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Along one of the storied streets of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, this stately five-bedroom townhouse stands as a stalwart example of the traditions and regal refinement for which its historic neighborhood is known and beloved. Spanning an impressive five levels, the 8,310-square-foot interiors conjure the elegance of a bygone era, with richly hued hardwood floors, classical wall treatments, detailed moldings and millwork, mullioned windows, and warming wood-burning fireplaces. Modern amenities are in no short supply, of course, including a security system, multizone central air conditioning, and an elevator offering effortless access to all five floors.

New York, New York | Kathryn Steinberg & Armin B. AllenSotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Anchoring the residence is a spectacularly dramatic staircase that spirals from the entry gallery through the home’s core. At the apex of the spiral is an outsize skylight, from which light flows and spreads, illuminating each level.

On the main level, the colorful, charming kitchen is also outfitted for serious culinary pursuits, with top-tier appliances in discreet hues as well as rugged stainless-steel. In a configuration perfect for grand festivities, a butler’s kitchen and bar adjoins the unique double-height dining room, which features bookshelves and French doors, through which it gives way in easy, breezy fashion to the enviable garden courtyard, perfectly designed for alfresco meals and relaxation in the fresh air.

The stairs progress dramatically upward, to the formal living room—the epitome of classical elegance with its fireplace, lacquered walls, Georgian moldings, and tall windows with a view of the street. Steps away is a convenient wet bar. The warm, welcoming library—appropriately replete with bookshelves—overlooks the dining room below via an iron-and-brass-ringed atrium and is topped by yet another majestic skylight. A wall of windows admits lovely light and gazes out over the garden.

Refined and inviting, the owner’s suite occupies the building’s entire third floor. It consists of a peaceful, spacious bedroom; two luxurious baths; and a dressing area comprised of three generous walk-in closets. Two guest suites—beautifully appointed and including ample closets—are secluded on the fourth level, while the fifth level provides more versatility. Offering a bedroom and sitting room, a bath, an office, plentiful storage—including a walk-in closet—and a thoughtful kitchen, it would make an ideal guest suite, affording visitors consummate privacy.

Accessed via a discreet auxiliary stairway in the kitchen, the home’s lowermost level has been painstakingly renovated to feature a large laundry area, a bedroom and bath, and storage space—along with two spaces considered practically de rigueur in the finest contemporary homes: a gym and a wine room.

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