A former speakeasy, The Devil Wears Prada house, and original home of Gilda's Club among New York's top townhouse listings

By CityRealty Staff | From Goldilocks Blocks Friday, May 5, 2023

Before a new class of apartment buildings and Rosario Candela's savvy marketing techniques made multi-family living the norm in New York City, the ultra-wealthy lived in ornate mansions. Nearly 100 years later, a certain class of buyer is embracing the idea of a single-family home in New York City. Some speculated that the pandemic would lead to single-family homes replacing apartments as the preferred dwelling type, but a certain class of buyer has long wanted to have a whole building to themselves.

Townhouses also come with a certain amount of responsibility that apartment-dwellers do not have to think about, but that is not enough to deter those who want the space, privacy, and cachet that even the most exclusive cooperative cannot provide. These homes also offer the opportunity to live in an iconic location, whether one of New York's official historic districts, an unofficial landmark, or a home featured onscreen – the townhouses featured in Moonstruck, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Undoing, to name but a few movies and shows, serve as characters as well as settings and convey important information about the characters who live there.

Everything you need to know about townhouse living in NYC

36 East 63rd Street, #NA
$60,000,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 15,875 ft²

36 East 63rd Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Perfectly situated on one of the most beautiful tree-lined blocks in the Upper East Side Historic District, this impressive 40-foot-wide Neo-Georgian mansion, which was designed as the prestigious Hanger Club, is one of the most important private residences in Manhattan. The stately limed oak paneled 400-square-foot gallery beyond continues into the center stair hallway, which boasts a remarkable original elliptical staircase. The southern wing of the first floor includes a study, a media/family room, a large breakfast room, and an enormous eat-in kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances. The main entertainment floor above features an exceptionally grand and massive living room with soaring ceilings and amazing architectural details. The third floor is devoted entirely to the enormous primary bedroom suite with double dressing rooms, a south facing sitting room with a fireplace and two oversized bathrooms along with exceptionally large custom-designed closets. The top level of the home has two massive landscaped roof terraces with open city views in every direction. The lower level of the home has a full-size screening room as well as a wine cellar, staff kitchen, exercise room, dedicated laundry room, and huge amounts of storage. See floor plan and full details here.

129 East 73rd Street, #TH
$27,500,000

Lenox Hill | Townhouse | 7 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 12,000 ft²

129 East 73rd Street (Coldwell Banker Homes)

From the Listing: This 22-foot wide, Neo-Italian Renaissance-style limestone and marble townhouse features approximately 12,000 square feet amid six stories with several outdoor spaces. Built in 1907 and renovated in 2005, its original details have been carefully honored with thoughtful woodworking and gracious architecture and interior design by Diamond Barrata, as well as refined contracting by Simply Elegant. The facade of this residence is marked by a central double door with a guilloche enframement, as well as an arched parlor floor loggia that frames three sets of French doors. Upon entry, a formal gallery features a marble fireplace, casual seating area, and a Murano chandelier. A spacious corridor includes a powder room and two sizeable coat closets and leads to a den wrapped in figured Anigre wood paneling. The eat-in kitchen features premium appliances from Sub-Zero and Viking, with a gingham-pattern marble floor underfoot. On the parlor floor, the stately living room sits at the top of the spiral staircase and is bathed in southern light with three arched French doors and ceiling heights up to 12 feet. A well-known address, this limestone masterpiece has been featured in several films and television programs, most notably as the home of Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada." See floor plan and full details here.

334 West 20th Street, #NA
$25,000,000

Chelsea | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 7,058 ft²

334 West 20th Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Presenting 334 West 20th Street, a 25-foot wide Greek Revival townhouse located in Chelsea's coveted historic district. Recently redesigned by AD100 firm Gachot, it spans over 7,000 square feet and boasts five floors of luxurious living with an elevator and four distinct private outdoor spaces. The parlor level ceilings soar over 11 feet, bolstered by luminous floor-to-ceiling windows and Chevron-patterned, wide-plank, white oak floors. Southern exposed, the living room is enriched by a wood-burning fireplace. Triple French doors open to a balcony and a staircase descends to the landscaped private garden. The gourmet kitchen is custom-designed by Gachot and features Imperial Danby marble, Absolute Black granite counters, a Lacanche Savigny range, Miele, Sub-Zero appliances, and custom Valli & Valli hardware. Above the parlor, the first level features three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms finished with Walker Zanger Bianco Dolomite marble floor tiles, custom vanities by Gachot, and Waterworks Highgate fixtures. Dedicated to the primary bedroom suite, the top floor exhibits a central entrance gallery, a custom mahogany wet bar and refrigerator, extensive luxury closets, and an oversized private terrace. See floor plan and full details here.

