Historic 19th-Century Manhattan Townhouse in Private Landmark Park—Heads to Auction with Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

Exceptional 5,000-Square-Foot Residence with Private Garden to Auction in Cooperation with Ana Centola of Sotheby’s International Realty

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, May 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A rare opportunity to own a piece of New York City history awaits in the heart of Midtown East, where a distinguished 19th-century townhouse in the coveted Turtle Bay Gardens Historic District is set to auction via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Listed for US$7.75 million in cooperation with Ana Centola of Sotheby’s International Realty, the 20-foot-wide, five-story residence offers refined city living with direct access to a private, European-style communal garden. Starting bids are anticipated between US$3.5 million and US$5 million. Bidding is set to open 21 May via the firm’s online marketplace, conciergeauctions.com, and will culminate live on 29 May at Sotheby’s London as part of the London Global Sales lineup.

Originally built in 1869 and completely reimagined for 21st-century living, this impeccably maintained townhome is a truly exceptional and historic property, distinguished by its rare and remarkable internal garden that opens directly onto a shared landscaped park designed in the 1920s by philanthropist Charlotte Hunnewell Sorchan. Sorchan famously united the rear gardens of 20 adjoining rowhouses to create a European-style communal garden oasis, drawing in some of the city’s most illustrious residents over the years.

“From the moment I first saw this home, I was struck by its architectural character and the tranquility of the gardens,” said Centola. “It’s a privilege to represent such a distinctive property with such heritage and charm in one of Manhattan’s most historic enclaves.”

Once home to such cultural icons as Stephen Sondheim, Katharine Hepburn, and literary editor Robert Gottlieb, the Turtle Bay Gardens community has long attracted luminaries from the arts and entertainment worlds, drawn by its unique blend of seclusion, heritage, and location. The home spans nearly 5,000 square feet across five levels and features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, offering ample space for refined city living and entertaining. A newly renovated chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and premium appliances complements the preserved original architectural details throughout the home—carved moldings, grand staircases, and fireplaces—offering a seamless blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern luxury. The garden-facing rooms open directly to one of the city’s most enchanting and hidden landscapes, creating a private retreat just blocks from Midtown Manhattan.

“This home offers the rarest combination of privacy, heritage, and lifestyle in one of the most densely populated cities on Earth,” said Chad Roffers, CEO of Concierge Auctions. “We’re proud to present this historic gem to our global network of collectors, tastemakers, and discerning buyers seeking one-of-a-kind opportunities.”

Meticulously preserved architectural details harmonize with contemporary upgrades throughout the property, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Additional spaces include a formal dining room, media room, library/office, and a full-floor primary suite.

Steeped in history and global significance, the Turtle Bay neighborhood rose to international prominence when the United Nations established its headquarters there in the 1940s. Today, the neighborhood blends cosmopolitan vibrancy with a serene residential atmosphere. Just blocks from Grand Central Terminal, it offers easy access to the rest of Manhattan while placing residents within reach of world-class dining, including Michelin-starred Le Bernardin, and cultural institutions like the Museum of Modern Art. Tree-lined streets conceal architectural gems and pocket parks such as Greenacre Park, a hidden oasis complete with a 25-foot waterfall—underscoring Turtle Bay’s unique balance of sophistication and tranquility.

Images of the property can be viewed here with credit to 3D Vuz.
239 East 48th Street is open Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM–4:00 PM and available for private showings by appointment, in person or virtually.
As part of Concierge Auctions' Key For Key^® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in funding towards new homes built for families in need.

Property and opportunity details provided by seller or others; buyer to verify. Agents will be compensated according to the terms and conditions of the Listing Agreement. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details.

For more information, including property details, diligence documents, and more, visit ConciergeAuctions.com or call +1.212.202.2940.

About Concierge Auctions
Concierge Auctions is the world’s best luxury real estate auction marketplace, with state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. Acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry's leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. For Sotheby's International Realty listings and companies, Concierge Auctions provides Sotheby’s brand exclusivity as Sotheby's Concierge Auctions. Since inception in 2008, the firm has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and sold properties in 46 U.S. states and 35 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key^® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which funds new homes for families in need from every property the company sells. For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com.

About Sotheby's International Realty
Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans more than 1,100 offices located in 83 countries and territories worldwide, including 48 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Anywhere Real Estate Inc. entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby’s International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Kari Hegarty
BerlinRosen
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