This Lenox Hill limestone mansion is exceptional with much of its magnificent original details lovingly preserved. 18 East 76th is ideally located next door to the chic Surrey Hotel and Central Park between 5th and Madison Avenues, with the legendary Carlyle Hotel around the corner. Originally built in 1881 as a Victorian brownstone, Henry Block purchased it in 1906. He hired architect Henry Hertz to upgrade the house to the Beaux-Arts beauty it is today, the style du jour. Measuring 22’ wide and 100’ deep, The Block House was and remains absolutely ideal for entertaining! This is a unique opportunity to own a truly remarkable property.
Welcome to Manhattan’s Gilded Age!
Walk up the limestone stairs passing through the foyer into the impressive front parlor with Corinthian columns adorning the walls upholding the soaring 14’ornate ceilings. You are greeted by a monumental fireplace topped with a massive mirror opposite a beautiful wrought iron staircase. The oak herring bone floors with marquetry are in remarkably good condition. French mirrored paned doors open into an intimate sitting room with 2 tall French windows facing E76th with monumental mirrors on both walls, and a marble fireplace. Leaving this room, and walking south through a wide corridor, you arrive in the rear parlor with another massive marble fireplace and mirror. A dramatic crystal chandelier is the crown jewel. Passing through the second parlor, you step into a generously sized office. An arched window measuring the entire west wall, with its own window seat brings in light. A discreet locked door in the wall paneling leads to a secret office pantry and half bath.
Descending one flight from the street, with a separate entrance, the garden apartment is a spacious two bedroom, currently the servants quarters.
You could take the European sized elevator to the third floor to enter a glorious living room with high ceilings, and a black marble fireplace. There are 3 tall mahogany encased French windows with limestone balustrades overlooking the treetops of East 76th Street. Turn south through a mahogany mirrored- cabinet hall with pocket doors on either end. Enter the formal dining room with a white marble fireplace, topped by yet another massive mirror. The dining room flows to an area with a west bay window, and powder room leading to the full kitchen. Create gourmet meals with the chef’s sized Wolf stove.
The third floor hosts a large primary bedroom with high ceilings and ensuite bath. There are 3 tall arched French windows facing E 76th, and a corridor of tall wall compartmented closets. Two additional bedrooms on the 4th floor are in the south end of the house, one with a white fireplace, and both with tall American windows. The third floor has 2 more bathrooms, one in marble with a bidet, and the other has a jacuzzi.
The Fifth floor has an additional large bedroom facing north with ensuite bath. There is an additional full bathroom in the hall. Facing south, is another dining living area with an adjacent roof terrace, a galley kitchen, and a home office.
The current owner utilizes 4 bedrooms plus the 2 in the maids quarters. Technically this is an 8 bedroom and 8.5 bathroom home in 10,000 square feet with 7 fireplaces, and 3 kitchens including the servants quarters.
The next owner will likely want to give this fantastic property some additional tender loving care with some contemporary updating while leaving its splendid magnificence in tact!