167 E 74th Street, Manhattan, NY 10021
Local realty services provided by:CENTURY 21 Awaye Realty
167 E 74th Street,Manhattan, NY 10021
$9,800,000
- 8 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 6,406 sq. ft.
- Single family
- Active
Listed by: leslie hirsch, edward joseph, benjamin anderson, howard morrel
Office: christies international real estate group llc.
MLS#:RLS20080634
Source:NY_REBNY
Price summary
- Price:$9,800,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$1,529.82
About this home
<p>The Barbara Jakobson Townhouse - A 20-Foot-Wide Architectural Gem on the Upper East Side</p> <p>167 East 74th Street is a remarkable 20-foot-wide, five-story Upper East Side residence encompassing over 6,000 square feet of interior space. Distinguished by dramatic architectural volume, luminous interiors, and a spectacular double-height living room overlooking a private garden, the home offers a rare combination of scale, light, and architectural presence seldom found in Manhattan townhouses. A rare convergence of art, architecture, and family history, the residence was acquired by iconic tastemaker Barbara Jakobson in 1965 and remained her primary home for nearly six decades, evolving into one of New York's most quietly influential private cultural interiors.</p> <p>Originally constructed in 1910 and expanded in 1956 by architect John Kingsland, the house has long attracted creative life. For nearly a decade it was home to legendary filmmaker Elia Kazan, who lived here while directing cinematic classics including East of Eden and Splendor in the Grass. During those years, figures such as James Dean, Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Marlon Brando, and Vivien Leigh were among the notable visitors who passed through its doors. Later, under Jakobson's stewardship, the house continued to serve as an informal salon for the art and literary worlds, welcoming luminaries including Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Philip Roth, and Umberto Eco.</p> <p>On East 74th Street, the home is immediately recognizable by its distinctive red lacquer doors and the beloved bronze squirrel sculptures created by sculptor Jane Canfield-a charming detail that has long earned the property the neighborhood nickname "The Squirrel House." Installed during the ownership of underwater explorer and department-store heir Peter Gimbel, the whimsical figures quickly captured the imagination of generations of neighborhood children.</p> <p>Inside, the house unfolds with a sense of grandeur and architectural theatre. A dramatic entry hall with triple arches and custom wallpaper designed by artist Peter Halley leads to a warm and inviting den with fireplace overlooking the spectacular double-height living room-an unforgettable first impression that is truly a "wow moment".</p> <p>With ceilings rising approximately 19 feet, the living room reveals an extraordinary architectural volume rarely encountered in private homes. Bathed in natural light from a skylight above and framed by soaring brick walls, the room possesses the scale and presence of a private gallery. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the tranquil 350-square-foot garden, creating a striking visual connection between the dramatic interior and outdoor spaces.</p> <p>The room is an art collector's dream and an exceptional setting for entertaining. Guests arrive in unforgettable fashion, descending the graceful curved staircase that sweeps elegantly into the living room, creating a theatrical and memorable entrance. The space effortlessly accommodates large-scale works of art while remaining warm and inviting for gatherings both intimate and grand. Off the living room is a large dining area which leads to the kitchen.</p> <p>Natural light fills the home from both exposures. South-facing rooms are bright and cheerful, capturing sunlight throughout the day, while north-facing rooms enjoy soft, even light with views of treetops and open sky, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the remainder of the home, ceiling heights remain generous, with approximately 10-foot ceilings on the principal floors and 9.2-foot ceilings on the top level, lending the interiors a sense of openness and classic townhouse proportion across all five stories. In total, the residence offers over eight bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and multiple possible configurations, allowing future owners to adapt the home to a wide range of lifestyles while preserving its remarkable character.</p>...
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Home facts
- Year built:1910
- Subdivision & Development:Lenox Hill
- Listing ID #:RLS20080634
- Added:163 day(s) ago
- Updated:September 13, 2026 at 01:35 PM
Rooms and interior
- Bedrooms:8
- Total bathrooms:7
- Full bathrooms:6
- Half bathrooms:1
- Rooms Total:17
- Basement:Yes
- Living area:6,406 sq. ft.
Heating and cooling
- Cooling:Wall Units
Structure and exterior
- Year built:1910
- Building area:6,406 sq. ft.
- Exterior Features:Garden
- Levels:1 Story
Finances and disclosures
- Price:$9,800,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$1,529.82
- Tax amount:$98,592
Features and amenities
- Appliances:WasherDryerAllowed
- Laundry features:Washer Dryer Allowed
This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. © 2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved. RLS Data display by Coldwell Banker Warburg This advertisement does not suggest that the broker has a listing in this property or properties or that any property is currently available. NY_REBNY Member Broker: Arlene WayeNew listings near 167 E 74th Street
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