131 East 71st Street #HOUSE

This historical townhouse was the home of two world renowned interior decorators, Elsie de Wolfe and David Barrett. Built at the Turn of the Century, the townhouse was purchased by Elsie de Wolfe in 1910 and with the assistance of Ogden Codman, well known architect, was altered both structurally and architecturally to maximize light and space. David Barrett purchased the house in the mid 1960’s adding his unique style apparent in the house today. Currently configured as a two family house, it can easily be converted to a wonderful single family home. The welcoming courtyard sets the stage for the spacious entry foyer with dramatic, original black and white marble floors. Two offices, greenhouse, 1.5 baths, and private rear garden complete the first floor. Take the elevator or the spiral staircase to enjoy the parlor floor with the sun-flooded south facing living room, tented dining room, and kitchen. The third floor includes the stainless steel master bedroom with a grand mirrored bathroom and south facing bedroom/sitting room with half bath. Currently the fourth and fifth floors are comprised of a 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment plus staff quarters, which can be accessed via the stairs or the elevator to the fourth floor. Additionally, there is a back staircase that goes from the first to the fifth floor and of course a basement as well. This elegant and gracious townhouse is situated on one of the loveliest blocks off of Park Avenue.