This exceptional and unique townhouse located at 177 East 78 Street presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history. This stunning 4-story red brick house, complete with a finished basement and an elevator servicing the entire home, has never been listed before. Originally built in 1899, this magnificent home is adjacent to its sister property, 175 East 78 Street. Nestled on a beautiful tree-lined block, the house was first occupied in 1871 by Augustus T Chur, a hardware merchant who moved in after the Civil War. After several years, Mrs. Mary Sheehan, a wealthy widow, resided in the single house until Lowenfeld & Prager, a real estate firm, purchased both 177 and 175 East 78 Street in 1902. Remarkably, the two properties have been under single-ownership since then.

Of note, in 1946, the two buildings became the residence of John Steinbeck, the renowned American author and Nobel Prize winner, and his wife. They lived in and owned both homes until 1948. More recently, one family has owned both properties for over 55 years.

The 18-foot-wide 177 East 78 Street has been meticulously renovated from top to bottom and boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two wood-burning fireplaces, a split AC system, hardwood floors, and a finished basement. The house is set elegantly back from the street and features a beautifully landscaped backyard. The first floor welcomes visitors with a grand entrance and a spacious coat closet. A large eat-in kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line Bosch and SubZero stainless steel appliances leads to a huge family room/dining room with oversized bay windows and access to the stunning backyard. The parlor floor allows natural light to stream in from North to South through floor-to-ceiling windows. This floor includes an expansive formal living room, a library with an ensuite bathroom, and a wet bar, making it ideal for living and entertaining. The top two floors consist of four graciously-sized bedrooms, each with its own tastefully renovated bathroom and ample closet space. The primary suite features a marble bathroom and a stall shower. The finished basement includes a cedar closet storage room, a full laundry room with a sink and a brand-new full-size Electrolux washer and dryer, and easy access to all the updated mechanicals.

For your convenience, there is a full-service garage located directly across the street. Additionally, the property boasts approximately 4,593 square feet of unused air rights.