By Jack Wagner
New York City’s golden age converges with modern luxury at 120 East 78th Street, a timeless architectural gem on Manhattan’s coveted Upper East Side. Steeped in history and meticulously restored for contemporary living, this eight-story, 13,000-square-foot townhouse is a testament to refined elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Delano & Aldrich—renowned for creating homes for America’s most distinguished families, including the Rockefellers, and iconic landmarks like the Colony Club and the American Embassy in Paris—this residence is a jewel of early 20th-century glamour. Commissioned in 1931 by banker Henry Winthrop, the townhouse offers a captivating glimpse into Manhattan’s architectural legacy.
From its beautifully tree-lined block, the townhouse is immediately striking. Its red brick and limestone-detailed facade leads to a dramatic alcove outfitted with a curved marble staircase and wrought-iron fencing. Inside, the home’s beauty continues to shine with a stunning French-inspired elliptical staircase, six intricately carved marble fireplaces, restored original French paneling, and gleaming hardwood floors, all hand-preserved to honor the home’s 1930s heritage. Thoughtfully positioned, grand-scale floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light, enhancing its timeless charm.
Complementing its classic allure, the residence has been fully renovated to meet the expectations of today’s most discerning buyers. The extensive renovation introduced top-of-the-line appliances, advanced smart home automation, integrated lighting, surround-sound capabilities, and state-of-the-art climate control and security systems, ensuring every modern convenience is at hand.
The interior design—impeccably staged by Interior Marketing Group (IMG), America’s premier luxury real estate design and marketing firm—enhances the home’s architectural beauty with modern sophistication. Carefully curated furnishings elevate the space, while contemporary artwork sourced from Up My Art adds vibrant energy and visual intrigue.
The one-of-a-kind townhouse features nine bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms, providing ample space for versatile living arrangements. Its grand scale is ideal for entertaining, a tradition carried on since the 1940s, when society galas and debutante balls brought life to its stately interiors.
Thoughtful integration of outdoor spaces further enhances the property’s appeal. An intimate terrace off the formal dining room provides a tranquil open-air retreat, while a sunlit terrace on the seventh floor and a dedicated rooftop deck offer spectacular views of the neighborhood. The garden level features a playful outdoor space complete with a basketball court—an exceptionally rare feature for a private New York City residence.
Listed for $24,995,000 with Meredith Verona of The Corcoran Group, this extraordinary property presents a singular opportunity to own a piece of Manhattan’s architectural legacy while enjoying the pinnacle of modern luxury in one of the city’s most coveted neighborhoods.
