55 W 85th Street

An extraordinary opportunity to make this historic Queen Anne-style townhouse entirely your own, on one of the most prime and beloved blocks on the Upper West Side. Built in 1887–1888 and held by the same family since 1969, 55 W 85th Street comes to market for the first time in more than half a century. Spanning approximately 5,000 square feet with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, this 17.5-foot-wide home maintains its original architectural details and prewar charm, including seven woodburning fireplaces, ready for the next owner to restore and re-imagine this remarkable home to their own vision. Entering on the parlor floor, a handsome dark-wood turning staircase makes a striking first impression, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. A south-facing library is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and features a dramatic round-arched window set within rich wood paneling. In the rear of the home, the formal living room, also with woodburning fireplace, overlooks the private courtyard, and an elevator connects the parlor floor to the garden level below. 11-ft ceilings and original basketweave parquet floors framed by inlaid borders accent this elegant parlor floor. The garden level, with almost 9-ft ceilings, includes a lovely media room, with a bay window and direct access to the courtyard. Facing north, the courtyard extends the home outdoors, inviting seamless indoor-outdoor living and entertaining while offering a quiet retreat from the city. The large studio at the front of the home offers a flexible space that can be configured to suit your needs. The third level is positioned for gracious entertaining. The grand south-facing dining room sits at the front of the house, and the charming eat-in kitchen overlooks the courtyard, both featuring additional woodburning fireplaces. A butler’s pantry, laundry and a well-placed powder room round out this floor. The fourth floor is home to the south-facing primary bedroom with ensuite bathroom. An additional bedroom/study with fireplace and ensuite bathroom completes this level. On the fifth floor, there are three more bedrooms and a bathroom. An original stained-glass skylight crowns the floor, bringing in natural light and adding a distinctive period touch. Set on West 85th Street just off Central Park West, the home is half a block from Central Park, along with some of the Upper West Side’s beloved restaurants, shops, cultural institutions, and public transportation. Townhomes change hands on the Upper West Side every year. Very few have waited more than fifty years for their next chapter.