Gilded Age grandeur: Palatial mansions available in New York City

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Thursday, January 2, 2025

Gilded Age mansions currently for sale in New York City

Spanning the 1870s to early1900s, the Gilded Age was a transformative era for New York City, marked by extraordinary economic growth, rapid industrialization, and the rise of an extremely wealthy elite. Coined by Mark Twain to highlight the veneer of opulence masking underlying societal challenges, this period saw New York flourish into a center of culture, commerce, and architectural magnificence.

During this time, the city's merchant class expanded rapidly, with fortunes amassed in industries like railroads, steel, and finance. Fifth Avenue became synonymous with affluence as industry titans such as the Astors, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies commissioned grand Beaux-Arts-styled mansions, creating a stretch of palatial homes (Millionaire Row) unrivaled in scale and splendor. The city's public spaces and institutions also flourished, with Frederick Law Olmsted designing Central and Prospect Parks, and architects like Stanford White crafting iconic residences and cultural landmarks.

While the era showcased breathtaking wealth, it also revealed stark contrasts in American life. Immigrant workers toiled in sweatshops and tenements downtown just a few miles south of the grand mansions. This disparity was captured in the literature of Edith Wharton and Henry James, and the photographs of Jacob Riis. Their illuminating works helped lead to new government-imposed regulations limiting monopolies and ill-gotten gains while concurrently improving the conditions of the poor and immigrant masses.

The Cornelius Vanderbilt II Mansion on 57th Street and 5th Avenue, now demolished. Photo via A.D. White Architectural Photographs, Cornell University Library.

While many of the grandest Gilded Age mansions have since been replaced by larger apartment buildings or commercial structures, several hundred still endure— most of which are designated under the watch of the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Due to shrinking family sizes and accompanying staff, many private homes have been divided into multi-family residences or repurposed as museums, cultural institutions, or embassies. These rare architectural treasures offer a window into an era when New York was transformed by boundless ambition and opulence. Below is a selection of such historic homes currently available on the market for grand residential living.

48 West 69th Street, #TH
$85,000,000

Central Park West | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 19,600 ft²

48 West 69th Street, #TH (Compass)

From the Listing: A property without equal: the most significant single-family townhouse ever offered for sale on the Upper West Side. Just off of Central Park, 48-50 West 69th Street is a residence that evokes a kind of scale, drama, and attention to detail not found since the Gilded Age, when palatial homes lined the neighborhood's avenues and preceded today's apartment buildings.

Years of careful planning by Fradkin & McAlpin Architects and MDesign London has resulted in a truly extraordinary home spanning 41.5 feet wide and 19,600 square feet of interior space, with multiple oversized outdoor entertaining areas throughout. A post-tensioned limestone fl See floor plan and full details here.

The Woolworth Mansion, 4 East 80th Street
$59,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 20,000 ft²

The Woolworth Mansion, 4 East 80th Street, # (Modlin Group LLC)

From the Listing: The Woolworth Mansion. Built in 1915 by famed architect Charles P.H. Gilbert for Frank Woolworth, 4 East 80th Street is a rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of New York City’s architectural legacy. Painstakingly restored to its original grandeur, but featuring modern amenities, this French Gothic masterpiece is 35’ wide, and boasts an astounding approximately 20,000 square feet and 9 bedrooms, 11.5 bathrooms and 3 kitchens. The classic limestone facade rises 7 stories with understated embellishments and two monumental dormers rising from the fifth-floor balcony. See floor plan and full details here.

25 Riverside Drive, #Mansion
$55,000,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 12,000 ft²

25 Riverside Drive, # (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Presenting an extraordinary masterwork in the Beaux-Arts style, 25 Riverside Drive is an opulent mansion that graces the Upper West Side with its elegant presence. Located on a prestigious corner, this 30-foot-wide home is a bastion of serenity, offering three exposures, protected River views, and intimate Park access.

