S
uzy Welch, author, business commentator and widow of former GE CEO Jack Welch, has listed her Upper East Side home for $26 million. The 7,675‑square‑foot residence at 160 E. 81st St. is a rare 40‑foot‑wide, double‑width property that sits on a coveted block where deep rear yards create an unusually open pocket of green. The house boasts one of the neighborhood’s largest private gardens, measuring 40 by 48 feet, and offers a park‑like retreat amid the city.
Welch bought the home in 2021 for $22.75 million and owned it for four years. The property was recently reimagined by the design firm Williams Lawrence. It features a private garage with curb cut, an elevator, and a series of oversized rooms designed for both grand entertaining and everyday living. The entry level combines a formal dining room—now a cozy sitting area—with a soaring, garden‑facing living room and a chef’s kitchen that opens into a double‑height family room. French doors lead to the expansive garden, and multiple fireplaces (four gas units and one wood‑burning hearth) punctuate the space.
The second floor is anchored by a mezzanine overlooking the main living areas, a paneled library imported from England, and a guest suite. The primary floor runs the full width of the house, offering a sun‑filled bedroom that faces the garden, a large bath with a soaking tub and walk‑in shower, and ample closet space. Two additional bedrooms, a study, and a full laundry room complete the level.
The top level functions as a self‑contained apartment with three bedrooms, a living/dining area, a separate kitchen, and an optional private entrance—ideal for extended family or staff. The home’s design emphasizes flow and openness, with a lacquered ceiling in the great room, a spiral staircase, and a full‑width primary suite that overlooks the garden.
Deborah Grubman of Corcoran is handling the listing. The property’s sale price reflects its unique combination of size, location, and garden space, as well as the prestige associated with Suzy Welch’s name and the legacy of her late husband, who transformed GE into a global powerhouse during his tenure.
