163 E 78th Street

At 36 feet in width, 163 East 78th Street comprises a sublime house and divine garden perfectly attuned to today’s lifestyle. Its width, aside from imparting a delightful, horizontal sensibility (rare in a townhouse), ensures that each level functions as a true and purposeful destination. This extremely attractive red brick four-story townhouse is ideally located on an idyllic tree-lined street on the Upper East Side. Built in 1899 in the Italianate style by Henry Armstrong, the Elinor S. Gimbel House is blessed with fantastically tall French windows on the parlor and third floor. Most extraordinarily, the magnificent Garden 38’ x 36, is a true retreat, with brick walls, beautiful trees and plantings. From its gated front garden entry, the large Gallery opens to a welcoming triumvirate of rooms designed for casually elegant living: a square Dining Room with a wood-burning fireplace which leads to a 23’ Sitting Room. Nearby, a chef’s Kitchen finished with black marble, state-of-the-art appliances and crisp white custom cabinets boasts a large center island and complements the sleek contemporary vernacular of the downstairs rooms. The Sitting Room and Kitchen both have lovely outlooks of and access the spectacular 36’ x 38’ Garden and Terrace. Truly an oasis, the brick-walled garden is immense and planted with mature trees. The garden level is completed by a large mud room, a convenient Powder Room, and a Staff Room with a full bathroom. Above, the elegant Parlor Level lends itself perfectly to exquisite entertaining. Graced by six sets of south-facing French doors and 35 feet in length, the extraordinary Living Room is flooded with light and anchored by a wood-burning fireplace. Adjacent, a graceful, square Library also has a wood-burning fireplace and overlooks the Terrace and Garden. The Formal Dining Room accesses the large 25-foot Terrace and is supported by a Wet Bar. Throughout, there are soaring 10+ foot ceilings and gorgeous herringbone floors. The private quarters occupy the Third and Fourth Levels. On the Third Floor, the south-facing Primary Bedroom has floor-to ceiling French doors with serene leafy outlooks onto East 78th Street and a wood-burning fireplace. There are very ample closets and a spacious bathroom finished in grey marble and featuring a soaking tub and separate shower. Nearby, a convenient Office or Sitting Room features a wood-burning fireplace and pretty outlooks of the Garden. This level features one additional Bedroom with a large bathroom and adjoining Dressing Room. On the Fourth Level, there are three additional Bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and a large Recreation Room or Playroom. The finished basement level features designated areas for wine storage, laundry, mechanicals, and storage, as well as a Powder Room. Throughout, herringbone hardwood floors, custom millwork, and high ceilings underpin a comfort and elegance that extend to every detail. Rare and unique, this elegant and extraordinary home with its magnificent proportions and lush Garden and Terraces, is townhouse living at its finest.