About this home

Just off Fifth Avenue on one of the Upper East Side's most coveted blocks, 21 East 81st Street presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of New York history. Built in 1899, this south-facing, 20-foot-wide, six-story limestone townhome spans approximately 8,600 square feet and is crowned by a charming mansard roof. Grand interiors feature impressive 12-foot ceilings, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, elegant period details, and an elevator servicing all levels. The parlor floor offers generous entertaining spaces, with sun-filled rooms and a massive windowed kitchen. Above are spacious bedrooms, oversized walk in closets, and a stately library. Crowning the residence is a beautiful landscaped roof deck with views of the Metropolitan Museum and space for dining, lounging, and entertaining. Currently configured as an owner's quadruplex with a separate income-producing duplex, the home offers exceptional flexibility for extended family, guests, staff, a home office, gym, or den. It can also be returned to its original configuration as a grand single-family residence. Set on one of the neighborhood's most elegant tree-lined blocks, 21 East 81st Street is moments from Central Park, the Guggenheim, Museum Mile, and the Upper East Side's celebrated restaurants, art galleries, and Madison Ave shopping.

Facts and features

Schools

• Ps 6 Lillie D Blake

  elementary · K-5 · 0.1 mi

  10

• Jhs 167 Robert F Wagner

  middle · 6-8 · 0.5 mi

  8

• The Clinton School

  middle · 6-12 · 3.3 mi

  7

• Rudolf Steiner School

  elementary · K-12 · 0.1 mi

• Rudolf Steiner School

  elementary · K-12 · 0.1 mi

• Marymount School of NY

  elementary · K-12 · 0.1 mi

Price history

• Aug 24, 2026 · Listed$16,500,000
• Aug 14, 2026 · Listing Removed—
• Feb 10, 2026 · Listed$18,000,000

Tax history

• 2026$120,026 tax · $1,299,300 assessed
• 2025$114,442 tax · $1,299,300 assessed
• 2024$53,563 tax · $1,271,100 assessed
• 2023$108,994 tax · $958,800 assessed
• 2022$52,820 tax · $934,500 assessed
• 2021$52,453 tax · $1,004,220 assessed
• 2020$49,663 tax · $1,143,780 assessed
• 2019$46,184 tax · $1,122,780 assessed

Home value

$15,506,800

• Cotality$15,506,800
• Quantarium$14,175,113
• Collateral Analytics$5,678,000

Where it is