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$7,950,000
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Property Description
159 East 71st Street is a distinguished 20-foot-wide single-family townhouse offering approximately 5,400 square feet across 5 levels, with 7 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and private gardens at both the front and rear of the residence. Set on one of the Upper East Side's most coveted tree-lined townhouse blocks, the home combines gracious scale, abundant natural light, and beautifully preserved architectural character. Built in 1880 by noted architect James E. Ware in the Neo-Grec style, the residence features 5 working fireplaces, high ceilings, and distinctive architectural details throughout. Oversized bay and oriel windows bring exceptional natural light into the interiors while framing views of the surrounding gardens. The home also offers ample storage space, including more than 20 closets and a wine cellar. The garden level is centered around a spacious eat-in kitchen and an open living and dining area overlooking the beautifully landscaped rear garden. Measuring more than 650 square feet, the garden provides a private outdoor retreat in the heart of Manhattan. This level also includes an additional bedroom and full bathroom, ideal for guests or staff. Above, the grand parlor floor showcases the scale and character of the house, with high ceilings and a gracious living room at the front. At the rear, an elegant wood-paneled library with a fireplace and bay window overlooks the garden below. A wet bar and powder room complete the floor, creating an ideal setting for entertaining. The primary bedroom level offers a private retreat with 3 large south-facing windows, a generous dressing area, extensive closet space, and an en-suite bathroom. An additional bedroom or home office with its own en-suite bathroom provides flexibility. The upper level features 4 additional bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. A nearly 200-square-foot front garden creates a gracious approach to the residence, while the expansive rear garden offers a rare sense of privacy and tranquility. Beyond its architectural distinction, 159 East 71st Street has a storied New York history. The home was once owned by acclaimed pianist and bandleader Peter Duchin, who was known for hosting memorable gatherings at the residence, and it was the site of Mayor Ed Koch's inauguration celebrations on two occasions. Just a few doors away is the iconic townhouse featured in Breakfast at Tiffany's, adding to the history and character of this exceptional block. With its 20-foot width, historic architecture, gracious scale, remarkable provenance, and exceptional outdoor space, 159 East 71st Street presents a special opportunity to own a classic Manhattan townhouse in one of the Upper East Side's most desirable locations, moments from world-class museums, schools, restaurants, galleries, shopping, and Central Park.
Full Property Details
Full Property Details for 159 E 71st St
General
- Price: $7,950,000
- Taxes: $94,800
- Status: Active
- Type: Single Family
- Source: REBNY
- MLS ID: RLS20110827
- Updated: 9/1/2026
- Added to Site: 11 day(s) ago
Interior
- Number of Rooms: 12
- Interior Features: Wet Bar, Eat-in Kitchen, High Ceilings, Bar, Walk-In Closet(s)
- Fireplace: Yes
- Number of Fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace(s): Decorative, Other
- Appliances: Dryer, Washer
- Furnishings: Unfurnished
- Flooring: Hardwood
Rooms
Bathrooms
- Total Bathrooms: 6
- Full Bathrooms: 5
- Half Bathrooms: 1
Bedrooms
- Total Bedrooms: 7
Other Rooms
- Laundry: Laundry Room, See Remarks
Exterior
- Exterior Features: Building Garden, Private Outdoor Space Over 60 Sqft
- Porch/Patio/Deck: Patio
Location
- County: New York
- Subdivision: Lenox Hill
Heating & Cooling
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Cooling Type: Other
Structural Information
- Structure Type: Townhouse
- Basement Desc.: Full
- Windows: Bay Window(s)
- Stories/Levels: 5
- Square Feet: 5,400
- Living Area: 5,400 Sq. Ft.
- Year Built: 1910
Lot Features
- Property View: Other
- Lot Size: 2000
- Lot Dimensions: 2000 x 1
Financial Considerations
- Assoc Fee Freq.: Monthly
- Tax Amount: $94,800
Disclosures and Reports
- Property ID: 1406-0025
- Block: 1406
- Lot Number: 25
Listing Courtesy of Compass
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Schools
Schools serving 159 E 71st St
School District:New York City Geographic School District 02
| Name | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|
East Side Elementary School, PS 267 213 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065 | K-5 | 0.4 mi |
Jhs 167 Robert F Wagner 220 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021 | 6-8 | 0.3 mi |
Disclaimer:
School attendance boundaries provided by ATTOM Data Solutions and are for reference only. Contact the school directly to verify enrollment eligibility.
Price & Sales History for 159 E 71st St
Date
Details
Price
Change
Source
9/01/2026
Listed
$7,950,000
—
MLS
Disclaimer: Historical sales information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Tax History
Tax History for 159 E 71st St
Year
Property Taxes
Change
Tax Assessment
Change
2025
$91,959
5%
$477,757
4%
2024
$87,961
—
$457,850
5%
2024
$87,961
4%
$437,944
4%
2023
$84,762
5%
$422,017
-32%
2022
$80,856
-3%
$621,240
-7%
2021
$83,787
4%
$667,560
-12%
2020
$80,761
6%
$760,320
2%
2019
$76,345
4%
$748,980
113%
2018
$73,568
9%
$351,681
6%
2017
$67,632
2%
$331,776
—
2016
$66,325
7%
$331,776
4%
2016
$62,172
11%
$317,952
5%
2014
$55,944
12%
$304,128
4%
2013
$50,040
—
$293,068
—
Disclaimer: Historical tax information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Estimate the Cost
Estimate the Cost for 159 E 71st St
159 E 71st Street, New York, NY 10021 (MLS# RLS20110827) is a Single Family property with 7 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms and 1 partial bathroom. 159 E 71st Street is currently listed for $7,950,000 and was received on September 01, 2026. Want to learn more about 159 E 71st Street? Do you have questions about finding other Single Family real estate for sale in New York? You can browse all New York real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more information.

