realestate

Iconic NYC townhouse from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' hits market for $15M

Experience the iconic setting of Breakfast at Tiffany's in a charming SoHo café.

A
piece of cinematic history is now on the market for $15 million. The iconic Upper East Side townhouse from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" has been renovated to blend its 19th-century architecture with modern luxury.

    Located at 169 East 71st Street, this five-story landmarked residence boasts a recognizable façade and Tiffany Blue door that made it one of the most famous movie homes in New York. Although the interiors were filmed on studio sets, the building's exterior has become an integral part of its cultural legacy.

    The property spans approximately 4,465 square feet and features a landscaped garden, two setback terraces, and a south-facing Juliet balcony. Inside, you'll find four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, three powder rooms, soaring ceilings over 10 feet, white oak herringbone floors with ebony inlay, antique mantels, and two gas fireplaces.

    A meticulous three-year renovation transformed the home, adding a full-size elevator servicing all levels, excavating the basement to create a wine cellar/tasting room, and constructing an entirely new floor crowned by a southern terrace. The owners also included period details such as beamed ceilings, antique chandeliers, and custom millwork.

    The property now includes a garden-level apartment with its own private entrance, den, bedroom, and open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and banquette dining. The parlor floor showcases dramatic period millwork, beamed ceilings, burnished silver leaf details, and designer lighting from Porta Romana.

    Upstairs, the third floor hosts two bedrooms with ensuite marble-clad bathrooms and Waterworks and Kallista fixtures. The king-sized primary suite occupies the fourth floor and includes a dressing area, a makeup vanity, a fireplace, and access to a 247-square-foot private terrace.

    Below ground, the nearly eight-foot-high basement includes mechanicals, cold storage, a second laundry room, and a dedicated wine cellar outfitted with twin Liebherr fridges, built-in benches, and a tasting sink. The current owner, retired beverage executive Joseph Harkins, oversaw the property's transformation and hopes that the next owner will enjoy it as much as his family has.

    As listing agent Caroline Bass notes, "You'll find townhouses all over the Upper East Side – but none like this." With three outdoor spaces, an elevator, a landscaped garden, and architectural provenance tied to an American film classic, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an icon.

Iconic NYC townhouse from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' listed for $15 million sale.