Historic 1880 townhouse on coveted East 71st Street with storied past including Mayor Koch's inaugurations. Grand 20-foot wide residence features 6 bedrooms, soaring ceilings, and exceptional entertaining spaces with landscaped garden.
Built in 1880, 159 East 71st Street is a distinguished four story townhouse situated on one of the Upper East Side's most coveted blocks, just steps from where the iconic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was shot. This 20 foot wide single family residence carries significant historical weight, having once been owned by acclaimed pianist and band leader Peter Duchin, who was renowned for hosting spectacular parties at the property. The townhouse also holds the unique distinction of being the site of Mayor Koch's inauguration ceremonies twice, cementing its place in New York political history.
The property comprises 11 rooms across its four floors, including six bedrooms, a maid's room, five full bathrooms, and one powder room. The garden level features a spacious eat in kitchen that flows into an open living and dining area, which provides direct access to a generously sized landscaped garden. The parlor floor showcases the home's grandest entertaining spaces with soaring 14 foot ceilings, an expansive living room, and an elegant wood paneled library that overlooks the garden below, complemented by a wet bar and powder room for seamless hosting.
The upper floors are thoughtfully designed for both privacy and comfort. The third floor houses the primary bedroom suite, which features three large south facing windows with tree views, a spacious dressing area with abundant closet space, and an ensuite bathroom, alongside an additional bedroom or office with its own ensuite. The fourth floor accommodates four additional bedrooms and two bathrooms, making the residence ideal for large families or those requiring multiple guest accommodations.
The townhouse maintains its original architectural charm while offering modern functionality, with abundant natural light throughout and refined details that reflect its 19th century heritage. Current owners have successfully entertained over 100 guests in the gracious spaces, demonstrating the home's continued relevance as a premier entertaining venue. The property is currently available for lease at $32,000 per month, positioning it among the Upper East Side's most exclusive residential offerings in a neighborhood renowned for its proximity to world class museums, exceptional dining, and prestigious schools.
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