Harriet the Spy’s Upper East Side Townhouse Hits the Market for $4.95M

Retrace Harriet’s “spy route” and settle in with a tomato sandwich at this Queen Anne-style townhouse said to be the residence that inspired the fictional home featured in “Harriet the Spy,” the beloved book starring a precocious 11-year-old who spends her days documenting the moves of her friends and neighbors. According to The Post, the stunning 1880s property at 558 East 87th Street has just listed for $4.95 million, and it’s the first time in nearly 70 years that it’s been put up for sale. The rare Upper East Side gem is a corner construction, which gives it fantastic views of Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park, and the East River—on top of excellent light from three exposures. And being situated on one of the leafiest and quietest blocks in the city, it’s the perfect setting to get into covert shenanigans, à la Harriet.

The home, which is currently owned by former Scientific America Editor Jonathan Piel, measures a sizable 3,000 square feet spread across four-stories. High ceilings define the living and dining rooms, while the kitchen boasts a windowed eat-in and two pantries. There are also five “generously proportioned” bedrooms, according to the listing, and 3.5 bathrooms.

A number of the home’s historic details remain perfectly intact, including a dumbwaiter connecting the dining room and kitchen, as well as the service hall which opens up to the street. There are also built-in bookcases on every floor, a center hall skylight, two more skylights on the top floor, a wrap-around garden and a private yard.

558 East 87th Street is part of the Henderson Place Historic District, “a tiny architectural gem tucked amidst the burgeoning city.” Incidentally, “Harriet the Spy’s” author, Louise Fitzhugh, lived on nearby East 85th Street.

[Via NYP]

[Listing: 558 East 87th Street by Thomas Wexler at the Corcoran Group]

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Images courtesy of Corcoran