Meticulously Gut-Renovated Townhouse Built in 1892 Lists for $11.95 Million on the Upper West Side

An impeccably refurbished Renaissance Revival townhouse at 250 West 71st Street, built in 1892 and designed by one of the most prominent residential architects of the time, Thom & Wilson, has debuted on the market for $11.95 million.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Set in the Upper West Side's distinguished West End Collegiate Historic District, the five-bedroom residence "has been completely updated for the 21st century with every state-of-the-art detail considered and to the highest quality level," according to listing agents Annie Cion Gruenberger and Kate Wollman-Mahan of Coldwell Banker Warburg. "Rarely is a home upgraded to this quality, in a city that is full of townhouses largely in poor structural shape and that have only been cosmetically refreshed since their construction at the turn of the century."

Indeed, the home has been infused with new life – both structurally and aesthetically. All new structural steel joists and beams were installed on every floor with new structural steel columns running from the basement to the roof, as well as a new foundation, waterproofing, and fireproofing. "Every aspect of the home has been brought up to current code, with new energy-efficient Marvin windows installed throughout, new roofing, and new plumbing, electrical, and state-of-the-art mechanical systems installed," noted Gruenberger.

An elevator accesses floors 1-5 of the house while a new bulkhead provides easy access to the roof. Other modern-day additions include central air, radiant heat on every floor, and a high-tech security system.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Among its most striking features are its outdoor spaces: three terraces, an outdoor garden, and a front yard.  "The 600 square-foot South facing garden gets abundant sunshine and is superbly landscaped and well-equipped with fragrant Spring plantings, irrigation, lighting, and even room for a grill," said Wollman-Mahan. The large terraces on the fourth and fifth floors are both large enough for dining or lounging and look out onto the interior gardens of the block. The garden floor opens with a dramatic gallery and entertaining room punctuated by white oak floors, a glass staircase and linear Italian crystal pendants by Il Pezzo Mancante. The sun-lit eat-in kitchen faces the garden and has enough room for a table of eight, plus an abundance of luxury touches – including a generous suite of Thermador appliances (like two full-size refrigerators), designer Italian cabinetry, and radiant floor heating.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

The parlor floor is defined by grand rooms, including a sweeping 30-ft. living room with three large treetop-level windows facing 71st street and a dining room, which currently connects to a garden-facing home office but has plumbed "for use as a catering kitchen, should an owner desire to host dinner parties in this gracious wing," according to Gruenberger.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Two ensuite bedrooms reside on the third floor, including a spacious, sun-lit, South-facing primary bedroom that looks onto the peaceful garden via a Juliet balcony with double doors.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Two more ensuite bedrooms can be found on the fourth floor, both spacious and sunny with ample closet space. A laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer, and a large south-facing terrace complete this level. The fifth floor contains a media/entertaining room with a wet bar and dishwasher opening out to a large South-facing terrace, plus a comfortable bedroom and full bathroom  – perfect for guests. There is also a fully finished lower level ready to be used as storage, recreational, or gym space, as well as a second laundry room with full-size appliances and a powder room. The home's Upper West Side location puts its future owner just moments away from Lincoln Center, the Museum of Natural History, Fairway, Citarella, and Zabar's, and the best of New York City's world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. Nestled between Central Park and Riverside Park, the Upper West Side is also one of the greenest parts of the city, giving this reimagined townhouse "the feeling of a peaceful enclave," added Gruenberger.