118 East 83rd Street, #NA
$25,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 7,600 ft²

118 East 83rd Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Originally built in 1908 as a private "motor car" carriage house and occupied by staff of the J.P. Morgan family, the house underwent a complete renovation and was reimagined as a stunning contemporary residence offering 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms and 4 half baths with multiple terraces including a sundrenched penthouse landscaped roof deck. The main entrance with a spacious gallery leads to the marvelously proportioned 42' x 25' "Great Room" with voluminous 14' ceilings, wood-burning fireplace and sundrenched skylights. This impressive room with multiple living spaces offers a sweeping view across the full depth of the home and is punctuated by a sunny formal dining room with original steel carriage house sliding doors. The dining room includes a serving kitchen which works in tandem with the full English basement kitchen one level below. The second floor is comprised of three bedrooms and two and a half baths plus a delightful rear roof deck off one of the bedrooms. The third floor primary bedroom suite with a gas fireplace and combined sitting area includes a luxuriously vast marble bath, steam shower, separate powder room and spacious dressing room. The top floor includes a sun-flooded glass-walled penthouse flanked seamlessly by two landscaped terraces, conducive for all manner of entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

84 Perry Street, #Building
$20,000,000

West Village | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 4,200 ft²

84 Perry Street, #Building (Coleman Real Estate Group)

From the Listing: Exceptionally tall and extraodinarily deep Italiante townhome on 95' lot with stunning southern views and light on the very best West Village block. This exceptionally tall mansion built 58' deep on a 95' deep lot renovated to include all modern conveniences but maintained so much of the gorgeous architectural detail. A double-height glass casement rear facade floods the home with south light from the most spectacular West Village specimen trees and consistent gardens on Charles Street. The parlor level's wide entry gallery and grand staircase welcome you to the home. A double deep living room with soaring 12' ceilings and floor-to-ceiling shuttered windows that look out onto treelined Perry Street. Double architectural pocket doors open into the south-facing sun-drenched family room that overlooks the breakfast room below off the kitchen and out to the home's deep lush garden, adjacent gardens and beyond with big unobstructed sky. The third Level offers an oversized primary bedroom, a second Bedroom and full bath, and a beautiful south-facing planted terrace capturing the spectacular view of adjacent townhouse gardens. The home also includes brand-new mechanicals including new central air conditioning and heat, state-of-the-art security system, and remote iPhone entry. See floor plan and full details here.

50 West 12th Street, #NA
$15,500,000

Greenwich Village | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,000 ft²

50 West 12th Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Built in 1854 in the Anglo-Italianate style and retaining much of its original detail, this 5-story single-family townhouse with elevator offers over 5,000 square feet of interior space with high ceilings, beautifully proportioned rooms, 5 wood-burning fireplaces, central air-conditioning, a private roof terrace and a deep south garden with a magical treehouse that is truly inspiring. Formerly home to musician David Byrne and currently owned by a renowned artist, this unique property exudes tremendous creative energy and offers a true haven from the hustle and bustle of city life. A short stoop with curved iron railings and double doors lead to a front reception room and a large south-facing artist studio with an impressive casement window overlooking the garden. An elegant curved staircase with statue niches and the original mahogany bannister lead up to the magnificent Parlor floor with 14-foot ceilings, intricate plaster crown moldings and two working fireplaces with ornate marble mantels. Continue up the stairs to find two generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

