Sumptuous Federal-style Upper East Side home wants $17M

There’s no shortage of beautiful, historic, and expensive townhouses on the Upper East Side—but this neo-Federal home from the 19th century that just hit the market, asking $16.95 million, has several unique features, including its huge living room.

The five-story, 6,975-square-foot townhouse has eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms, three powder rooms, a large garden, two terraces, and a living room that occupies almost the entire parlor floor. It also has an elevator, a gallery space, a library, and a recreation room.

The home has a lovely facade outfitted in Flemish bond red brick. Inside, there are multiple fireplaces, a floating spiral staircase, a wood-paneled library, an elegant floral wallpaper in its dining room, and wood cabinetry in its kitchen.

It was built between 1878 and 1879 as part of a row of brownstones designed by Griffith Thomas, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report says. It was significantly altered in 1917 by Murphy & Dana for lawyer and activist Amos Pinchot. And, most recently, in 2014, the house was renovated by architect Peter Pennoyer in collaboration with landscape architect Madison Cox. Architect Sharon Davis bought the home that year for $22 million, according to city records. It last listed in 2018, asking $19.95 million.

Located at 9 East 81st Street, between Madison and Fifth avenues, the home is mere steps from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum.

Taxes for the property are $5,639/month. Wendy N. Arriz and Sophie Harris of Warburg Realty have the listing.