A Rare Emery Roth Masterpiece at 15 West 81st Street

Some apartments are renovated. Others are restored. And then there are those exceedingly rare homes where the architectural vision of the original designer has been preserved with such extraordinary care that the result is nothing short of remarkable.

Welcome to Apartment 13F at 15 West 81st Street, a magnificent high-floor, grand-scale classic six-room residence in one of the Upper West Side’s most distinguished Emery Roth cooperatives. With extraordinarily open northern exposures, exceptional natural light, and beautifully proportioned rooms, this one-of-a-kind home represents the very best of prewar Manhattan living.

From the moment you enter through the elegant vestibule into the gracious 10′ x 12′ square center hall, the home’s remarkable scale, sunlight, and architectural integrity are immediately apparent. The magnificent 27′ x 16′ living room, with three oversized windows overlooking the quintessential Upper West Side skyline to the north, provides an extraordinary setting for both elegant entertaining and everyday living. An equally impressive 16′ x 17′ formal dining room, flooded with natural light, offers exceptional versatility as a sophisticated dining space, library, media room, or a combination of them.

The separate bedroom wing offers a wonderful sense of privacy. The expansive 19′ x 18′ primary bedroom features three large windows with open northern exposures, two oversized closets, and a truly exceptional windowed bathroom. Here, the original tilework, fixtures, and flooring have been meticulously preserved, including a magnificent deep cast iron soaking tub positioned beneath a window overlooking the open sky. It is a rare and beautiful example of the timeless craftsmanship that distinguished Emery Roth’s original designs. The generously proportioned second bedroom enjoys sunny southern exposures, and double closets. The second full bath, also in incomparable original condition, is accessible from the hallway which is super convenient for guests.

The sun-filled, windowed eat-in kitchen is equally extraordinary. Its pristine original St. Charles metal cabinetry has been lovingly restored and maintained, retaining the authenticity and character of the original design while providing exceptional functionality. Abundant stone countertops and a thoughtfully incorporated center island create a welcoming setting for casual dining and entertaining. Just beyond the kitchen is a sunny and versatile staff room or home office, complete with a renovated windowed bathroom and laundry.

Throughout the residence, exquisite architectural details reflect an extraordinary commitment to preserving the integrity of this historic home. Beautiful quarter-sawn wood floors, new solid wood windows, generous, outfitted closets, and through-the-wall air conditioning complement the apartment’s exceptional proportions and timeless elegance.

What truly distinguishes this residence is the remarkable marriage of preservation and modern comfort. At a time when so many prewar apartments have been extensively reimagined, Apartment 13F remains a rare celebration of the original architecture, craftsmanship, and design that made these homes so extraordinary nearly a century ago.

15 West 81st Street is a distinguished, long-established white-glove cooperative, celebrated for its exceptional service and premier Upper West Side location just off Central Park West, directly across from the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium. Residents enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, children’s playroom, bicycle room, and private storage.

With Central Park just moments from your front door, and the neighborhood’s celebrated restaurants, boutiques, cultural institutions, and conveniences all close at hand, this is quintessential Upper West Side living at its finest.

A truly exceptional residence for those who appreciate the beauty, craftsmanship, and architectural legac