51 W 81st Street #12G
MLS® #RLS20040126
Listing by Compass
1
Bedroom
1
Bath
500
Sq. Ft.
1905
Year Built
Quick Summary
Property Highlights
- Exposure: South facing
- Climate Control: Wall Units
- Character: Pre-war building (1905)
Property Details
Description
STUDIO STUNNER ?w/14-FOOT CEILINGS DESIGNED BY KELLY G JUNIOR 1BR w/MAJESTIC MUSEUM PARK & CITY VIEWS PRISTINE PIED A TERRE - ONE-OF-A-KIND & WONDERFUL Quality like this in a studio home is rare, and is always a valuable choice. The owner of this supremely unique, beautiful, Museum Park-facing home chose this voluminous space because of its unique scale, view, and history. Formerly part of an historical ballroom, the owner envisioned a high-floor, one-of-a-kind, trophy home with world-class views in a prime location — a home that would give her the grand intimacy she dreamed of — a magical pied a terre. To create her dream space, the owner engaged the very talented and established designer, Kelly Giesen of Kelly G Design. From the moment you enter this magnificent home, you'll know that you are in an exquisite residence. Dramatically situated on the prized, penultimate level of its 1905 building, this masterpiece boasts rare, 14-foot high ceilings and gorgeous, South-facing, sun-splashed, dramatic Museum Park and skyline views from its oversized windows. Although everything inside this feel-good home looks as if it has been here for a century or more, the architectural elements were individually curated by the designer specifically for this renovation. Repurposed treasures include antique doors, mirrors, hardware, and so much more. By mixing old and new, this magical space seamlessly merges history with modern sensibility. The entry opens to a sweet foyer, a space made grand by design and graced by a deep, tall, custom hall closet with extra tall door. This fine foyer is a graceful transition to the residential bliss that lies ahead. The custom focal points of the comfortable Living Room are the soaring, 14-foot high ceilings and the magical open views. This vibrant, dramatic, comfortable space — like the rest of this trophy home — boasts herringbone White Oak floors and real plaster moldings cast from vintage molds. (Some of the old ballroom’s original moldings are still intact here.). The gorgeous kitchen is open and adjacent to the living space, and is perfectly poised for entertaining. Its painted cabinetry, custom milled to house the owner's extensive collection of vintage china and crystal, conceals many of its under-counter appliances from view. (Try and find the top-tier appliances by Big Chill, Bosch and Subzero.) The polished Neolith Calcutta Gold countertop and backsplash offer the sophisticated look of a vintage butler's pantry, and beautifully serve this bespoke home's artisanal spirit. A custom and comfy king-sized wall bed creates an instant bedroom — with a night view to remember: the twinkling lights of the NYC skyline sparkle gorgeously beyond the foot of the bed. With its handsome integrated cabinetry, the big bed gracefully and graciously tucks away — creating a more expansive living area by day. The over-scaled marble bathroom is a dream. With its beaming clerestory windows, custom console sink, signature mosaic floor, super-high ceilings, jumbo custom marble shower with dual shower heads, its top of the line fixtures, and its thermostatic controls, this spa bathroom -- like the rest of this residence -- comes with bragging rights. This extraordinary home's lighting is controlled throughout by Lutron switches. Supremely situated in a terrifically run, pet-friendly, full service building - The Galaxy - offering its residents one of our city's premiere planted roof deck's with five-star city and park views, and a perfect location right in front of beautiful Museum Park and the Museum of Natural History, this home is conveniently located on one of Manhattan's most celebrated blocks. Premiere shopping and dining destinations are at your doorstep, and easy transportation options abound. (HAPPY NOTE: Galaxy shareholders own their building's coveted commercial spaces - a rare financial advantage for the cooperative.)
Features & Amenities
Interior Features
Building Amenities
Appliances
Building Information
Financial Details
About Upper West Side
View All Upper West Side ListingsThe Upper West Side (UWS) is celebrated for its cultural richness and architectural grandeur. Nestled between Central Park and Riverside Park, the neighborhood provides an unparalleled connection to nature within the urban grid. Residents enjoy easy access to Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and a vibrant culinary scene. The real estate landscape is famous for its historic brownstones and iconic 'white-glove' apartment buildings along Central Park West and Riverside Drive.
Upper West Side Live Market Data
View NeighborhoodActive Listings
529
Median Asking Price
$1.60M
Median $/Sqft
$1,565
Avg Days on Market
N/A
New This Week
20
Price Reduced
23%
Sold (30 Days)
83
Median Sale Price
$1.59M
Live data from RLS at REBNY • Updated 3/26/26, 1:39 PM EST
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Location
51 W 81st Street #12G, Upper West Side, New York County
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Listing Courtesy of Compass - Brian K Lewis
Listing Contact: (646) 228-7241
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RLS Data display by Keller Williams NYC. Data last updated on 3/26/2026 at 5:39 PM UTC