This handsome neo-Federal brick and limestone-trimmed townhouse was built in 1878 by the brother/sister team of Richard Arnold and Henrietta Constable and is part of the history of Manhattan. The family’s architect, Griffith Thomas, designed the house as well as Caroline Astor’s house at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. In 1916, Amos R. E. Pinchot bought the house and retained the firm of Murphy & Dana to create the existing neo-Federal facade.
The current exterior and interior renovations were done by esteemed architect Peter Pennoyer in partnership with the internationally renowned landscape architect, Madison Cox.
With five stories and a width of approximately 20 feet, the elevatored house contains 6,150 square feet, elegant entertaining rooms, five-plus bedrooms, and a wonderfully lush garden. The location is steps from Fifth Avenue and on a beautiful block of other architecturally important townhouses. The entry foyer leads to a square gallery with a free-floating circular staircase which creates a lovely space for displaying art and sculpture. The large formal dining room has enchanting handpainted Chinese wallpaper and three French doors opening into a wonderfully landscaped garden. There is a large eat-in gourmet kitchen and a serving pantry.
The second floor has a 41.5-foot-long open living room with 12-foot ceilings and uncluttered walls. A large paneled library creates a more intimate environment and opens through French doors onto a nice size planted terrace. For entertaining, there is a spacious wet bar and pantry with mahogany cabinetry and a powder room.
The third floor is entirely devoted to a master suite, which comprises a large, south-facing bedroom with wonderful light. The fourth floor has two bedrooms with ensuite baths and large walk-in closets. There is also another room that may be used as a single bedroom or office with bathroom access. The fifth floor also has two bedrooms and an additional bonus room as well as another kitchen.
This stately home is listed for $19.95 million with Stribling & Associates, an affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International®.
