Listing Courtesy of Compass
$5,795,000
Potential Rebate: $86,925
Prime UWS Museum park block treasure - offering priceless heritage!
Featured in renowned films and celebrated as one of Time Out Magazine’s best blocks in all of New York City, this home’s block exudes cinematic charm and authentic neighborhood prestige. A magnificent 19-foot landmark brownstone, conceived by the acclaimed Spanish architect and building engineer Rafael Guastavino, sits gracefully on one of the Upper West Side’s most highly-coveted, tree-lined blocks. Completed in 1886 in the Renaissance Revival tradition, the “Albert Lilienthal House” currently consists of an expansive owner's triplex spanning its first three levels, with two two-bedroom apartments on the fourth and fifth floors and a ground floor studio. All three market-rate rental units will be delivered vacant, alongside the owner's triplex. This exceptional opportunity suits the discerning investor or those seeking a generational family retreat, complete with a spacious three-bedroom, three and a half bath residence. Alternatively, there’s potential to restore the residence to its grand single-family design. This multi-family brownstone, spanning a total of 5,139 square feet, gracefully combines historic architectural beauty with contemporary amenities.
Owner’s Triplex:
Step through the residence’s private gated entry, tucked gracefully beneath its elegant dog-legged front stoop, and be greeted by the welcoming character of exposed brick and the generous height of wainscot ceilings that crown the warm family space. The triplex’s thoughtful three-bedroom layout seamlessly connects two spacious, sun-filled living areas adorned with a refined interplay of hardwood and ceramic flooring.
Upon entering, the first floor features a high-ceilinged, bright and airy family room, perfectly situated just off its casement-windowed kitchen. The inviting and thoughtfully designed kitchen boasts a Sub-Zero refrigerator, stainless steel appliances, and a glass-ceilinged dining area bathed in natural light. Whether preparing a family feast or savoring a leisurely breakfast, this chef’s eat-in kitchen serves as a warm gathering hub. A charming office nook provides the perfect corner for daily correspondence or for children to study as meals take shape. A powder room sits discreetly off the home's entry, while the adjacent family room opens onto a tranquil private patio - an ideal retreat for morning coffee, weekend brunches, or intimate evenings with friends.
Ascending to the parlor floor, discover the home’s gracious formal living room, a guest bedroom with full en-suite bath, and a luminous solarium-style office. Sunlight pours through the office’s east-facing casement window and glass-beamed ceiling, creating an inspiring space for work or relaxation. The adjoining living room impresses with its soaring ceilings, a handsome fireplace, a sweeping, south-facing window, and a distinguished wall of built-ins that convey effortless elegance.
The upper level is devoted to the serene primary suite, where three large south-facing windows bathe the bedroom with golden light. A generous walk-in closet and en-suite bath complete the refined tranquility of the primary. A second bedroom and its own full bath share this floor, and this quiet bedroom suite includes its own peaceful sitting area that can serve beautifully as a nursery, study, or private reading retreat. A laundry room with washer and dryer also grace this floor.
Studio, Fourth and Fifth Floor Apartments:
The ground-floor studio, accessible through a separate entry, exudes classic pre-war charm with a whitewashed brick accent wall and a fully equipped kitchenette. Its bathroom is discreetly located down the hall, featuring a bathtub.
The fourth and fifth floor residences, reached via the stoop’s main entrance, are similarly arranged and showcase spacious living rooms with lovely windows overlooking West 78th Street’s beautifully detailed, heritage brownstones. Kitchens adjoin the living areas, with both apartment
$37,217 per month
30 year fixed, 6.28% Interest
One-time rebate at closing
$86,925
Monthly savings impact
$241/mo
💡 Estimated at 1.5% of purchase price
The rebate is paid to you at closing and can help offset closing costs or other expenses.
Calculator Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual monthly payments, interest rates, taxes, and rebate amounts may vary. The rebate calculation is an estimate and subject to final terms. This information is not provided by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY).
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RLS IDX Data display by Real Estate Rebate Team. This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2025 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer and for no listing shall the number of bedrooms listed be considered a legal conclusion.
The Real Estate Rebate Team
Listing Courtesy of Compass
Data Source: TRESTLE #RLS20060580

Compare average listing prices and value metrics for 126 West 78th Street against the surrounding Upper West Side market.
than the Upper West Side price-per-sq-ft average
Units in this building are listed below the neighborhood average, potentially offering better value per square foot compared to surrounding properties.
The Upper West Side (UWS) is the intellectual and cultural counterpoint to the East Side. Sandwiched between Central Park and Riverside Park, it is known for its brownstones, protected historic districts, and artistic legacy. For buyers seeking Upper West Side Manhattan real estate, it offers a relaxed, leafy, and quintessentially "New York" vibe.
Living in the Upper West Side feels like living in a movie. The streets are wide and lined with trees. As a beloved Manhattan NYC neighborhood, it attracts writers, actors, and families who value space, parks, and Zabar's.
The market for homes for sale in the Upper West Side is robust. It is famous for its pre-war co-ops along Central Park West and Riverside Drive, and its miles of brownstone blocks in between. Newer condos have risen in the low 60s and along Columbus Avenue.
It is a high-demand market because the housing stock is beautiful and protected. You can't build skyscrapers on the brownstone side streets, preserving the light and character.
The lifestyle on the UWS is casual and community-focused. Neighbors stop to chat at the Sunday landscaped market or while walking dogs in Riverside Park. It feels less formal than the East Side.
Cultural institutions like Lincoln Center and the Museum of Natural History anchor the community, infusing it with art and science.
The Upper West Side is served by the 1/2/3 and B/C trains. The express 2/3 makes getting to Times Square or Wall Street incredibly fast.
The West Side Highway provides easy car access for escapes to the Catskills or Jersey.
You are never more than two blocks from a park. Riverside Park offers sunsets over the Hudson, while Central Park offers the Great Lawn and the Reservoir.
Amenities are iconic: Zabar's, Fairway, Barney Greengrass. The food culture here is legendary. Schools are excellent, contributing to its reputation as a family haven.
The Upper West Side is best for families, dog owners, and creatives who want a beautiful, green, and relaxed neighborhood with deep cultural roots.

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