35 East 68th Street Upper East Side Townhouse For Sale

Welcome to Residence 1A at 35 East 68th Street-a home that feels less like an apartment and more like a private design sanctuary tucked inside one of the Upper East Side's true architectural landmarks. Located within the storied Dunham House, this remarkable duplex seamlessly blends historic elegance with bold contemporary design.

Upon entry, the home immediately reveals its striking architectural character through an impressive great room with 13-foot ceilings, extraordinary volume, and incredible south-facing light that pours in throughout the day. Currently designed as an entertaining space, this level offers the flexibility to easily function as a spacious second bedroom, guest suite, studio, or office depending on lifestyle needs. A beautifully restored wood-burning fireplace adorned in alabaster stone serves as the centerpiece of the room, while the home's original detailing has been meticulously restored. Floating above, a mezzanine-level balcony adds sculptural dimension while creating the perfect setting for a library, workspace, or gallery. Statement lighting throughout-including collectible pieces from Flos and Foscarini by globally celebrated designers such as Marcel Wanders, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Patricia Urquiola, Luca Nichetto, and Ludovica + Roberto Palomba-elevates the home into a true design experience.

On the lower level, the dramatic double height living room with nearly 20-foot ceilings serves as the home's intimate centerpiece. Anchored by a second wood-burning fireplace, this layered space offers a more traditional sense of comfort while maintaining the home's architectural sophistication. Just off this level, adjacent to the kitchen and living area, a separate office provides an ideal work-from-home setup-perfectly suited as a private Zoom room, creative workspace, or quiet study.

The kitchen is sleek and highly functional, outfitted with a thoughtfully integrated suite of premium Bertazzoni appliances, including a five-element convection cooktop, electric oven, speed oven, dishwasher, and hood, paired with Blanco fixtures for clean-lined European precision.

Both bathrooms continue the home's elevated design language with globally respected fixtures and finishes. The top-floor bath features Patricia Urquiola's celebrated AXOR Urquiola collection, blending sculptural softness with spa-like sophistication, while the lower bath incorporates Hansgrohe fittings with Duravit Happy D.2 vanities by Sieger Design-creating spaces that feel refined, timeless, and intentional.

The private primary bedroom offers warmth, privacy, and thoughtful detailing, complete with a spacious walk-in closet that adds both functionality and scale. A Bosch stacked washer and dryer are conveniently located in the lower-level hallway, seamlessly integrated for everyday ease.

What makes this residence especially rare is that it exists within one of Manhattan's great surviving private mansions. The building was originally commissioned in 1899 by Dr. Edward Kellogg Dunham and designed by Carrère and Hastings at the height of the Beaux-Arts era. The facade is distinguished by ornate carved garlands, a rusticated stone base, a stately mansard roof, and sophisticated Parisian influence. Widely admired for its exuberant yet masterful design, the residence stands as an early example of the architectural brilliance that would later define Carrère and Hastings' iconic works, including the New York Public Library and The Frick Collection. Over the decades, the mansion evolved from elite private residence to cooperative while retaining its extraordinary pedigree, ultimately securing its place within the Upper East Side Historic District.

Set just moments from Central Park and Madison Avenue, Residence 1A offers the rare opportunity to own not only a beautifully designed home, but a meaningful piece of New York City history. Pets and pied-a-terre allowed. No flip tax. 75% financing is permitted.