NYC townhouse with ties to Gimbels asks $13.5M

New York Post

14-05-2025

There's the old New York — and then there's the really old New York.
A Civil War-era Upper East Side mansion is back on the market for $13.5 million. That's a dramatic drop from the landmarked home's first ask of $18.45 million in 2018.
The stately, 36-foot-wide property stands at 163 E. 78th St. It was once home to Elinor S. Gimbel, who married a grandson of Adam Gimbel, founder of Gimbels — the national department chain that was part of New York from 1842 until its final closure in 1987. Elinor was also a brewery heiress, according to reports.
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10 The historic townhouse has modern interiors and lots of light.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
10 The open dining area is also anchored by a gorgeous fireplace.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
10 The roomy chef's kitchen.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
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10 A view of the layout.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
The Italianite-style red brick, four-story residence is 6,157 square feet and comes with five bedrooms, four baths and two powder rooms.
Inside, it features a chef's kitchen, a formal dining room with a fireplace, a 36-foot wide living room and multiple outdoor spaces — including a rear, gated garden.
It was built in 1861, according to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission and Friends of the Upper East Side, although the Sotheby's listing states the home was built in 1899. The brokerage did not respond to requests for comment.
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10 A secondary bedroom comes dressed with vibrant wallpaper.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
10 Gorgeous doors and a fireplace add stunning detail to this bedroom.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
10 The home doesn't shy from built-in storage.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
It was built by Henry Armstrong in a style popular from the 1860s to 1890s.
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The current owner purchased the home, known as the Elinor S. Gimbel House, back in 1997.
The townhouse boasts both a gated front garden and an enchanting rear garden — with trees, plantings and brick walls — plus a parlor-level terrace.
From the garden entry, the home opens to a gallery that leads to a formal dining room with a woodburning fireplace, plus a sitting room and a black marbled chef's kitchen that both have garden views and terrace access. This floor also has a mudroom.
10 There's plenty of room for al-fresco entertaining.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
10 Additional space for dining on an upper floor.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
10 This light-filled room is ideal for entertaining.
Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby's International Realty
Next up is the parlor floor with six sets of south-facing French doors, and a light-filled living room with a woodburning fireplace, as well as a library with another woodburning fireplace and views overlooking the terrace and garden.
This level also features a formal dining room and a wet bar. Design details include 10-foot ceilings, custom millwork and herringbone floors.
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The main bedroom suite is on the third floor and features another woodburning fireplace, floor-to-ceiling French doors with views of East 78th Street and a grey marbled bath. Additional bedrooms occupy the fourth floor.
A finished basement comes with wine storage, a laundry room, mechanicals and storage.
The listing broker is Serena Boardman, of Sotheby's International Realty.