Wrapped in a shimmer of natural light, this residence embodies grandeur, scale, and nuanced design, making it a true gem in the heart of New York City. Situated at the corner of 75th Street and Riverside Drive, this free-standing mansion underwent meticulous renovations in 2022, coupling its grand, old-world heritage and charm to that of modern sophistication. Oversized curved windows and terraces throughout the home enhance the sweeping vistas. See floor plan and full details here.

James and Josephine Goodwin Residence
$49,500,000

Midtown West | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 24,000 ft²

James and Josephine Goodwin Residence, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning residential buyer to own a rare, exquisite landmark home in the heart of NYC; or for the commercial owner to house their business for various uses (as an office, gallery, retail space, embassy, private club, etc.) in an extraordinary space! Built-in 1896 for James J. Goodwin, the cousin and business partner of JP Morgan, the magnificent 24,000 sq ft mansion at 9 West 54th Street, located just off prized 5th Avenue, sits on a generous 100.42' lot and boasts a 50'-wide footprint. This distinctive building most recently served as the headquarters of the US Trust Company. See floor plan and full details here.

11 East 74th Street, #TH
$43,000,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 10,800 ft²

11 East 74th Street, # (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: Discover unparalleled Upper East Side elegance and refinement in this pristine six-story, 20-foot-wide limestone mansion, just off Fifth Avenue. Completely gut renovated from cellar to roof deck, this spectacular home features six master bedroom suites, seven full bathrooms, and four half-baths across six floors of living space and an above-ground basement leading to a garden. From marble flooring to museum quality custom lighting, no expense has been spared in this magnificent residence boasting state-of-the-art home technology and a Gilded Age pedigree.

Set within the Upper East Side Historic District, 11 East 74th Street is a classic 20-foot-wide townhouse built-in 1869. Originally constructed among a row of five elegant homes, its facade was updated to classic limestone in 1919, by prominent Upper East Side architect George Blum under the direction of then-owner Emily Hesslein, heir to the Neuss, Hesslein & Co. textiles firm. Throughout the years, the home has served as residence to a number of prominent New Yorkers. These included Mary Tiffany, daughter of Art Nouveau stained-glass master Louis Comfort Tiffany. See floor plan and full details here.

34 East 70th Street, #TH
$28,800,000 (+2.9%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 12,500 ft²

The James P. Warburg Mansion, 34 East 70th Street (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Located on one of Manhattan's most prestigious tree-lined streets between Madison and Park Avenues, the James P. Warburg Mansion presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a bespoke residence.This 37-foot-wide, nearly 13,000 square-foot mansion is set on an expansive 37 ft x 100 ft lot and features a front courtyard, second-floor terrace, and a 30-foot garden setback. Delivered with landmark approval, a Spanish sandstone fa ade, construction approval, building permits, and floor area permits, this property is a historic gem waiting to be reimagined.

A Storied History and Architectural Legacy The Warburg family, renowned for their contributions to finance, art, and philanthropy, called this residence home. The mansion stands as a testament to the family's enduring legacy. Originally built in 1900 as two-row houses, the property was transformed in the 1920s into a single residence by acclaimed architect William Lawrence Bottomley, a graduate of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and one of New York's most distinguished designers. Bottomley's influence can be seen in the mansion's timeless neo-Medieval design, featuring elegant archways, clean architectural lines, and the distinct Spanish sandstone facade that distinguishes it from neighboring homes. See floor plan and full details here.

James F.D. Lanier House
$19,500,000

Murray Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 11,638 ft²

James F.D. Lanier House, 123 East 35th Street (Modlin Group LLC)

From the Listing: Built in 1903, the James F.D. Lanier House at 123 East 35th Street is a stunning monument from New York’s Gilded Age. One of the largest single-family homes in New York City, this Beaux-Arts style mansion sprawls over 11,638 sq.ft., with twelve bedrooms, nine plus bathrooms, and has been honored with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Having had only two owners, this home has maintained its pristine condition thanks to this careful stewardship and is a designated New York City landmark. Its placement on the market presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most discerning buyer.

