34 East 70th Street

The James P. Warburg Mansion: A Rare Opportunity on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Exceptional Double-Width Mansion in a Prime UES Location
37 ft Wide / 12,500 sqft approx./ Landmarks Approved

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.

Prime Upper East Side Location

This residence sits on the south side of East 70th Street, a block known for its historic and architectural significance. Neighboring iconic institutions like the Frick Museum and notable homes of distinguished families such as the Lehmans and Wertheims, the mansion offers a rare combination of history, elegance, and convenience. Its north-facing position ensures an abundance of natural light throughout the day, accentuating its grand interiors.

Limitless Potential: A Blank Canvas for Modern Luxury

This mansion offers approximately 12,439 square feet of interior space, ready to be transformed into a modern masterpiece.

Each of its five stories features soaring ceilings of up to 15 feet, enhancing the sense of grandeur and scale.

The expansive layout includes:

Five levels plus a cellar, perfect for luxurious living and entertaining.
A second-floor terrace for private outdoor enjoyment.
A front courtyard and rear garden that provide opportunities to create a serene outdoor oasis in the heart of Manhattan.

With its flexible design potential, the property is a canvas for crafting an extraordinary home that reflects your personal vision, seamlessly blending historic elegance with contemporary comforts.

Outdoor Space with Endless Possibilities

The mansion’s 30-foot rear garden setback and ample outdoor spaces offer the opportunity to create a private urban sanctuary. Whether it becomes a lushly landscaped garden, an alfresco dining area, or an entertainer’s paradise, the outdoor areas perfectly complement the grandeur of the interiors.

Architectural Brilliance

William Lawrence Bottomley, celebrated for his works across Manhattan, including the River House and Turtle Bay Gardens, merged two historic structures to create this masterpiece in the 1920s. His design honors the property’s original neo-medieval charm while allowing for modern adaptations, offering the perfect balance of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary functionality.

An Unparalleled Opportunity

The James P. Warburg Mansion represents the ultimate in Upper East Side townhouse living.

Its rich history, architectural pedigree, soaring ceilings, and grand proportions offer the chance to create a legacy property that will endure for generations.

This is more than a home-it’s a statement of timeless sophistication and elegance, set in one of the most desirable locations in Manhattan.