A 20-foot wall of windows stuns in this romantic Gramercy Park townhouse, asking $15M

There are many blocks in New York that leave us drooling, but the original “block beautiful” is 19th Street between Irving Place and Third Avenue, one block away from Gramercy Park. Most of the brick and brownstone rowhouses on the block were built in the 1850s but were considered dour by the turn of the century. After moving to New York in 1906, British architect Frederick Sterner bought the home at 139 East 19th Street and renovated it with what would become his playful signature touch: a coat of tinted stucco, shutters, decorative ironwork, and a projecting tile roof. Many—if not most—of the other homes on the block received Sterner makeovers, giving the street a distinctive charm. Now you can own the house right across the street from Sterner’s own, at 140 East 19th Street, for $15,250,000.

The highlight of the home is the open living area on the ground floor, featuring 20-foot ceilings and a breathtaking wall of windows looking onto the private, south-facing garden in the backyard.

Adjacent is an eat-in kitchen with black-and-white floor tiles, a wrought iron chandelier, coffered ceilings, and a stylish black and copper stove.

A study on the mezzanine level overlooks the dramatic living space below.

The master suite is on the third floor and has access to a 22’ x 14’ terrace and two walk-in closets. On the same level, you’ll find a smaller bedroom and two full baths.

Two more bedrooms are on the fourth floor, along with a large sky-lit studio area. It’s currently being used as a writing alcove but the abundant light and ample space make it perfectly suited for a range of creative practices.

The basement is finished and includes a laundry room, storage room, a den, and a half bathroom. And we saved some of the best news for last: a large elevator provides access to every floor.

Sterner renovated the 23.5-foot brownstone in 1919, opting for a more minimal look but making sure that his characteristic shutters would stand out.

[Listing: 140 East 19th Street by Debbie Korb of Sotheby’s International]

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Listing images courtesy of Sotheby’s International