138 W 82nd Street

6 Beds 7 Baths 6,500 Sq.Ft.

About This Property

Built by Architect Ralph Samuel Townsend in 1884, this Neo-Grec landmarked townhouse is infused with Renaissance Revival elegance and rich in authenticity. A stylized pair of carved flower pots and cast-iron balustrades with robust newels complete the historic façade. Its melodious, whimsical and soulful design exudes a bespoke eclecticism. Diverse styles, textures and eras blend perfectly from room to room and floor to floor. Enjoy modern green living alongside period handcrafted millwork, inlaid wood flooring and 8 magnificent fireplaces. The centerpiece of the home is a hand-carved staircase ascending beneath a luminous skylight. The leafy fire-red dogwood tree and musical songbirds imbue its garden with a tranquil rhapsody of sound. Its captivating color palette, romantic charm and blissful serenity make this home breathtakingly beautiful and an exquisite retreat.

Garden Level: A gated entry with seating area and concealed package room leads to a guest suite with fireplace, desk area, and butterfly-wallpapered en-suite bath. Beyond lies a skylit great room with radiant-heated floors and sliding glass doors opening to a sun-filled south garden. The custom Leicht chef’s kitchen features double Sub-Zero refrigerators, Diva oven and cook-top, large pantry, and breakfast bar with sliding privacy panels. A dining area with contemporary wood-burning fireplace opens to a media lounge; a whimsical powder room completes the level.

Parlor Level: Twelve-foot ceilings and dramatic sightlines reveal a stunning library framed by a carved fireplace and custom bookshelves. Historic brass lighting complements the architectural detail. The flowing layout connects the drawing room, music room, and living room to a garden-view office with stained-glass transom and terrace access—each room anchored by its own fireplace.

Third Level: The primary suite offers refined comfort with a bedroom and sitting room, each with a wood-burning fireplace, south terrace, and spa-like windowed bath includes steam shower. Dual wardrobe areas feature an original 19th-century vanity and pocket-door separation.

Fourth Level: Two gracious bedrooms, each with decorative fireplaces and ample closets, share a connecting pocket door for flexible privacy. The south bedroom includes an en-suite bath, while the north bedroom enjoys a full hall bath whimsically decorated with Pokémon cards.

Fifth Level: A versatile guest suite features a kitchenette, den, and cozy bedroom with en-suite bath. The north-facing bedroom includes a fireplace, lounge area, and studio potential—ideal as an atelier or art space.

Recreation Level: With nearly eight-foot ceilings, this level serves as a music studio, craft room, laundry, and extensive storage area.

Roof Level: The hidden rooftop sundeck with chaise lounges is an unexpected urban sanctuary. Eco-friendly solar panels provide energy efficiency.

Additional features include two-zone air conditioning and modern systems integrated throughout. 19’X 102, this distinguished townhouse rests on a tree-lined Upper West Side block of historic homes, just moments from Central Park, Theodore Roosevelt Park, and the Museum of Natural History, with easy access to all transportation. Own a timeless work of architectural art—a home that inspires creativity and serenity in equal measure.