The residence is among the largest in Manhattan, artfully integrating modern conveniences with the historic elegance of New York’s Gilded Age

New York, New York (April 1, 2022) — The James F. D. Lanier House, a landmark mansion built in 1903 and meticulously maintained for well over a century, remains one of the finest residential architectural works in New York City.
Located in the quiet luxury neighborhood of Murray Hill, on 35th St. between Park and Lexington, the 33-foot-wide mansion (the size of two brownstone rowhouses) is appointed with nine bedrooms, five of which are suites, seven full and three half baths, as well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms for staff. Other features include an elevator, fitness facility, private garden and rooftop.
Designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1979 as an especially fine example of Parisian Beaux-Arts style, the commission calls it an elegant and dignified composition as much at home in Paris as in New York. The original architectural finishes and materials have been meticulously preserved for more than 40 years under the stewardship of the current owner, with thoughtful improvements sensitive to the original design. This house has the honor of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
The brick and limestone James F. D. Lanier mansion is represented, by Edward Joseph of Christie’s International Real Estate.
Mr. Joseph said: “This is not just a mansion, it’s a work of art. This is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for any lucky buyer.”
The 11,638 square feet of living space across six levels is introduced by double doors of solid tiger oak opening to a vestibule flowing into an arched reception hall with a high, rose medallion ceiling. Beyond is the gallery, in the same white marble as the hall, with water trickling down a marble fountain carved into the wall and light streaming in from three leaded glass skylights.
The club/reception room, with its marble-topped bar, marble fireplace, and two south-facing Palladian windows, flooding the room with light, flows into the dining room, which comfortably seats 16 under a monumental rock-crystal chandelier.
The mahogany staircase and wood-panelled private elevator, which serve the four primary levels, rise to the second-floor gallery landing, flanked by the grand living room and the splendid oak-panelled library/study. The vast chef’s kitchen, on the level below, adjoins a breakfast room with French doors opening to the ivy-trellised courtyard garden.
The sixth floor offers attic space with doors to the roof and views of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings.
A 1,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar, new HVAC and security systems, plus smart-home automation are further amenities.
James Franklin Doughty Lanier II was a banker, sportsman, equestrian and a pioneering automobilist. His grandfather, James Franklin Doughty Lanier, co-founded Winslow, Lanier & Co, one of the oldest private banks in New York.
Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, will offer a selection of works of art from the James F. D. Lanier House in two auctions later this year. In the Antiquities sale in October, Christie’s will offer 20 ancient sculptures and works of art, valued in excess of US$1 million. Top lots include a gorgeous Roman marble Apollo and a powerful Roman marble torso of Athena, depicting the goddess in her characteristic aegis with a gorgoneion falling diagonally across her torso.
In the Tiffany sale in New York this December, Christie’s is honored to present nine exceptional lamps by Tiffany Studios from the collection, with a total low estimate in excess of US$1.4 million. Highlights include a magnificent “Elaborate Peony” Table Lamp, a rare “Dragonfly” table lamp on a mosaic base and an iconic “Laburnum” Table Lamp.