Live Like a New Yorker: Embrace the Authentic Manhattan Experience

 

1871 House, a turn-of-the-century townhouse located in the heart of New York’s elegant Upper East Side, offers a unique opportunity to live like a true New Yorker for a month or more. Each of our fully furnished apartments is available for extended stays of 30 days or longer, thoughtfully designed to combine the privacy of a residence with the charm of a boutique hotel.

Family-Owned with Over 20 Years of Experience
For nearly three decades, 1871 House has been family-owned and operated, welcoming guests seeking a refined, yet cozy, experience. We offer a personalized stay in the bustling city, with dedicated service and an ambiance reminiscent of a sophisticated English inn. Our apartments are the ideal airbnb alternative, providing a tranquil, private sanctuary within a historic New York brownstone.

The 1871 House Experience: A Perfect Balance of Old and New

Our townhouse, situated on a quiet, tree-lined block between Park and Lexington Avenues, places guests in the vibrant Lower Lenox Hill Historic District. Each apartment showcases distinct architectural details, including marble fireplace mantels, soaring ceilings, intricate moldings, and oversized windows that fill rooms with light. Many apartments feature either full kitchens or kitchenettes, allowing for flexibility and convenience during your stay.

Unmatched Location: Steps from New York’s Icons

Located just a short walk from Central Park, renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick & MoMA, and the exclusive shopping and dining along Madison Avenue, 1871 House offers you front-door access to the best of New York City. Subway access nearby connects you easily to Midtown and beyond, while cultural landmarks such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center are within easy reach, making it effortless to explore all the city has to offer.

A Variety of One-of-a-Kind Apartments

With apartments varying in layout and amenities, you’ll find everything from studio apartments to full-floor suites. All our rooms are decorated with an eye for classic style, blending antique furnishings, Oriental rugs, and quality linens to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Each apartment is equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and private en-suite bathrooms.

Notable features across our apartments include:

  • The Madison/Lexington Suites: These spacious, full-floor apartments occupy the entire 3rd and 4th floors, offering privacy and an authentic townhouse experience. Each suite includes a separate bedroom, a dedicated work-from-home room, and a fully equipped kitchen for added convenience. Enjoy sunny southern views over neighboring gardens from the back rooms, and bright northern exposure over East 62nd Street from the front rooms.
  • The Garden Room: A cozy retreat with a private garden terrace and fireplace.
  • The Library Rear: A bibliophile’s dream, featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the and plenty of natural light.

Charm, Quirks, and Considerations of Our 150-Year-Old Home

As a historic building, 1871 House has retained unique architectural quirks that add character to the experience. You may notice creaky floors, gently sloping door frames, or vintage ironwork—all part of the charm that makes our townhouse a special place to stay. We embrace these features as part of our home’s story, and we hope you’ll find them endearing reminders of New York’s rich past.

Your Home Away from Home in NYC

At 1871 House, you’re more than a guest—you’re part of a quiet, intimate community. With only a handful of apartments in our charming townhouse, we provide a quiet and private atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. Whether you’re visiting for business, medical needs, or an extended vacation, our intimate setting ensures a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant energy of New York City.

Welcome to Our NYC airbnb! Important Infrastructure Notes:

Thank you for considering our 150-year-old townhouse for your stay. Our historic building, built in 1871, provides a truly unique and charming experience, though it may not meet all modern accessibility needs. We want to ensure that your expectations align with the realities of our home, so please take note of the following important details:

  1. No Elevator: Our building does not have an elevator, and all apartments require climbing stairs. This may be particularly challenging for guests staying in our upper-floor units. If stairs are a concern, we recommend considering this when booking.
  2. Historic Plumbing: Our townhouse features older plumbing, reflecting the building’s unique character. While well-maintained, it may occasionally result in slight variations in water pressure. Temporary drops in pressure may occur, though they are typically brief.
  3. Historic Charm: This late 19th-century structure retains much of its original design, which means you may encounter creaky floors and signs of wear typical of a historic home. Additionally, our fireplaces are decorative only and not functional.
  4. Noise Levels: As we are located in bustling NYC, please be prepared for possible street noise, including construction or traffic sounds. This is part of the city’s vibrant atmosphere, though it may not suit those seeking a quieter setting.
  5. Buzzer and Intercom: Our building does not have a buzzer or intercom system. Guests are responsible for transporting their own luggage to their booked accommodations.
  6. Laundry Facilities: While there are no on-site laundry facilities, there are numerous nearby laundry services offering convenient pick-up and delivery options.
  7. Other Amenities: Each suite is stocked with essential supplies, such as air conditioning units and a vacuum cleaner. Upper-floor apartments are equipped with three A/C units stored within each unit.
  8. Pet Policy: Please note that pets are not permitted in the building, and unfortunately, we are unable to make exceptions.

