Skipping down to New York is easy by train from Newport and squeezing in a stroll through the side streets of the Upper East Side is always a priority. So, just when I thought we had searched out the most compelling townhouses on the UES, you turn a corner…or venture a little further down a block…and voila! another good choice for a blog.

As an architecture buff, I find the offerings inspirational to the point of being exhilarating — whether limestone, brick, stucco, stone block or brownstone — these private homes and institutions represent a significant history of good design. Put another way — delicious eye candy! My one-liner comments below capture my spontaneous response when chancing upon each of these handsome examples.

Warm and appealing tones for what would normally be a much deeper shade of “brownstone.”

An intriguing juxtaposition of stone work and style between the first and second stories.

A Grand (with a capital G) entrance.

How elegant with its slightly curved limestone facade.

The perfect pairing…the wide door and frame scaled handsomely to the elegantly simple window with grill detail.

A red door and charcoal gray balustrade adding a bit  of verve to an otherwise traditional stone townhouse.

Me thinks we are in London…

A most handsome townhome, obviously enjoyed given the seating on the iron balcony.

Aaaah, the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Comforting and inviting.

Distinctive window detailing!

Happy end-of-February…

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All photos credit, Michelle Pugliese for Private Newport