Designed by renowned architects Hoppin & Koen whose notable work includes the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY, the James F.D.Lanier House is arguably their finest residential work. Fluted Ionic columns, ornate cornices and carved stonework, as well as a copper mansard roof round out the many exquisite flourishes that make this home so unique and extraordinary. The most discriminating and knowledgeable buyer will see the potential to proudly honor its legacy while stylishly putting their own stamp on it. See floor plan and full details here.

842 Carroll Street, #Mansion
$15,000,000

Park Slope | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 7,098 ft²

842 Carroll Street, # (Compass)

From the Listing: Spectacular, one-of-a-kind 32-ft+ wide mansion with unrivaled original detail set on bucolic Carroll Street just moments to Prospect Park. Built by famed architect C.P.H. Gilbert in 1887 at the height of the Gilded Age in America, this Romanesque Revival architectural masterpiece features the fine detailing and opulence that Gilbert was famous for. See floor plan and full details here.

Symphony Townhouse, 163 East 64th Street
$14,995,000

Lenox Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 8,000 ft²

163 East 64th Street, # (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: This remarkable historical home, Symphony Townhouse, is nestled on one of New York City’s most prestigious blocks. Originally built in 1872 by John Prague, this exquisite property has undergone a stunning transformation, marrying the charm of its Victorian origins with the elegance of a Neo-Georgian facade, redesigned by renowned architect R.D. Graham. The property’s facade, so remarkable in its restoration by the craftsmen behind The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, was recommended for national landmark status. Spanning over 8,000 square feet and occupying a 2,008 square foot lot, the home includes five bedrooms and six-plus bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

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45 West 70th Street, #TH
$14,980,000

Central Park West | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

45 West 70th Street, # (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to 45 West 70th Street, a premier single-family townhouse that epitomizes luxury living on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Originally crafted in 1891 by the distinguished architect Gilbert Schellenger, this 20-foot brownstone is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance and New-Romanesque design, expertly renovated to combine historic charm with modern sophistication just steps from Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

51 West 73rd Street, #TH
$10,850,000 (-7.3%)

Central Park West | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 7,000 ft²

51 West 73rd Street, # (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome Home to 51 WEST 73RD STREET, an exceptional blend of authentic history and contemporary style, located just off Central Park. A Gilded Age treasure (built circa 1885), 51 WEST 73RD STREET was designed by Henry Hardenbergh, the renowned architect of The Dakota and the Waldorf and Astoria hotels, this stately five-story home Townhouse incorporates many of his signature touches, like the generous use of brick and stone, a striking Mansard roof and German Renaissance detail. See floor plan and full details here.

600 2nd Street, #TH
$10,000,000

Park Slope | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,500 ft²

600 2nd Street, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Introducing an impeccably restored and renovated Park Slope brownstone moments from the park. The striking design and thoughtful function were implemented by the designer/owner who executed a seamless blend of the old and new with the finest materials and finishes. With five bedrooms, a dramatic chef's kitchen and multiple entertaining areas, this house is made for the discerning townhouse buyer. Radiant heated floors, extensive soundproofing, invisible speakers, motorized shades, and electronic lighting and security are some of the modern improvements that can be found throughout the house. The dramatic parlor level showcases period crown plasterwork, decorative latticework arches, custom herringbone floors and designer light fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.

323 West 80th Street, #TH
$9,999,000 (-9.1%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 11,670 ft²

323 West 80th Street, # (Compass)

From the Listing: At 43 feet wide and encompassing 11,670 square feet….including a curb cut and garage this former gilded age Mansion which will be delivered vacant is ready for its next chapter and is priced to sell!!

Built in 1897, by master builder and architect Clarence True in the Elizabethan Renaissance Revival Style. This extraordinary brick and limestone mansion sits on an unheard of 43 foot wide lot! Master craftsmanship, design details, and old-world charm span six stories across 31 rooms.The property features an ultra rare PRIVATE GARAGE, an elevator that serves all floors, a lovely roof deck garden, and full height basement. m/n/I2643648" target="_blank">See floor plan and full details here.