We believe these aspects contribute to the unique experience of staying in a historic home, and we hope you’ll appreciate its character and the warm, welcoming atmosphere it provides. However, we understand these features may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any specific requirements or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us before booking—we’re here to help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Things to Know:

  • Our suites are only available to book for a minimum 30-90 day stay. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions.
  • This home was built in 1871, so there are signs of wear and tear, which add to its old-world charm.
  • As a historical building, it may not meet all accessibility needs.

We look forward to hosting you and sharing the charm of our historic home!

Make 1871 House Your Temporary Residence

Contact us to discuss your upcoming stay. Let 1871 House be your home away from home, offering historic charm, modern comfort, and the true essence of New York City.

The Life of a Brownstone
To number the lives in the life of a building falls to the census-takers and the statisticians, and yet no one can deny that lovely weight which is felt upon entering a space laden with the tangle of many years of human affairs. Or, perhaps, this sensation is best recognized in its absence, which is conspicuous in new airports, lobbies which close at 5 pm, most of the residences of suburbia, and homogeneous large hotels. The feeling is one of the unique joys of urban life and it is one of the few which are in fact augmented by the ceaseless change of the city fabric, rather than swept away by it.

In New York City, the image par excellence of such a storied building is no doubt the brownstone, a fact confirmed by even the most cursory knowledge of American cinema. The Upper East Side boasts a Historic District of such architectural relics, and it is here that you will find 1871 House. Considering its proximity to Midtown and the unparalleled bustle emanating from the economic heart of the Western world, you will find 1871 House’s hideaway atmosphere all the more surprising and welcoming.

Amenities at Our NYC Airbnb

We take pride in making your stay both comfortable and luxurious. At 1871 House, you’ll enjoy a blend of small indulgences and authentic charm. Each apartment is outfitted with all-cotton sheets, down pillows & comforters, to elevate your experience. Furnished with a combination of authentic antiques and high-quality antique reproductions, our suites reflect an elegant, historical aesthetic—no mass-produced furniture here!

Amenities and Services Included:

  • Luxury Linens: We provide a full set of linens and towels, including fitted and flat sheets, mattress pads, down pillows, down duvets, along with a variety of bath towels, bath mats, and shower curtains.
  • In-Room Entertainment: Each suite features a flat-screen TV.
  • Fully Equipped Kitchens: Kitchens come stocked with dishes, glassware, flatware, and essential appliances including a microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, and electric water kettle. Select suites (Lexington, Madison, Library Rear) include an oven and stove, and the Lexington and Madison suites are equipped with a dishwasher.
  • Conveniences: Hair dryer and high-speed Wi-Fi are provided in all suites.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Enjoy extra-quiet, thermally insulated, triple-pane windows for added comfort and soundproofing.

About the Area

Upper East Side Historic District – Experience Lenox Hill Living

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lenox Hill, our townhouse offers both the vibrancy of city life and the charm of a serene neighborhood. This area is known for its calm, tree-lined streets adorned with townhouses, luxurious doorman-attended buildings, cozy cafes, and an upscale food scene. Central Park is just steps away, making it the perfect blend of city accessibility and natural beauty.

The 1871 House sits in the southern part of the Upper East Side, a section of Lenox Hill that provides quick access to Downtown and Midtown Manhattan. As part of the Upper East Side Historic District, our building is protected by the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission, preserving its unique architectural charm. Lenox Hill’s blend of brownstones, townhouses, mansions, boutique condominiums, and prewar buildings creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, complemented by nearby consulates, art galleries, and boutique shops.

We’re excited to share the character and history of 1871 House and its location with you and hope you find it as special as we do!

