Francis York

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Gilded Age NYC Mansion Finds a Buyer After 4 Years, $30M Price Drop

As reported by The Real Deal, this townhouse on Manhattan’s iconic Fifth Avenue, asking just under $50 million, was the priciest home in Manhattan to snag a signed contract last week, according to Olshan Realty’s weekly report.

Once listed for $80 million in 2021, this limestone beauty is the only fully restored Stanford White-designed residence on Fifth Avenue, making it a true piece of architectural history.

Built in 1910 by the architect behind the Washington Square Arch, this 25-foot-wide townhouse spans over 16,000 square feet across seven levels. It was listed by Carrie Chiang, Andres Perea-Garzon, and Lesley Schulhof of the Corcoran Group, while the Modlin Group’s Adam Modlin—who previously represented the seller—brought the buyer.

The seller, an LLC linked to former Goldman Sachs partner David Leuschen, purchased the home in 2012 for $42 million and renovated it with a keen eye for preserving its storied past. With 11 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and five kitchens, the property has drifted on and off the market since its initial $80 million listing in 2021, underscoring both its allure and the shifting tides of Manhattan’s luxury market.

Inside, the mansion strikes a refined balance between Gilded Age elegance and modern comforts. Luxurious touches abound—from heated floors, a media room, and a library to a seamless blend of marble and hardwood flooring that speaks to its timeless charm. Main bedrooms feature custom marble soaking tubs and fixtures by Barber Wilsons and P.E. Guerin, while thoughtful details like a linen room, private courtyard, silver and jewelry vault, and spacious cedar closets add an extra layer of sophistication. Modern amenities, including a state-of-the-art steam room finished in Venetian plaster and a climate-controlled wine cellar, further enhance the living experience.

The multi-year restoration has been nothing short of meticulous. A modernized elevator, nine fully restored wood-burning fireplaces, individual HVAC zones for every room, a comprehensive water purification system, and a restored limestone staircase complete with its original wrought-iron railing all serve to blend historic integrity with modern efficiency.

Set in the exclusive Cook Block, where zoning rules ensure no building exceeds six stories, the mansion benefits from unrivaled privacy and abundant natural light. Its prime location on Fifth Avenue—boasting 25 feet of impressive frontage—offers panoramic views of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park, cementing its status as a true Manhattan landmark.

This Stanford White masterpiece isn’t just a home—it’s an enduring legacy of New York City’s architectural history, reimagined for the modern era.

See the images below.

All photos belong to the listing agency.