbing fixtures from Kallista and Waterworks. Ceiling heights on this level reach 9 feet.

Fourth Floor - Primary Suite:

The king-sized primary suite is a private retreat with a gas fireplace, antique mantel, custom dressing area, and makeup vanity. The ensuite bathroom is a true sanctuary, featuring Calacatta Gold Damask-patterned marble, a deep walk-in shower, and a freestanding soaking tub by Crosswater London with a polished nickel exterior. The suite is further elevated with wood veneer wallpaper and a 247-square-foot terrace at the northern wing.

Fifth Floor:
A full-floor den with wet bar, wine fridge, custom cabinetry, and half bath flows to a 123-square-foot south-facing terrace with charming views of 71st Street. A Juliet balcony off the rear adds a finishing touch.

Garden Unit - Street Level:

With its own private entrance, the second residence includes exposed brick, built-in bookshelves, a cozy den, and a large bedroom. The open kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a dining banquette, and direct access to a 466-square-foot landscaped garden with custom Walpole lattice fencing and stonework.

Basement Level:
Fully dug out and nearly 8 feet in height, the basement level includes a powder room, mechanicals, second laundry room, and a wine cellar with two Liebherr wine fridges, built-in benches, a sink, and cold storage.

Whether you're hosting in the grand parlor, sipping espresso on the terrace, or simply enjoying the rarefied character of this home's history and craftsmanship-169 East 71st Street is more than a residence. It's an experience.

They say you can't buy history. At 169 East 71st, you sort of can.
Come for the legend. Stay for the life.

Listing History for 169 East 71st Street

Now
12/05/2025
Contract Signed by Caroline Bass
Corcoran
10/07/2025
$12,500,000 [-$2,500,000] [16.7%]
Price Drop by Caroline Bass
Corcoran

Building Details for 169 East 71st Street

OwnershipSingle Family
Building TypeTownhouse
Service LevelVoice Intercom
AgePre-War
AccessWalk-up
Year Built1910
Floors/Apts4/1
Learn More About the Building

Transit and Citi Bike

Subway

68 St-Hunter College
0.14 miles
72 St
0.19 miles
77 St
0.3 miles
Lexington Av/63 St
0.41 miles

Citi Bike

3 Ave & E 71 St
0.06 miles
3 Ave & E 72 St
0.07 miles

Contact Agent

Contact Agent

Licensed As
Caroline A Bass
Associate Broker
License#:
10301202058
Company:
Corcoran
View this property on the company's website

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.

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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: 54021TH