Spending so much time in London over the past two years I had forgetten how magical are New York’s town homes, especially on the UES (Upper East Side). When down in the City lately, I squeezed in a stroll through the side streets of my former stomping grounds. And lo and behold, just when I thought I had searched out the most compelling townhouses on the UES, I turned a corner…or ventured 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.
An intriguing juxtaposition of stone work and style between the first and second stories.
A most handsome townhome, obviously enjoyed given the seating on the iron balcony.
Distinctive window detailing!
Warm and appealing tones for what would normally be a much deeper shade of “brownstone.”
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 Grand (with a capital G) entrance.
Me thinks we are in London…
Comforting and inviting.
Aaah, the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
A red door and charcoal gray balustrade adding a bit of verve to an otherwise traditional stone townhouse.
Happy end-of-February…
Great photos. The next time you are in my stomping grounds give me a heads up and I’ll invite you to afternoon tea. EE
Thank you, Ellen, I’ll remember that!!
What a fun, beautiful stroll!
Indeed! Treat yourself some day. xB
You always have the most gorgeous photographs…. thank you for sharing them with us.
Such a treat on wintery New England mornings!
Sheri
Indeed this was a bone chilling, wintry NE morning!! Dreaming of popping down in the spring for some more townhouse shoots! xB
It’s all in the DETAILS as you have so aptly described it!
Details, details, details!! As only you can appreciate…xx
DEAR LADY,
AS TO MY OWN ‘UES’ – E. 65TH ST. CONVERTED TOWN HOUSE DWELLING, I AM IN TOTAL AGREEMENT WITH YOUR LAST OFFERING. TIS TRUE, EVEN WITH ‘FUNDS’ … THEY DON’T BUILT THEM, THE WAY THEY USED TO.
I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR EMAIL’S ARRIVAL.
ALWAYS ENRICHED VIA YOUR VISIONARY ENDEAVOURS.
TOM GARDNER
What a wonderful coincidence that you’re a UES townhouse dweller!!
I can’t wai to come donw in the spring to record more. xB
I LOVE these gorgeous places and London ones in particular! SO beautiful! Thanks so much for yet another shot of beauty in my day!
Thanks, Barbara, London ones are coming in April!! xB
Architecture, iron, and classic plantings. Thanks for the gorgeous photos!
It was a vacation right from my armchair!! The artisans who create these materials of beauty…incredible!! EnJOYED!! franki
I always enjoy your posts. Beautiful photos. I always learn a thing or two 🙂
On all of my trips from Central Kentucky to New York;I take an hour or so for a walk around the upper East Side, where I lived in the early 1970s. I love these marvelous townhouses and your photos were simply transporting! Your blog is a constant source of inspiration for me. Thank you for providing such smart and interesting content.
a tale of two cities for sure.
So clever, Godson xxB