  • Since the turn of the century, many of New York’s wealthiest have lived here. 
  • Central Park:  Central Park is within a few minutes’ walk from the house. The close proximity of Central Park (0.3 mi) to 1871 House makes going for your morning run a piece of cake. If running isn’t your thing, you can also participate in many other sports, activities, and hobbies such as jogging, bicycling, strolling, rollerblading, ice-skating, picnicking, and much more.  Walks in the park with or without your kids could take you to the Central Park Carousel (0.7 mi), the Ice Skating Rink (0.6 mi), or the Central Park Zoo (0.4 mi).
  • Proximity to Madison Avenue and Upscale Shopping: Madison Avenue has been famous as the world’s premier shopping district for more than a century, so upscale boutique shopping is plentiful in this area! For example, Burberry (0.5 mi), Chanel (0.4 mi), Miu Miu (0.5 mi), and Louis Vuitton (0.5 mi) are all within walking distance.  Luxury department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman (0.5 mi), and Bloomingdales (0.2 mi) are also very close by.  Finally, there are also numerous boutiques dotting Madison Avenue in the East 60s like Brunelli Cuccinelli, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, etc.   
  • Restaurants, Cafes, & Convenience Stores:  Full Service Neighborhood includes an incredible selection of small restaurants, cafes, gourmet shops, grocery stores, and a full selection of many other service-type retail stores such as dry cleaners, shoe repair shops, barber shops, and hair and nail salons.
  • Nearby Hospitals, Museums, & Cultural Institutions: Within walking distance are noted Museums and Cultural Institutions:
    • The Asia Society Museum: 4 min (0.6 mi) via Park Ave
    • The Park Avenue Armory: 3 min (0.4 mi) 
    • 59e59 Theaters: Located at 59 East 59th Street between Madison and Park Avenues – the #1 off-Broadway destination.
    • The Frick Collection: 6 min (0.9 mi) – many consider the Frick to be the crown jewel of American museums because its small collection is virtually made up only of world-class masterpieces. Located on 70th Street and Fifth Avenue.  
    • The Frick Madison: 13 min (0.6 mi) – The temporary location, called Frick Madison, houses the Frick’s collections, programs, and staff during the renovation and expansion of its historic buildings at 1 East 70th Street.  Located on 73rd Street and Madison Avenue. 
    • Metropolitan Museum of Art: 25 min (1.2 mi) – Located on 80th and Fifth Avenue.
    • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): 18 min (0.8 mi) – Located on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The Asia Society is located on Park Avenue at 70th Street.
    • The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden: 7 min (0.7 mi) – on East 61st Street between First and Second Avenues. Built in 1799 as a carriage house and converted to a hotel in 1826. It was a country resort for New Yorkers who wanted to escape the city, located below 14th Street at the time. 
    • Society of Illustrators: 2 min (0.1 mi) – Hip gallery exhibiting illustrative works and providing drawing classes, with a member-only eatery. Located on 63rd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue.
  • Close Proximity to the Country’s Best Hospitals and Medical Facilities:
    • New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center: 525 E 68th Street – (0.9 mi) (18 min)
    • Hospital for Special Surgery, Main Campus: (1.1 mi) (21 min)
    • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 16 E 60th Street – (0.3 mi) (6 min)
    • Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital: 210 E 64th Street – (0.3 mi) (6 min)
  • Midtown is walkable: The Midtown office district begins just below 60th Street. The area’s proximity to Midtown makes this one of New York’s most desirable residential neighborhoods.  1871 House is a residential respite from the bustle of Midtown Manhattan, but with all the benefits of Midtown Manhattan at your fingertips.
  • Transportation in the neighborhood is excellent.
    • The closest subway from the house is the F, Q, and R trains at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station, and the N, R, and W trains at the – 59th Street station Lexington Avenue station. The Q stops in Times Square, offering many transfer options.  Also nearby are the 4, 5, 6 Subway lines.  
    • Grand Central Station is one subway stop away (taking the 4 or 5 from 59th Street to Grand Central Station).
    • Southbound buses can be found along Lexington Avenue (62nd Street) and northbound buses on Madison or Third Avenue (63rd Street).
  • Nearby Airports
    • JFK: 15 miles
    • LaGuardia: 8 miles
    • Newark:  17 miles
  • Neighborhood Private Clubs
    • The Metropolitan Club: 1-11 East 60th or 51 East 62nd St
    • The Union Club of New York: 701 Park Ave, East 69th St
    • The Harmonie Club: 4 East 60th St
    • The Grolier Club: 47 East 60th St
    • The Knickerbocker Club: 2 East 62nd St
    • The Links Club: 36 East 63rd St
    • The Colony Club: 564 Park Ave
    • The Lotos Club: 5 East 66th St
    • The Cosmopolitan Club: 122 East 66th St

Design Center: Architects, designers, and collectors from around the world travel to this area for its concentration of design and home furnishings showrooms and galleries, including the nearby Decoration and Design “D and D” building located at 979 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022 and The Manhattan Art and Antiques Center, 1050 2nd Ave, home to over 100 galleries.

Nearby Colleges:

  • Hunter College: 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY
  • Marymount Manhattan College: 221 E 71st Street, New York, NY 
  • Rockefeller University: 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY

Gossip Girl, Sex & the City, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s Territory

1871 House is located on the home turf of Gossip Girl, Sex & the City, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Stay at 1871 House and explore Blair and Serena’s, Carrie Bradshaw’s, and Holly Golightly’s favorite hangouts! Our stately townhouse is just steps away from Park Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Serendipity 3, where celebrities come for the “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.”