Architect’s revamped 19th-century Upper East Side mansion seeks $20M

Located less than a block away from Central Park and the Met Museum on the Upper East Side on East 81st Street is this huge neo-Federal brick and limestone mansion that spans 6,150 square feet and dates back to 1878, when it was designed by architect Griffith Thomas. The five-story home has been owned by architect Sharon Davis since 2014 and is now on the market, asking a whopping $19.95 million.

According to the listing description. the house was once “erroneously reported” to have a ballroom that could accommodate 400 people, and while that may not be the case, there is still a lot more to be impressed with here. It’s been revamped by architect Peter Pennoyer, along with landscape architect Madison Cox.

Upon entering on the ground floor, one of the things you’ll notice is the “free-floating circular staircase” that there’s as an alternative to the elevator that traverses through the home. There is an eat-in kitchen with an abundance of wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a separate serving pantry. The ornate dining room has been given a fireplace and leads to the backyard garden.

On the parlor floor, there is a huge living room that comes with 12-foot ceilings and is situated near a paneled library with French doors, a wet bar, and a terrace. The master suite encompasses the entirety of the third floor and includes a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in closet, a dressing room with a fireplace of its own, and a sizable terrace.

On the fourth and fifth floors, you’ll finder the remainder of the home’s five bedrooms, three more fireplaces, two offices, plenty of smaller closets, and a laundry room/kitchenette. There’s also a full basement with more storage space (of course), room for an exercise or media area, and a half bathroom (one of about five within the home).

• Listing: 9 East 81st Street [Stribling]