A five-storey townhouse on the Upper East Side of New York City, once owned by the iconic EGOT winner Barbra Streisand, has hit the real estate market for a staggering US$18 million.
Designed by renowned architect Harry Allan Jacobs in the 1930s, the residence retains much of its original charm and design features.
Streisand purchased the 854-square-metre home in 1970 for US$420,000, which equates to about US$1.3 million when adjusted for inflation, according to Architectural Digest.
Initially reluctant to move into a house after being rejected from two co-op buildings, she expressed her reservations to the New York Times, saying, “I’ve never wanted to live in a house. But I’m going ahead with it anyway.”
Streisand noted her preference for a more horizontally expansive space over the five-level, 17-room vertical layout.
She sold the eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom property, adorned with Jazz Age finishes, in 1972, according to Mansion Global.
Despite Streisand’s initial hesitation, the townhouse offers practical features such as a basement level and an elevator connecting all five stories.
The original winding staircase, complete with an intricate metal railing, remains a standout feature.
Listing photos reveal that the home’s decor pays homage to its 1930s origins, particularly in the formal living and dining rooms.
These areas are furnished with period-appropriate art, antique furniture, original wood-burning fireplaces, and opulent light fixtures, all contributing to the residence’s historical ambiance.
The property is currently listed by Cathy Franklin of Corcoran.
