Behind the Brick Facade of This 140-Year-Old NYC Townhouse Lies a Surprising Resort-Style Oasis

From the outside, a brick and brownstone townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper West Side looks like just another townhouse—but, it's sheltering a very cool amenity.

Nestled inside is a 41-foot heated pool, an amenity considered rare for even Manhattan hotels, and especially private residences.

Snug on an entire downstairs level, the pool is joined by a steam shower and spa for the ultimate wellness retreat. It also has radiant-heated floors to keep things cozy.

A skylight invites in natural light, while a wet bar and dressing room make this feel exactly like stepping into a resort spa.

Back on the market with a $1 million price cut to $10,450,000, the home is set across 6,460 square feet and boasts five bedrooms and 6.5 baths.

Listing agent, Carl Gambino of The Gambino Group at Compass believe the pool is enough to entice the right buyer.

"A 41-foot heated indoor pool is an exceptionally rare find in an Upper West Side townhouse. It's a private retreat for swimming and unwinding year-round," he says.

Now 140 years old, the townhome spans five levels and boasts two elevators, plus a private garden and terrace, creating a remarkably spacious pad among Manhattan’s congestion.

The spacious home is ideal for entertaining too.

"It pairs classic New York character with contemporary interiors and exceptional private amenities," says Gambino. "At its current asking price, it offers compelling value for the space, renovation and private amenities."

The original brick and brownstone façade remains intact, which might attract a buyer who swoons for historic architecture but also wants modern and couture perks.

"The home underwent a multimillion-dollar transformation, beginning with the cellar, when the pool, spa and additional elevator were added," says Gambino. "A full interior renovation followed in 2020, bringing a new kitchen and bathrooms, floating staircases, tile floors, heated floors and a generator."

The garden level is designed to feel like an urban sanctuary, with a 34-foot landscaped garden.

Inside, the kitchen is stocked with Wolf, Viking and Bosch appliances, as well as a large dining room and lounge with walls of windows.

On what’s referred to as the parlor floor, are two separate living areas, a fireplace and wet bar.

All five bedrooms are on the upper levels, including a south-facing suite that boasts a private terrace.

Each bath’s heated floors are ideal on cool mornings. Another upgrade has been with technology: the entire home is hooked up with video security and integrated audio, as well as automatic shades.

Before the seller snapped up this townhome in 2012, for $8,800,000, there were several owners. That includes Jacob Lawson, who commissioned the property in 1886 from architect and builder William J. Merritt. While it’s not known if Merritt ever lived there, he definitely had a heavy hand in its creation.

“This home will appeal to someone who wants townhouse privacy and scale, loves to entertain and would make the most of year-round swimming. It offers historic character and modern comforts in a move-in-ready home,” says Gambino.

And added bonus is its location: it sits in the heart of the West End–Collegiate Historic District, with plenty of restaurants, cultural institutions, and Central Park and Riverside Park just a short walk or ride away.

"This is the Upper West Side at its best: beautiful residential streets, Riverside Park nearby and Broadway’s energy close at hand,” says Gambino. “The 72nd Street express subway makes getting around the city easy.”