This Gilded Age Carriage House Just Hit the Market—See Inside

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-21

Ever wonder what happens when a 120-year-old carriage house gets a modern makeover? 165 East 70th Street is your answer. This limestone Neo-Italian Renaissance beauty on Manhattan's Upper East Side just listed, and it's a stunner. ### From Horses to High Design Back in 1902, architect C.P.H. Gilbert designed this wide (33 feet!) structure for banker Henri P. Wertheim. It was a carriage house and stable—practical for its time. Later, it became chauffeur's quarters for Stephen C. Clark (of Singer Sewing Machine fame), and then Paul Mellon and his wife Bunny bought it in 1965. Fast forward to 2011: the current owners tapped Sawyer | Berson to reimagine the interiors. Four years later, the result is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. ### The Details That Dazzle - Six bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and six wood-burning fireplaces. - Three private landscaped terraces and over 1,350 square feet of outdoor space. - Quarter-sawn oak floors, Venetian plaster walls, and custom silk carpeting. - Heated sidewalks and a curb-cut driveway—pure Manhattan luxury. Mike Fabbri of The Agency New York, who represents the property, puts it simply: "A lot of times, these grand homes can feel cold, but one of the most welcome features of this one is how warm it is and how much it feels like a place that deserves to be filled with people and memories and laughter." ### Room to Live (and Entertain) Enter through mirrored Horus bronze doors into a garage that doubles as an entertaining space. The foyer features a limestone staircase rising 46 feet to a skylight. On the same level, you'll find a 13-seat soundproof theater and guest quarters with a full kitchen. The second floor is all about hosting: a living room, a glass-enclosed dining room, and an eat-in chef's kitchen with top-tier appliances. The third floor holds a mahogany-paneled library and the primary suite with dual dressing rooms. Three more ensuite bedrooms on the fourth floor open to a 598-square-foot terrace. And the fifth floor? Soundproof offices, a solarium, and rooftop access. ### Below Grade: Wellness and Wine A double-height cellar houses a Jacuzzi/cold plunge, steam room, sauna, massage room, and a gym lined with original chestnut from the horse ramps. Plus, a 6,319-bottle wine cellar and a prep kitchen keep service separate from entertaining. ### Why It Matters This isn't just another luxury listing. It's a piece of New York history, thoughtfully updated for how we live now. Whether you're in the market or just love architecture, 165 East 70th Street is worth a look. For more information, contact Mike Fabbri at The Agency New York.