158 E 81st Street

Quintessential New York City townhouse luxury awaits in this stunningly renovated six-bedroom, six-and-half-bathroom home on one of the Upper East Side's best blocks.

Masterfully designed by AD100's Markham Roberts to accommodate gracious entertaining and peaceful daily life, this 20-foot-wide home features a flexible, modern layout where original details combine beautifully with contemporary updates. Wide-plank hardwood floors lie beneath soaring ceilings while tall art walls and windows boast lavish coverings. Stately wood-burning fireplaces and chic designer lighting provide soft illumination and drama.

Arrive through an inviting vestibule and foyer to take in lovely cerulean blue details that act as a consistent, whimsical design theme throughout the home. The sunny eat-in kitchen and large butler's pantry contribute to lively entertaining with glass-front cabinetry, marble counters and a full suite of stainless steel appliances, including a Bertazzoni range, triple ovens, dishwasher, wine refrigerator and built-in microwave. Enjoy casual dining at the kitchen window banquette, or head to the formal dining room to find delightful window seats and a marble fireplace. Just outside, the south-facing fairy tale 45-foot sun-filled garden makes outdoor lounging and al fresco entertaining irresistible.

On the second floor, a large living room with 11-foot ceilings is centered on an impressive fireplace while tall windows with original concealed shutters frame views of the peaceful street below. The master suite on this level invites the sweetest of dreams with its backyard vistas, handsome built-ins, and an additional fire place. A custom walk-in closet attends to wardrobe needs, and the en suite bath features a large shower and double vanity.

On the third floor are two more bedroom suites, each with a private bath. There is an additional bedroom/study, and rows of closets add extensive storage in the hallway. The fourth floor includes a beautiful office, a bedroom suite with an adjoining bathroom, and the final bedroom suite where concealed pocket doors reveal a large media room with a skylight and a private bath.

The newly installed HVAC system includes five independent zones for optimal year-round comfort, and the large basement level features a full bathroom and a huge laundry room with two sets of Miele washer-dryers. A well-maintained Neo-Grec brownstone facade and charming garden forecourt add abundant curb appeal to this enchanting townhouse residence, which is regularly photographed and recognized for its beautiful plantings.

This fine home is located on a gorgeous tree-lined block that delivers inconspicuous celebrity appeal and residential tranquility. There are only six houses on this side of the street, three of which are exceptionally large, creating a unique and remarkable series of gardens in the back. The trees, plantings and birds give the sense of having been transported to a bucolic haven. Neighbors are friendly and welcoming, and they take immense pride in maintaining the unrivaled Upper East Side streetscape. Uptown convenience surrounds the home with easy access to great shopping, dining and transportation. Enjoy world-famous works of art at nearby galleries, Museum Mile and world-class outdoor space in Central Park and the East River promenade, each just a few blocks away.

Positioned outside local historic districts, this home also offers significant available FAR and the ability to repurpose the property as desired. Recently renovated with tremendous attention to detail and charm, this house is not to be missed. Owner/Broker.