The River House: Enduring Elegance Meets Unrivaled Provenance

The River House, since its completion in 1931, has been a statement building on the Manhattan landscape. Perched majestically on the banks of the East River, the 26-story Art Deco-inspired building, designed by the society architectural firm of Bottomley, Wagner & White, is flanked by two distinctive massive 15-story wings and its central tower topped with a crown. It has long been considered among New York’s most discrete and distinctive addresses: current and former residents include actors, diplomats, and financiers. Located between 52nd and 53rd streets, River House is renowned world-wide for its high level of privacy, coupled with its remarkable service and location.

The residence features expansive outdoor space from two southern-facing terraces.

This duplex high above New York with breathtaking wraparound views epitomizes the original vision for the building—gracious living, rooms flooded with natural light, outdoor terraces, wood burning fireplaces and unparalleled entertaining spaces. Spanning 7,000 square feet, the home exudes Old World charm, infused with a tasteful interior redesign which further enhances its timeless elegance.

Related: Discover the High Life in West Chelsea, New York City

The first floor was designed for entertaining, accented with this gallery wall, perfect for the display of large-scale art.

Erin Boisson Aries, representing the property for the New York City brokerage of Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “Today, the most successful new developments in New York City strive to capture the graciousness of the past. The many details of classical grandeur built into the design of River House—the terraces, the proportions, the beautiful plasterwork and the practical staff accommodations—are authentic and therefore almost impossible to replicate. The same holds true for the building’s heritage: elegant, and very private. River House has always been associated with the understated yet luxurious lifestyles of New York’s most well-known and discrete residents.”

The stately great room features a wood-burning fireplace and picture windows, which frame the dramatic views of the East River; full-height double doors lead to a grandly appointed corner dining room, designed to seat up to 16 guests.

This light and airy duplex captures four exposures of Manhattan on two full floors. Architectural details throughout—including intricate ceiling treatments, arches and moldings, mahogany millwork, and vintage tiled and parquet floors. Lynn de Rothschild collaborated with interior designer Michael S. Smith, famous for his work on the Obama White House. Mr. Smith’s time studying at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum can be seen in his interpretation of an English country house that features genuine 18th-century wallpaper in the dining room, a striking double-height entrance foyer with a sweeping staircase and a tranquil color palette.

Original 18th-century wallpaper makes a statement in the corner formal dining room designed for elegant entertaining.

Related: New York City Apartment Amenities Through the Ages

The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom manse is introduced by a private elevator landing opening to the double-height entrance foyer with its signature staircase curving up to the second level’s private living quarters. Artistic doorways, some with lunette windows or ornate trims and others elegantly simple, provide a seamless flow throughout the home’s first level. The stately great room features a wood-burning fireplace and expansive windows framing the dramatic views of the East River. Full-height double doors lead to a corner dining room, gloriously designed to seat up to 16 guests. A bright sunroom opens to two large, south-facing terraces. A corner library serves as a quiet retreat with stately mahogany bookshelves and another wood-burning fireplace. On the first floor is also the chef’s kitchen, flooded with natural light and including a butler’s pantry and a sunny breakfast nook.

The stately corner library is appointed with a fireplace and features views facing north and east to the river.

The second floor, also accessible by elevator, spans six bedrooms, all with en suite baths. The master wing, located on the southeast corner, is complete with a wood-burning fireplace, two large dressing areas and a sitting room with its own wood-burning fireplace. A great hall, with walls ideal for the display of large-scale art, further sets this level apart.

: The sweeping staircase ascends to the second floor living quarters, welcomed by the great hall.

River House welcomes with wrought-iron gates on a private cul-de-sac off 52nd Street. The gates open onto a cobblestone Palazzo courtyard turn-around with fountains and statuary. Multiple doormen provide immediate service. The building’s lobby leads to a lovely formal garden reserved for residents and guests. The building offers platinum concierge services and the opportunity to join the exclusive yet family-friendly River Club, with sports and fitness facilities as well as fine dining and a ballroom for large-scale events. The United Nations Plaza is within easy reach, as are the shops and restaurants of Lexington and Park Avenues. A short drive away, the East 34th Street Heliport operates a convenient 24-hour service to River House and the Financial District lies just four miles to the south.