A Gem on 74th Street: Discover why This Townhouse is the Epitome of Tranquil Living

Now, more than ever, people are searching for their own private sanctuary, a serene space to call home. While townhouses are often the mark of prestige and elegance, they are, in fact, so much more. A townhouse offers security and privacy, a place of solitude among an otherwise boisterous external environment. Offering multiple levels, a townhouse truly allows for quiet living; without anyone living above or below you, it is that much easier to accomplish an afternoon of productivity or spend an evening relaxing in peace. And if you are living with others, multiple floors allow each person to have more space to themselves; each floor acts as his or her private oasis. Of course, an architecturally impressive townhouse can only further establish a home as your chosen sanctuary. For those that are looking for the perfect blend of timeless architecture and noteworthy history, they need look no further.  Elliman Insider sat down with both Meera Gandhi, the current owner of the townhouse at 55 E 74th Street , and  Lisa Simonsen , the Douglas Elliman agent representing the property, to delve into what makes this home a unique masterpiece. Rich history and architectural brilliance aside, this home is the epitome of tranquil living. ELLIMAN INSIDER: What about 55 E 74th Street made you want to make it your home? MEERA GANDHI: I first saw this home when another broker suggested I look at a townhouse instead of a three-bedroom apartment that we were currently looking at. Our youngest child was 3, our middle daughter then was 7 and our oldest was 11. We needed three bedrooms for our children; another for our live-in nanny; a bedroom for us; as well as one for my in-laws who used to travel from India and stay for a month or two at a time. This house had plenty of space for all our needs as well as great entertaining spaces. The roof garden seemed like an added plus as we have always loved grilling on school nights. It made weeknight dinners seem special. This home had all the benefits and the added privacy of a stand alone house. Plus, the fact that Mrs. Roosevelt lived here during her power years, with amazing world leaders as visitors, made us really excited about making this our family home. EI: Is there an unexpected element of this home that you didn’t anticipate when you purchased, but grew to love and admire after living in it? MG:  When we first bought the property, it was still an apartment building. It wasn’t until we opened it back up to a single family home that we came to fully realize the grandeur of the space. It is ambassadorial in every sense, high ceilings and a very special parlor floor. We had not seen the parlor floor until after we bought the house, as the current tenant did not want to leave and never allowed the second floor to be shown. We were amazed and delighted with the architecture and natural light. EI: What is your favorite part of this home; for example, your favorite room? MG: My favorite space is the roof garden, but I love my bedroom too. It has great energy and Mrs. Roosevelt slept there every night. She left her positive energy behind for sure. When I go to sleep, I know that when I wake up the next day, I WILL have a solution to any problem. This has proven true the two decades I have lived here. EI: Has the history of this home shaped the way you’ve decorated or approached the interior design? MG: We thought the historical pictures and letters with this address should be in the lobby to share with everyone who enters the home. This home has seen an extraordinary amount of visitors as I have hosted two charities a month on average, with two hundred to four hundred people each time over the last twenty years. Elliman Insider: Describe the general trend you’ve seen when it comes to the interest in townhouses over the past 10 years. Lisa Simonsen: Townhomes over the last decade have not achieved numbers comparable with condos or co-ops. I believe townhomes have been undervalued and given present circumstances, I feel there will be an increasing interest in having one’s own private and controlled space. EI: Tell us what about this townhouse makes it unique. LS: 55 E 74th Street is an exceptional opportunity because of its premiere location and rich history. Every floor of the home has outdoor space, as well as gracious proportions and high ceilings. The home also features an all-limestone, Beaux-Arts facade that cannot be replicated. 55 E 74th Street is one in a row of eight remarkable townhomes designed by the renowned Buchman and Deisler. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior; it features marble fireplaces, sun-soaked rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows. And, at the rear of the home, a private garden offers a personal sanctuary, away from the bustling city. The home has played host to major financiers, celebrities and historical figures. Most famously, it was the final residence of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who lived there until her passing. Memorabilia from her tenure still remains and will be included in the sale of the property. EI: What is the neighborhood like—what are the unique spots that make this neighborhood special? LS: The home is located in the heart of the Upper East Side, just steps away from Central Park. It is nestled between Madison and Park Avenues, and is just down the street from Fifth Avenue, which places it within minutes of some of Manhattan’s finest dining and shopping. The surrounding area is also home to cultural icons like The Frick Collection , The Carlyle , and The Met Breuer Art Museum . Contact Lisa to learn more about 55 E 74th Street today.