Description

THE CHARLES GRAHAM MANSION
This elegant residence blends comfort, serenity and tradition with all modern systems in a perfect location on the Upper East Side.

THE BLOCK

Ideally positioned on a quiet tree-lined block that's long been prized for its location steps from Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this 23 foot wide five-story mansion is also close to the leading art galleries, shops, and museums, as well as numerous Upper East Side schools. In the late 1880s, a building wave graced this block with several outstanding mansions, still standing today, including residences for the families of financier Paul Warburg (17), Hiram Bloomingdale (11), and Frank W. Woolworth who engaged CPH Gilbert to create mansions for his 3 married daughters (4,6,8).

THE ARCHITECT

Originally trained as a master stair builder, Charles Graham was a prominent architect developer of mansions, including Holland House on Fifth Avenue and the private residence of Mayor William R. Grace at 31 East 79th Street, now demolished. Charles Graham created the quartet from 22-28 on this amazing block of East 80 Street and number 26 was purchased by an industrialist for his newly-wed daughter. Of the four, only 26 East 80th remains a single family home and retains its original stoop, imposing doorway, staircase, pocket doors and shuttered window seats as originally designed. At one point a leading art gallery, its zoning permits both residential and commercial use.

THE RESIDENCE

Originally built in 1888 in the Queen Anne and neo-Renaissance style - with many classical details still intact both in the interior and on the faade - it has been completely renovated with modern systems that include two-zone central air conditioning, state of the art security, new wiring and plumbing, new bathrooms, a professional eat in kitchen, a media room with a descending screen and surround sound, and an exquisite planted and irrigated rooftop garden comfortably seating 22, enjoying open views.

LAYOUT

Past the planted forecourt, the garden floor includes a bright two-windowed breakfast room open to a large chef's kitchen; beyond, a guest/staff suite leads to a small rear garden. The parlor floor entry features the original classic foyer and Graham staircase. The grand scale living room and dining room have window seats and two of the seven wood-burning fireplaces, plus a butler's pantry, accommodating 50 for