Own this striking five story 4 to 5 bedroom single family home and you will own a piece of New York City history. In the world of Manhattan townhouses, few have the street appeal and unique presence of 305 West 78th Street. Located on the northwest corner of 78th Street and West End Avenue (in the West End/Collegiate Historic District), this much admired and much photographed townhouse has been home to many prominent New Yorkers since 1886. The current owners completed a respectful renovation under the direction of Baxt/Ingui Architects. The exquisite renovation created a gem-like home of contemporary perfection. Three large outdoor areas -the rear garden, the master terrace and the roof deck-offer desirable private spaces.Steps from Riverside Park and close to Zabar's, Citarella, Fairway, Calhoun School, the Beacon Theatre and Lincoln Center, as well as the #1 train and crosstown buses. There is nothing else in the West 70's at this price point that compares. Monthly real estate taxes are only $2,600 and heat/electric/insurance total only $1,250/month.

LAYOUT

Parlor Entrance:

Through the signature recessed brick archway at the top of the limestone stoop, you enter onto the Parlor floor. This floor has an expansive open layout with a formal dining room at the front. The elegant living room has a wood burning fireplace and a butler's pantry in the extension. With ceiling height of over 11 feet and light streaming in from the front and rear windows, this parlor floor offers sophisticated entertaining and dining. The restored box stair was and still is a brilliantly efficient way to connect the five floors of this home. New cherry and oak floors throughout.

Garden and Kitchen Floor:

Access the garden floor from both under the limestone stoop or the interior box stair. A large efficient stainless steel and stone open planned kitchen with room for casual dining is located at the front. A pantry and plenty of cabinets provide ample storage. Adjacent to the kitchen is an informal living/family room with drop-down projection TV and surround sound. Glass doors lead onto a back yard garden with loggia dining. A powder room is also located on this floor.

Third Floor:

The 3rd floor is entirely devoted to the master bedroom, master bathroom, and dressing room suite, with private terrace. The front dressing room has wall-to-wall built-in closet space and could easily be converted into an additional bedroom or nursery. The master bath is luxurious including a wall-size, fog free mirror and double shower heads. The spacious bedroom has a wood burning fireplace with marble mantle.

Fourth Floor:

The fourth floor contains bedrooms in the front and back with a shared bathroom off the hallway. There is also a large laundry room that could be converted into an additional bathroom.

Fifth Floor:

The light and airy top floor is currently laid out as a gym. It can alternatively be used as the fourth or fifth bedroom, office or hideaway for writer, artist or guest. Dramatic curved ceilings from the original mansard roofline have been preserved and the original staff room has been restored behind the gabled windows. Large glass doors open onto the private roof deck and a large skylight overlays this floor making the entire space feel like an inside/outside room.

The renovation included heated Garden level floors, a new seven-zone HVAC system of Mitsubishi units for cooling & new five-zone hot water radiators for heating.