$12,500,000

44 East 81st Street presents a rare opportunity to acquire an architecturally significant, exceptionally tall 20-foot-wide one-unit townhouse on one of the Upper East Side's most distinguished residential blocks, ideally positioned between Park and Madison Avenues.Its commanding red-brick facade, articulated with substantial limestone detailing, gives the residence an unusually handsome… Read More and distinguished street presence. The combination of width, height, architectural character and scale immediately sets the house apart from more conventional Upper East Side townhouses.Spanning approximately 5,760 square feet of interior living space across five stories, with an additional cellar and approximately 764 square feet of outdoor space, the residence offers exceptional volume and flexibility. The existing layout includes six bedrooms plus an office, five full baths and two powder rooms, together with an elevator, and a beautifully proportioned sequence of formal and private rooms.One of the house's defining qualities is its remarkable vertical scale. Notably high ceilings extend throughout the five principal floors, creating an extraordinary sense of volume, light and grandeur rarely found even among substantial Manhattan townhouses. Original architectural details include handsome wood paneling, intricate moldings, multiple fireplaces and beautifully proportioned rooms that reflect the craftsmanship and residential elegance of an earlier era.The parlor level is particularly impressive, with expansive living and reception rooms, dramatic ceiling heights and a glass-enclosed sunroom overlooking the rear garden. Generous windows throughout the residence bring in natural light while preserving the intimacy, privacy and sense of permanence associated with a classic Manhattan townhouse.The upper floors continue the same sense of scale, offering generously proportioned bedrooms and substantial private living spaces. The primary suite includes a large dressing area with custom built-ins, a fireplace and French doors opening to a Juliet balcony. Additional bedrooms, dedicated office space and abundant storage provide considerable flexibility for a variety of lifestyles and uses.The south-facing private garden is another defining feature. Established greenery and established greenery create a secluded urban sanctuary, while a glass-enclosed garden room opens toward the outdoor space. A spiral stair connects the upper terrace to the landscaped courtyard below, creating a layered indoor-outdoor environment that is particularly rare in the heart of Manhattan.Located just moments from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Museum Mile and Madison Avenue, 44 East 81st Street occupies an exceptional position within one of Manhattan's most culturally rich and enduring residential neighborhoods, surrounded by world-class museums, restaurants, boutiques and architecture.Offered in its current condition, the residence presents a singular opportunity to create a highly personalized Upper East Side home while preserving the extraordinary width, height, proportions, architectural character and presence that make 44 East 81st Street so distinctive.The property may also offer meaningful unused development rights, providing the next owner with additional flexibility to expand or further reimagine the residence, subject to confirmation by the purchaser's architect and all applicable zoning, building and landmark approvals. Read Less

Listing Courtesy of: Michael C Graves, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Listing Snapshot

Days Online

Last Updated

Sep 20, 2026

Property Type

SingleFamilyResidence

Beds

Full Baths

Partial Baths

Square Ft.

5,760

Year Built

1901

MLS Number

RLS20115265

Additional Details

Appliances & Equipment

WasherDryerAllowed

Building

Built in 1901, Living area: 5760.0, Living area units: SquareFeet, 5 stories, Entry level: 1

Exterior Features

Patio/Porch Features: None, Garden, PrivateOutdoorSpaceOver60Sqft

Fireplaces

7 fireplaces, Bedroom, Library

Interior Features

SmokeFree

Laundry

BuildingOther, InUnit

Lot

Dimensions: 103.00x20.00

Pets Policy

Allowed: BuildingYes, No

Pool

BuildingNone

Taxes

Parcel Number: 1492-0045, Annual Amount: $150,540, Tax Block: 01492, Lot: 0045

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