The Charles House,
40 East 78th Street

Overview of The Charles House at 40 East 78th Street

The Charles House at 40 East 78th Street is a 16 story, 103 unit condominium built in 1956 and converted in 1986, occupying an entire block front on Madison Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets. The white and gray brick building stands out architecturally with its indented second story that creates a visual lift effect and recessed central façade that reduces the building's perceived mass. The building gained retail prominence in the late 1990s when it secured Missoni as a tenant for a glamorous two story flagship store at the 78th Street corner, marking a significant northward expansion for the luxury fashion house.

Residences range from a 709 square foot studio to spacious 4-bedroom apartments, many featuring recent high-end renovations with premium appliances from Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele, and Gaggenau. Common apartment features include hardwood floors, oversized windows, abundant storage, and luxury bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. Several units offer Central Park views and private terraces, while some of the more recent renovations include smart home systems and surround sound. The building's corner location provides many apartments with multiple exposures and treetop views over quiet 78th Street.

The Charles House operates as a full service, white-glove condominium with 24 hour doorman service, live-in superintendent, and recently renovated lobby and common areas. Building amenities include a landscaped roof deck with unobstructed Central Park and Manhattan skyline views, fitness center, parking garage, bike storage, and private storage units. The building welcomes pets, pied-à-terres, and investors, making it particularly attractive to a diverse ownership base.

The location is considered prime Upper East Side real estate, situated one block from Central Park and walking distance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum, and Madison Avenue's luxury shopping corridor. The neighborhood offers excellent schools including P.S. 6, fine dining establishments, art galleries, and convenient transportation via the 77th Street subway station and cross-town bus service on 79th Street.