A rare chance to own one of New York City's last truly remarkable, architecturally significant townhouses. Rich with history and character, this Gramercy Park gem stands out as one of the most storied private residences in the country. The home's origins are as unique...
A rare chance to own one of New York City's last truly remarkable, architecturally significant townhouses. Rich with history and character, this Gramercy Park gem stands out as one of the most storied private residences in the country. The home's origins are as unique as its design. First built in 17th-century Amsterdam by affluent Dutch owners, it was carefully dismantled and shipped to Manhattan in 1845, initially finding a home on the Upper West Side. In 1910, it was moved once again, this time to its current location, where it was reimagined by celebrated English architect Frederick J. Sterner. Commissioned by sugar magnate Joseph B. Thomas, the home became known as the Joseph B. Thomas House. Since then, it has remained strikingly intact, most recently owned by a world-famous fashion designer and philanthropist. For decades, it hosted iconic parties and served as a creative salon for some of society's most influential women. The exterior is a dramatic showcase of Gothic Revival style, with bold stained-glass windows on every level, intricate stone detailing, and a distinctive, storybook roofline. Massive carved wooden doors open into nearly 7,000 square feet across four floors plus a mezzanine, offering both grandeur and a sense of intimacy. Inside, the home makes a lasting impression from the moment you step into the grand entry foyer, where a classic Flemish stone floor sets the tone. The showpiece is the Italian Room, as named by Sterner himself, an awe-inspiring space with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, ornate plasterwork, paneled walls, and a monumental stone fireplace. A glass-roofed solarium just beyond fills the home with natural light and greenery, anchored by a tranquil fountain. Downstairs, a wine cellar and tasting room provide a hidden, atmospheric retreat. The formal dining room evokes a European country estate, wrapped in warm wood paneling; perfect for anything from intimate dinners to lavish entertaining. Upstairs, the current layout includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms, with ample room to reconfigure into luxurious suites, dressing rooms, or staff quarters. A beautifully carved winding staircase connects each level. Additional features include a chef's kitchen, a prep kitchen, laundry center, dumbwaiter, and both formal and service staircases. Thoughtfully crafted renovation plans are available for review. This is a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a home with unmatched history, architectural integrity, and transformative potential. Located in the heart of the famed Gramercy Park neighborhood, you are just moments away from the best dining, shopping, and entertainment Manhattan has to offer.
Courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Gramercy Park, NYC
Type: Townhouse
Price: $7,995,000
Re Tax: $84,768
Last Updated: 9/15/2025
Web ID: 1120109044
Type: Single Family
Rooms: 14.0
Bedrooms: 6
Full Bathrooms: 5
Half Bathrooms: 1
Woodburning fireplaces: 4
Washer and dryer: Yes
Built: 1901
Pets allowed: Yes
Gramercy Park is a charming and upscale neighborhood located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It is bounded by East 14th Street to the south, East 23rd Street to the north, Park Avenue South to the west, and First Avenue to the east. The neighborhood is known for its peaceful and historic atmosphere, with tree-lined streets and access to the exclusive Gramercy Park, a private park reserved for residents and keyholders.
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