326 West 80th Street, #House
$13,995,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 8,800 ft²

326 West 80th Street, #House (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: A Steven Harris Architects & Rees Roberts + Partners gut-renovation restored original details conceived by illustrious 19th-century architect Clarence True. A richness of detail and variety of textures and hues, with restored original woodwork, wainscoting and stained-glass windows harmonizes with custom contemporary elements. Enter through the double glass doors to a gallery with stone fireplace, stately oak wainscoting, limestone flooring and rear façade of steel-framed casement windows. The living room features smoked oak floors in a herringbone-pattern (which run throughout the home), marble-surround fireplace, Juliet balcony and 55-inch LCD-enhanced Séura television mirror. Adjacent is a sunny eat-in kitchen featuring a stylish leathered Jurassic Brown Stone island with counter seating, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, Miele oven and cooktop with grill, full-size Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, and windowed scullery. The third floor primary suite includes a sitting room with fireplace and lovely light, 2 ample walk-in closets, and a luxurious bath with private water closet, Corian soaking tub in a glamorous mirrored bay, two vanities, walk-in shower with multiple showerheads, radiant-heated floors, and true-divided light switchable privacy glass windows. See floor plan and full details here.

195 West Houston Street, #TH
$9,500,000

Greenwich Village | Townhouse | 11,332 ft²

195 West Houston Street, #TH (Coldwell Banker Homes)

From the Listing: The property is a four-story boutique office building with elevator located in the heart of Greenwich Village. Currently occupied by the Red Door Community, the property currently functions as a supportive community space, as well as for administrative and event use. Zoning allows for residential redevelopment or to continue in its current preexisting non-conforming use. The property could be delivered vacant and is not located in the historic district, making it ideal for residential, commercial or non-for profit end users alike. See full details here.

568 1st Street, #Building
$8,900,000

Park Slope | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 5,777 ft²

568 1st Street, #Building (Compass)

From the Listing: No detail was overlooked in the reconfiguration and design of this 5,770-square-foot, five-story estate on Park Slope's most desirable block. The foyer, with de Gournay wallpaper and groutless zellige tiles, serves as a perfect amuse bouche for the exciting designs within. The original pier mirror and dramatic curved staircase make for an impressive entry. This level contains four grand spaces, each more sensational than the last: a living room in the front, a bar/music room, a dining room with gorgeous wallpaper, lacquered wainscoting, and a fireplace wrapped in Fior di Pesco marble, and a dream dine-in kitchen. The floor above the parlor offers two rooms completely redesigned with gorgeous, saturated color and built-ins. The primary floor was reconfigured to house a dream dressing room and stunning bathroom with Artistic Tile glass mosaic floors, burl vanity, a soaking tub, a separate double shower and water closet behind custom nickel and fluted glass doors. The English basement has been completely reconfigured to become a beautiful and versatile space. See floor plan and full details here.

19 West 87th Street, #NA
$7,850,000

Central Park West | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 7,000 ft²

19 West 87th Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Extraordinary beauty and an exceptional value of approximately 7,000 finished interior square feet: sun-drenched, gracious, and grand, this extraordinary 5-story, 20' wide Central Park block townhouse offers the elegance and scale of late 19th/early 20th century architecture renovated by top architect Oliver Cope and imbued with modern luxuries and comforts as well as lovely and landscaped outdoor space. This beautiful brownstone is currently configured with 5 floors + renovated cellar, 7+ bedrooms, 5 full baths and 2 powder rooms, full primary suite floor, garden level with den and huge yoga studio/gym, and a renovated basement floor set up as a recreation room with temperature-controlled wine cellar. See floor plan and full details here.

36 Schermerhorn Street, #House
$7,350,000

Brooklyn Heights | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,400 ft²

36 Schermerhorn Street, #House (Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc)

From the Listing: Renowned architect and designer Elizabeth Roberts just completed a full gut renovation and expansion of this incredible home. Features include five bedrooms, four and one-half bathrooms, a full-floor primary suite with a terrace, a roof deck, and excellent ceiling heights on all floors. The massive, open-layout chef's kitchen sits in the rear parlor and overlooks the landscaped garden through a glass curtain wall. The parlor floor is a buyer's dream - kitchen, living, and dining, all seamlessly connected but clearly defined. Unobstructed southern light brightens every floor and the attention to detail in every finish is evident from the front door to the top floor. The primary suite has a private terrace, seemingly endless custom closets, and a private office with a charming treetop view over Schermerhorn Street. See floor plan and full details here.

