Breakfast at Tiffany’s townhouse listed for sale

For decades, 169 East 71st Street in Manhattan has been more than just a townhouse – it has been a character in its own right. Immortalised as the on‑screen home of Holly Golightly, Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the townhouse’s elegant facade, wrought‑iron railing and stately stoop served as the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes.

“It is arguably one of the most recognisable residences in American film, embodying the charm, glamour, and mystique of old New York,” says listing agent Caroline Bass from Corcoran.

Now on the market, the landmark home offers more than 400 square metres of living space, layered across six storeys and effortlessly linked by a private lift.

Following a three‑year restoration, it now blends historic charm with modern luxury.

“The restoration was a meticulous, multi-year labour of love – an architectural symphony where every note paid homage to the home’s origins while elevating it to 21st-century standards,” Bass says.

“Many of the original details were stripped or damaged beyond repair, but the owners were able to find other period pieces to install, such as marble mantles and antique chandeliers.

“The iconic door is original to the house and has been beautifully painted back to the original Tiffany’s blue hue.”

The result? A turnkey home that feels timeless.

Ceilings soar above three metres, while antique chandeliers spill light across white oak herringbone floors with ebony inlay. Gas fireplaces bring a gentle sense of comfort, while tall windows flood each room with natural light and frame leafy city views.

The formal parlour level welcomes you with a showcase of scale and style: a formal living room with a burnished silver-leaf ceiling, a television hidden behind an antique mirror, and a dining area with a built‑in banquette.

The chef’s kitchen is finished in calacatta gold marble with a centre island, high-end appliances, and a calacatta oro mosaic splashback imported from Italy.

Up one level, two well-proportioned bedrooms each have an en suite with a spa-like bath.

Upstairs again, the fourth floor is devoted to the main-bedroom suite: king-sized, with a gas fireplace, antique mantel, custom dressing area, and and en suite finished in calacatta gold Damask-patterned marble.

A free-standing bath with polished nickel exterior sits as a sculpture.

Up once again, and the newly added top floor is an entertainer’s dream – a full‑floor den with wet bar, wine fridge, powder room and terrace views.

There’s even more living space tucked underneath. Downstairs from the parlour level and sitting at street level is a whole other residence, complete with a private entrance, large bedroom, cosy den and open-plan kitchen and dining.

Head downstairs to find the lowest level – a basement dug out by hand to create a wine‑tasting room, with a powder room, twin fridges and built‑in seating.

Multiple terraces extend the living space outdoors. The landscaped nine‑metre garden with custom latticework feels worlds away from the city bustle, while upper‑level terraces offer intimate spots for coffee at sunrise or cocktails at dusk.

Configured as a two‑family home, it offers flexibility.

“It’s ideal for a grown child, in‑laws, out‑of‑town guests, or live‑in help,” Bass says. “If that isn’t your cup of tea, the house is fully integrated to be used as a single family.”

Between Lexington and Third avenues, the home sits on a quintessential Upper East Side block that makes you feel that you’re stepping into a more elegant era.

Lined with townhouses and trees, it’s peaceful, picturesque and deeply residential, yet only steps from the best Manhattan offers.

“While there are many beautiful townhouses in New York, almost none offer this perfect trifecta: landmarked charm, modern luxury and cultural significance,” Bass says.

“Add in the discreet luxury of a private [lift], multiple outdoor spaces, and a brand‑new top floor, and it becomes clear that this isn’t just a rare offering for 2025, but a generational one. It embodies the past, present and future of Manhattan elegance.”

While you’re there

On the Upper East Side, history, elegance and daily life blend seamlessly. From art to dining, this is Manhattan at its most refined.

Cultural classics

Just blocks away are Central Park, The Frick Collection museum, and Madison Avenue boutiques. A stroll here feels like a walk through Manhattan’s greatest hits.

Eat like a local

Just around the corner, Via Quadronno offers what Bass says is “the best cappuccino and panini this side of Milan”. For fine dining, Sant Ambroeus and Cafe Boulud are favourites. Daily essentials? Citarella, Butterfield Market, and the legendary JG Melon pub are all neighbourhood institutions.