The Osborne, #4B
$7,450,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

The Osborne, #4B (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter through the opulent lobby of the Osborne cooperative and its magnificent turn-of-the-century details with its marble, mosaics, gilded surfaces and leaded glass. The Tiffany glass was created by Louis Comfort Tiffany and is reputed to be Tiffany's first decorating job.

Welcome to 4B, the meticulously renovated crown jewel of the legendary Osborne Apartments. Renovated by AD 100 designers Carrier and Company, and featured in AD and multiple design publications, this stunning move-in ready four bedroom’s Gilded Age details set the stage for a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. See floor plan and full details here.

The Corner House - The John Dwhite House, #Mansion
$7,250,000 (-14.7%)

Harlem | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 11,995 ft²

The Corner House, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Following the lead of McKim, Mead & White, this house was built in 1890 in the neo-Renaissance Revival style by architect Frank Hill Smith for John Dwight. It was erected during The Gilded Age (from 1875 to 1900 or 1910), and financed by his baking soda empire, Arm and Hammer. This product dominated the market from 1873 onward and is still popular today. Frank Hill Smith was also a painter who collaborated with William Morris Hunt in the 1880s, which may account for his preoccupation with interior design and color, which is reflected in the house we see today. See floor plan and full details here.

John B. And Isabella Leech House
$6,299,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths

John B. And Isabella Leech House, # (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Presenting a rare opportunity to own a distinguished corner property on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This historic 5.5-story, walk-up building, constructed circa 1900, is located on the prestigious northeast corner of West 85th Street and West End Avenue. Spanning a 2,717 square foot lot, the building boasts an impressive 8,287 square feet of interior space. The property features eight residential rental units, with five free market apartments and two under rent regulation. See floor plan and full details here.

The Pulitzer Mansion, #PH
$6,250,000 (-10.4%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The Pulitzer Mansion, #PH (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Comprised of the top two floors of The Pulitzer Mansion, this unique duplex apartment combines old world charm, and elegance. The six-room apartment is truly unique with its oversized entertaining spaces and a terrace of approximately 750 square feet. Stepping off the elevator, the great room is accessed from the foyer via a few stairs. This grand room has a double height 16.5’ceiling, and a second floor viewing gallery. There is a magnificent wood burning fireplace with an antique ornate mantlepiece, original stained glass panes in the 17 windows. See floor plan and full details here.

331 Washington Avenue, #TH
$6,250,000

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,538 ft²

331 Washington Avenue, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Transport Yourself to Another World Without Leaving Brooklyn This artfully restored neo-Grec brownstone, built in 1878, is a rare gem located in the heart of the Clinton Hill Historic District. Currently configured as a single-family home, this stunning residence has been meticulously renovated with vision and care. The renovation, originally executed by the celebrated designer Michelle R. Smith, is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in every room. See floor plan and full details here.

108 Leonard, #5N
$6,100,000 (-2.2%)

Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,413 ft²

108 Leonard, #5N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Paying homage to the most coveted elements of an architectural masterpiece at 108 Leonard, ornamental majesty and historic provenance are leveraged anew with fresh modern forms and contemporary design priorities. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history! This singular offering features unparalleled grandeur and scale on the northeast corner of the building. A large Landmarked vestibule just outside the entrance of this home sets the stage for the exceptional entertainment space which awaits you: Landmarked walls, ornate moldings and ceilings complemented by carved mahogany wood trim, massive arched top windows, and approximately 15'3" ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

320 Convent Avenue, #Mansion
$5,350,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 5,892 ft²

320 Convent Avenue, # (Compass)

From the Listing: A 5,892 square foot, 20’ wide CORNER TOWNHOUSE with 6 bedrooms! This truly iconic GILDED AGE ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE is a true MANSION! Built in 1890, the home boasts a 55-foot, landmark, south-facing brick & limestone façade.320 Convent stands apart from its neighbors and is surrounded by greenery on three sides, with oversize windows streaming endless sunlight into every room.

