4 East 79th Street

Commissioned by James E. Nichols in 1898, 4 East 79th Street is an important and architecturally magnificent limestone mansion. The house, a key component in the initial development of railroad industrialist Henry H. Cook’s prescient acquisition of the block between East 78th and 79th Streets and Fifth and Madison Avenues, features superb design by original architect, C.P.H. Gilbert, known for opulent, chateau-inspired Francois Ier style. Most recently, it has undergone a masterful and complete renovation orchestrated by its recent steward, the late businessman and philanthropist, Aso O. Tavitian.

With the assistance and expertise of architectural and design professionals, including Peter Pennoyer and Theodore Prudon, among others, who used original detail and research as their inspiration and guide, this remarkable single-family residence is visually resplendent and exceptional in every way. Ideally situated on the Upper East Side, the 35-foot wide mansion offers more than 15,000 square feet of interior living space. Significantly, the property includes a 15’ x 105’ swathe of land that borders the western edge of the residence, fortunately allowing for large west-facing windows. As such, the building has exposures on three sides and benefits from divine light as well as delightful Central Park views.

From the residence, it is moments to Central Park, the galleries and boutiques of Madison Avenue, and the treasures in Fifth Avenue’s glorious museums. Throughout, soaring high ceilings and extremely impressively-scaled rooms are complemented by extraordinary detail, such as solid mahogany doors and windows, hand-selected marble paneling and floors, rare English brown oak paneling, parquet de Versailles and herringbone white oak floors, and carved plaster crown moldings. With an eye to the legacy of the design, only the very top-quality methods and materials have been selected. All systems, including HVAC, humidification, domestic water, leak-defense, and security, have been expertly maintained and upgraded.

A passenger elevator services all floors, and a service elevator additionally supports all but the top three levels. For full description visit: (please copy and paste to your browser)

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