Historical 17th-Century New York Townhouse That Was Dismantled and Shipped From Amsterdam to Manhattan Is Listed for $8 Million

A historical New York City townhouse that has been hailed as one of the Big Apple's most architecturally significant dwellings has hit the market for $7.99 million—180 years after it was painstakingly dismantled and then shipped to Manhattan from its original location in Amsterdam.

At first glance, it seems impossible that the origins of the dwelling, which is nestled in a row of adjacent townhomes in the tony neighborhood of Gramercy Park, trace back to anywhere other than New York, given the impact it has made on the city's architectural heritage.

Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that the multistory dwelling did not start its Manhattan chapter at the plum Gramercy Park location—having originally been installed on a parcel on the Upper West Side by its original owners in 1845.

The extraordinary residence, which is listed with celebrity real estate agent Eleonora Srugo, of Douglas Elliman, was originally constructed in Amsterdam by "affluent Dutch owners," who then "carefully dismantled" their decadent dwelling and moved it piece by piece across the Atlantic to New York City.

Once there, it was rebuilt on the Upper West Side, where it stood for 65 years, before being broken down and moved yet again, this time to 135 East 19th Street, the same spot it occupies to this day.

Originally commissioned by sugar magnate Joseph B. Thomas, for whom it is now named, the property was "reimagined" by English architect Frederick J. Sterner when it was moved from the Upper West Side.

In the years since, the property has changed hands on just a few occasions, most recently in 2022, when it was sold at auction for $5 million.

Previously, the home had been the primary residence of fashion designer Oleg Cassini, who dressed everyone from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Marilyn Monroe.

Cassini, who died in 2006, is said to have hosted A-list soirees in the dwelling, which also played host to some of his most high-profile clients, as well as his former fiancée, actress Grace Kelly.

"It has remained strikingly intact, most recently owned by a world-famous fashion designer and philanthropist," the listing notes. "For decades, it hosted iconic parties and served as a creative salon for some of society's most influential women."

A penchant for parties seems to have been a prerequisite for owners of the property, with historical reports claiming that the home's original resident was also fond of throwing opulent soirees.

According to local lore, Thomas was renowned for his over-the-top parties, including a St. Patrick's Day gathering at which he decked the dwelling in all-green decor.

"If these walls could talk, I am sure they would share extravagant details of lavish events and a forgotten time," Srugo tells Realtor.com®.

"The history nestled in this home is only found in New York, brought to life with a multitude of design elements and dramatic architectural features. There is a legend of an epic St. Patrick's Day party from 1914, but I am sure Halloween parties were just as fun."

Certainly, the home seems tailor-made for entertaining, offering multiple living spaces with soaring ceilings and jaw-dropping details sure to impress even the pickiest of guests.

"A glass-roofed solarium just beyond fills the home with natural light and greenery, anchored by a tranquil fountain," the description reveals. "Downstairs, a wine cellar and tasting room provide a hidden, atmospheric retreat.

"The formal dining room evokes a European country estate, wrapped in warm wood paneling; perfect for anything from intimate dinners to lavish entertaining."

Throughout its 115-year history in Gramercy Park, the six-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom abode has been carefully updated and renovated. However, impressive original design details remain, including the extraordinary stained-glass windows on every level of the property.

"Rich with history and character, this Gramercy Park gem stands out as one of the most storied private residences in the country," the listing goes on.

"The exterior is a dramatic showcase of Gothic Revival style, with bold stained-glass windows on every level, intricate stone detailing, and a distinctive, storybook roofline."

Spanning an astonishing 6,700 square feet—a rare amount of space for a New York City abode—the property features historical details, from original wood-paneled walls and stone floors to stone fireplaces and ornate plasterwork.

"The showpiece is the Italian Room, as named by Sterner himself, an awe-inspiring space with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, ornate plasterwork, paneled walls, and a monumental stone fireplace," the description notes.

In recent years, the property has fallen behind as far as modern amenities are concerned—and is in need of a new custodian willing to invest in a restoration that will help to bring it up to snuff.

To help with that vision, the listing includes renderings showing what the home might look like with some significant updates.

Renovations would also give a buyer the chance to reconfigure the property to better suit their needs, with the listing noting that, while it currently boasts six bedrooms, there is an opportunity to transform some of those living spaces for all manner of purposes.

"Upstairs, the current layout includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms, with ample room to reconfigure into luxurious suites, dressing rooms, or staff quarters," it states.

Additional amenities include a prep kitchen, a service staircase, a dumbwaiter, and a laundry center.

Yet, for all that it offers, the home has struggled to secure a buyer.

Over the past three years, the townhouse has bounced on and off the market, each time with a slight decrease to its asking price, having originally been listed in October 2023 for $13.95 million.

Now at almost half that amount, the property's current price could be seen as a bargain for those who appreciate architecture and history.

"This is a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a home with unmatched history, architectural integrity, and transformative potential," the listing states. "Located in the heart of the famed Gramercy Park neighborhood, you are just moments away from the best dining, shopping, and entertainment Manhattan has to offer."