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Upper East Side Townhouse Relisted on Luxury Market with Reduced Price
A stately Upper East Side townhouse, previously listed in 2016 for a lofty $84.5 million, has returned to Manhattan’s competitive luxury real estate market with a revised, lower asking price. This meticulously renovated property at 8 E. 62nd St., formerly the residence of Somerset Partners CEO Keith Rubenstein, is now offered at $70 million, according to a recent update on StreetEasy. This price adjustment reflects current market conditions for high-end real estate in New York City.
History of the Property and Price Adjustments
Nearly ten years prior, Rubenstein initially sought a significantly higher sum for the townhouse. Had it sold at the original price, it would have surpassed existing townhouse sales records by a substantial margin. At that time, the 2006 sale of the Harkness House, another Upper East Side residence, for $53 million, remained the benchmark.
However, the property experienced fluctuations on and off the market until 2022, eventually entering into a contract for approximately $50 million, based on reports at the time. Public records now indicate the limestone townhouse was sold for $48 million in September of that year. The purchaser, now the current seller, is listed as an undisclosed limited liability company (LLC).
Architectural Features and Design
This distinguished six-bedroom townhouse, originally constructed in 1903, was designed by John H. Duncan, the esteemed architect behind Grant’s Tomb. The property boasts impressive features, including:
- Palatial room sizes
- Grand fireplaces
- A sweeping marble staircase
- Soaring 17-foot ceilings
- Oversized entryways
Luxury Amenities and Interior Highlights
Recent listing imagery showcases a home with elegant décor and a wealth of high-end amenities. Key features include:
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- Original malachite mosaic flooring
- An eat-in kitchen overlooking a courtyard garden
- A primary bedroom suite encompassing the entire third floor
- A formal dining room with a direct view of the Pierre Hotel
Notably, a billiards room adorned with distinctive Hermès-leather walls, a remnant from the previous owner’s occupancy, is also a feature of this exceptional residence.
Outdoor Spaces and Lower Level
The townhouse is crowned by a roof terrace accessible via an elevator, providing views of Central Park. The roof terrace also includes a lounge and dining area situated beneath a cedar pergola.
The lower level of the property offers further exclusive amenities:
- A wine cellar
- A skylighted gymnasium
- A newly installed sauna
- A steam room
Recent Luxury Sales in Manhattan
In the years following Rubenstein’s initial $84.5 million listing, significant transactions in the luxury market have reshaped the landscape. Billionaire Len Blavatnik acquired a commercially zoned townhouse at 19 E. 64th St. for a staggering $90 million in 2018. More recently, in 2024, an expansive double-width residential townhouse in Greenwich Village was sold off-market for $72.5 million. These notable sales emphasize the dynamic nature of Manhattan’s high-end property market.
Listing Agent and Availability
Adam Modlin of the Modlin Group holds the current listing for 8 E. 62nd St. Requests for comment from Mr. Modlin were not immediately answered.