129 East 81st Street
Description
Property Highlights:
** Private Garden
A serene 43-foot garden professionally landscaped with tall decorative walls offers a tranquil urban...Welcome to 129 East 81st Street—an elegant townhouse perfectly positioned on a beautiful tree-lined block between Park and Lexington Avenues, in the heart of the Upper East Side’s Gold Coast. This exceptional residence embodies refined living, offering a rare blend of sophistication, comfort, and timeless style—a unique opportunity for the most discerning buyer.
Property Highlights:
** Private Garden
A serene 43-foot garden professionally landscaped with tall decorative walls offers a tranquil urban retreat.
** Gracious Layout
Four generously sized bedrooms, a flexible office or fifth bedroom, three full baths, and two half baths offer ample space for refined, comfortable living.
** Elegant Details
Thoughtfully preserved prewar details include wood-burning and decorative fireplaces, classic hardwood floors, soaring 12-foot ceilings on the parlor floor, and over 10-foot ceilings on the upper levels—bringing both character and scale to the home.
** Modern Amenities
Central air conditioning, a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen with premium appliances, laundry room, and a full unfinished basement with generous storage provide comfort and convenience tailored to modern living.
Layout Overview:
Garden / Entry Level
Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this floor welcomes you with a gracious foyer that flows into a spacious dining room and open-plan kitchen, leading seamlessly to the beautifully landscaped garden. A fireplace anchors the entertaining space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The chef’s kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, a large wine cooler, Miele dishwasher, and a dedicated pantry room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open directly to the serene garden—ideal for indoor-outdoor living and al fresco dining. Also on this level is an elegant powder room and a versatile bedroom currently used as a gym, easily reimagined as a guest room or home office.
Parlor Floor:
This stunning level is the heart of the home, defined by soaring ceilings, graceful proportions, and rich architectural detail. The north-facing living room is grand and luminous, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and a dramatic oversized window that floods the space with light.
Across the central landing, a south-facing library/den offers a more intimate retreat. Clad in handsome wood paneling with custom bookcases and a decorative fireplace, the space exudes warmth and character. A discreet wet bar and well-placed powder room enhance the floor’s functionality.
Third Floor:
The serene primary suite overlooks the garden and features a decorative fireplace, walk-in closet, and an en suite bath. A second expansive bedroom faces south, also with a fireplace and walk-in closet—providing comfort and privacy.
Fourth Floor:
Two large bedrooms offer versatile living options. The rear bedroom features a charming terrace framed by exposed brick. The front bedroom, currently used as a den or family room, overlooks the treetops of 81st Street. A skylit bathroom, additional skylights over the staircase,
and a full laundry room complete this floor.
Neighborhood:
Built in 1880, this elegant residence is located in one of the Upper East Side’s most desirable enclaves, known as the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side. Known for its architectural distinction and historic charm, the area has long been home to New York City’s most iconic townhouses and cultural landmarks. Just moments from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park, the home offers access to world-class art, nature, and leisure. Nearby Madison Avenue provides premier shopping, upscale dining, and proximity to elite schools—offering an unparalleled lifestyle of convenience and prestige.
Experience the pinnacle of luxury living at 129 East 81st Street, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication in the heart of the Upper East Side.
Amenities
- Private Terrace
- Private Yard
- Fireplace
- Hardwood Floors
- High Ceilings
- Washer / Dryer in Unit
- Central AC
- Dishwasher
Property Details for 129 East 81st Street
| Status | Sold |
|---|---|
| Days on Market | 11 |
| Taxes | $6,787 / month |
| Maintenance | - |
| Min. Down Pymt | - |
| Total Rooms | 11.5 |
| Compass Type | Townhouse |
| MLS Type | House/Building |
| Year Built | 1880 |
| Lot Size | 1,736 SF / 17' x 102' |
| County | New York County |
| Buyer's Agent Compensation | 3% |
Building
129 E 81st St
Location
Building Information for 129 East 81st Street
Payment Calculator
$39,929 per month
30 year fixed, 6.15% Interest
$33,142
$6,787
$0
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1Property History for 129 East 81st Street
| Date | Event & Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 07/10/2025 | Sold Manual | $6,800,000 |
| 07/10/2025 | $6,800,000 | |
| 04/29/2025 | Contract Signed Manual | — |
| 04/17/2025 | Listed (Active) Manual | $6,750,000 |
For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.
Public Records for 129 East 81st Street
Schools near 129 East 81st Street
Rating | School | Type | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public - | PK to 5 | |||
| Public - | 6 to 8 | |||
| Public - | 6 to 8 | |||
| Public - | 6 to 8 |
Rating | School | Distance |
|---|---|---|
P.S. 6 Lillie D Blake PublicPK to 5 | ||
Nyc Lab Ms For Collaborative Studies Public6 to 8 | ||
Lower Manhattan Community Middle School Public6 to 8 | ||
Jhs 167 Robert F Wagner Public6 to 8 |
School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.
Neighborhood Map and Transit
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