320 Convent Avenue is a rare, architecturally significant corner townhouse anchoring “Gold Coast” Convent Avenue between 143rd and 144th Streets. Lush trees shelter this most prestigious block in Hamilton Heights, itself one of the most beautiful, sought after neighborhoods in Harlem and Upper Manhattan. See floor plan and full details here.

890 Park Place, #TH
$3,750,000

Crown Heights | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 6,110 ft²

890 Park Place, # (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to 890 Park Place, a distinguished five-story townhouse, situated on a rare, extra-long 135-foot lot. This remarkable home, which is currently over 6,000 sqft and set up as a two-family, has been meticulously renovated and restored from top to bottom, seamlessly blending exquisite period details with modern luxury. See floor plan and full details here.

490 West End Avenue, #1D
$2,950,000 (-9.2%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

490 West End Avenue, #1D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Step into a stunning masterpiece at 490 West End Avenue off of the raised lobby level, paying homage to the opulence of the Gilded Age. This beautiful classic seven, located on the first level of a distinguished Upper West Side cooperative, has been meticulously renovated, blending modern luxury with exquisite pre-war details. This home showcases craftsmanship that's both rare and irreplaceable. With soaring 11-foot ceilings (higher than any other floor), the grandeur of this home is evident from the moment you enter the gracious foyer. See floor plan and full details here.

416 West 154th Street, #TH
$2,595,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,197 ft²

416 West 154th Street, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Grandeur and graceful detailing distinguish Residence 416, a pristine Beaux-Arts Renaissance revival, showcasing new-age style, sophistication, elegance, and class. Nestled atop a serene, tree-lined street in the historic district of Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill.

This architectural masterpiece is flanked by three sister brownstones was originally designed in 1893 by architect W.H.C.Hornum. The elegant brownstone once provided a home for German emigrant Hillis Schmidt, a renowned manufacturer of surgical instruments, along with his American-born wife Wilhelmina and their son Augustus. See floor plan and full details here.

280 West End Avenue, #2A
$839,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 800 ft²

280 West End Avenue, #2A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Aficionados of the architectural splendor of Gilded Age New York will appreciate this unique Junior four-room home in the coveted West 70s!!! Designed by Charles T. Mott in 1887, this turn of the century, Romanesque Revival mansion was once the home of the son and widow of President Ulysses S.Grant and later the home of Samuel Shaw, collector and patron of American Art. See floor plan and full details here.

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This is your member's center

In this article:

48 West 69th Street, #TH
$85,000,000

The Woolworth Mansion, 4 East 80th Street
$59,000,000

25 Riverside Drive, #Mansion
$55,000,000

James and Josephine Goodwin Residence
$49,500,000

11 East 74th Street, #TH
$43,000,000

34 East 70th Street, #TH
$28,800,000 (+2.9%)

James F.D. Lanier House
$19,500,000

842 Carroll Street, #Mansion
$15,000,000

Symphony Townhouse, 163 East 64th Street
$14,995,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

45 West 70th Street, #TH
$14,980,000

51 West 73rd Street, #TH
$10,850,000 (-7.3%)

600 2nd Street, #TH
$10,000,000

323 West 80th Street, #TH
$9,999,000 (-9.1%)

The Osborne, #4B
$7,450,000

The Corner House - The John Dwhite House, #Mansion
$7,250,000 (-14.7%)

John B. And Isabella Leech House
$6,299,000

The Pulitzer Mansion, #PH
$6,250,000 (-10.4%)

331 Washington Avenue, #TH
$6,250,000

108 Leonard, #5N
$6,100,000 (-2.2%)

320 Convent Avenue, #Mansion
$5,350,000

890 Park Place, #TH
$3,750,000

490 West End Avenue, #1D
$2,950,000 (-9.2%)

416 West 154th Street, #TH
$2,595,000

280 West End Avenue, #2A
$839,000

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