The Block House on New York City’s Upper East Side reflects the elegance of a bygone era when bespoke craftsmanship and meticulous details created an air of refinement and sophistication. This five-story, 22-foot-wide Lenox Hill showplace preserves this historic grandeur for the enjoyment of its next generation of discerning residents.
Featuring more than 22 gracious rooms, including eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and two powder rooms, this exquisite residence welcomes both luxurious entertaining and quiet relaxation within its storied interiors. Arrive via a classic high-stoop entry to find a majestic marble entrance and reception hall flanked by dramatic Corinthian columns.
Thirteen-foot-tall “wedding cake” ceilings underscore the impressive scale of the 10800-square-foot estate while carved panels and medallions, period chandeliers and sconces, and herringbone floors add style at every turn.
The grand central staircase trimmed in bronze handrails whisks visitors upstairs where inviting living and dining rooms are connected by walnut pocket doors and a corridor flanked in chestnut and mirrored walls.
Upper floors are filled with bedrooms of unprecedented size, plus ample bathrooms and a kitchen.
Seven fireplaces with stately mantelpieces add soft illumination and warmth throughout, Charming lunette windows top doorways allowing light to roam unimpeded. There is a working elevator and a service staircase between the parlor and upper level.
The townhouse features a safe room, an up-to-date sprinkler system and a secret cellar, and the large terrace can easily be converted to a winter garden for year-round enjoyment.
Built in 1881 as a Victorian-era brownstone, the home was thoroughly remodeled by Henry Herts in 1906. Herts expanded the house to five stories and refashioned the façade in limestone adding Beaux-Arts and neo-Classical elements. Occupied by many of New York’s most notable families and once hosted Grace Kelly.
This home is listed for $28 million by Miky Bonazzoli and Sebastiano Tronchetti Provera of Compass. The agents are also offering a white Hummer as a closing gift.
Photos courtesy of Compass