333 East 51st Street, #NA
$6,900,000

Midtown East | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 5,322 ft²

333 East 51st Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This grand four-story townhouse in prime Turtle Bay embodies exceptional elegance, with gracious living space and exquisite features throughout. Stunning moldings and millwork, rich wood floors, airy architectural ceilings, a handsome fireplace with marble hearth, and refined modern finishes adorn the sophisticated 5,322+/- square-foot interiors and create an incomparable upscale ambience. Entertaining is divine on the generous parlor floor, presenting a fireside living room with voluminous 16' ceilings, and an arched opening leading seamlessly to the formal dining room. Beyond is a fabulous top-of-the-line kitchen tailored to the chef. A glass door opens to a winding staircase leading down to the tranquil 572-square-foot private garden, where you can sip coffee or cocktails and enjoy alfresco dining. A story above houses the luxurious primary bedroom, distinguished by a magnificent recessed ceiling with wood and glass accents, gorgeous custom panels, two huge outfitted walk-in closets, a private office, and spa-inspired full bath. See floor plan and full details here.

415 East 50th Street, #NA
$6,750,000

Midtown West | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,567 ft²

415 East 50th Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Rare offering in the hidden oasis of Beekman Place. 415 East 50th Street is a beautifully designed and meticulously renovated, four-story plus basement home of approximately 3,700 square feet (4,567 square feet including basement), set on a quiet, Beekman Place area block. Upstairs is the grand living room with an 11'5" ceiling accentuated by the original, dramatic crown moldings and three stunning, south-facing mahogany windows graced by the restored, original shutters. It has a beautifully designed library/family room with gas fireplace and built-in wet bar, and five bedrooms with 9'5" ceilings. The ground floor, with radiant heating throughout, has a beautiful formal dining room enhanced by a wall of bookcases and gas fireplace. It has a large, chef's windowed eat-in kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a pantry, and a powder room. Lastly, you will discover a stunning garden room (screened in during the summer but enclosed with a wall of windows during the winter) which opens into the lushly planted 39' deep garden with its magnificent, 120-year-old magnolia tree. Julie Harris, the actress, once owned this home. See floor plan and full details here.

1346 Lexington Avenue, #House
$3,999,900

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,072 ft²

1346 Lexington Avenue, #House (Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc)

From the Listing: 1346 Lexington Avenue is a beautifully renovated, single-family, Renaissance Revival-style townhouse designed by the renowned Plaza Hotel architect Henry J. Hardenbergh in 1889. Features of the home include four bedrooms, a chef's kitchen with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, a formal dining room, a spacious living room, three full baths and two powder rooms, five fireplaces (four converted to gas), a full basement, a finished landscaped roof deck, and east/west exposure providing abundant natural light at all hours of the day. The home is situated in the charming Carnegie Hill neighborhood. See floor plan and full details here.

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #Building
$3,995,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,944 ft²

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #Building (Compass)

From the Listing: Located in the historic district of Sugar Hill, 850 St. Nicholas has been meticulously renovated with care and sophistication, featuring original elements preserved throughout the home. Every detail was considered as this remarkable home, which once housed a speakeasy during Prohibition, was updated with attention given to maintaining its charm, character, and history. One of two private outdoor spaces, the roof has been transformed into a garden oasis in the middle of New York City with spectacular views in every direction and a self-irrigating system that makes maintenance easy. Central air conditioning has been installed throughout the house allowing the windows to remain unobstructed and light to fill every floor. The combination of radiant-heated floors and wood-burning fireplaces, make this home cozy and warm during even the most chilling winter nights. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

Everything you need to know about townhouse living in NYC

36 East 63rd Street, #NA
$60,000,000

129 East 73rd Street, #TH
$27,500,000

334 West 20th Street, #NA
$25,000,000

118 East 83rd Street, #NA
$25,000,000

84 Perry Street, #Building
$20,000,000

50 West 12th Street, #NA
$15,500,000

326 West 80th Street, #House
$13,995,000

195 West Houston Street, #TH
$9,500,000

568 1st Street, #Building
$8,900,000

19 West 87th Street, #NA
$7,850,000

36 Schermerhorn Street, #House
$7,350,000

333 East 51st Street, #NA
$6,900,000

415 East 50th Street, #NA
$6,750,000

1346 Lexington Avenue, #House
$3,999,900

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #Building
$3,995,000

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