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rare Gilded Age townhouse designed by Stanford White has finally found a buyer after four years on the market and numerous price cuts. The six-story limestone mansion at 973 Fifth Avenue, spanning 16,000 square feet, went into contract last week with an asking price of $49.9 million, down from its original $72.5 million tag in 2023.

    The current owner, who purchased it for $42 million in 2012, has meticulously restored and modernized the home, bringing back its old-world splendor. The property, located directly across from Central Park, is one of just two remaining townhouses in Manhattan still standing as they were originally intended.

    "This is unbelievably rare," said Andres Perea-Garzon of Corcoran, who co-listed the home alongside Carrie Chiang and Lesley Schulhof. "The residence offers unparalleled views of Central Park and is a single-family masterpiece crafted by White, whose illustrious career included iconic landmarks like the Washington Square Arch."

    The grand saloon features soaring ceilings, intricately carved woodwork, and restored stained-glass windows, making it a showcase of Gilded Age craftsmanship. While its Beaux-Arts aesthetic remains intact, the mansion has been upgraded with modern amenities such as five kitchens, a new elevator, and state-of-the-art air filtration systems.

    The home boasts extravagant features like a climate-controlled wine cellar, a Venetian plaster steam room, a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of Manhattan, and a jewelry and silver vault. Despite the lavish renovations, some original design elements have likely evolved over the years.

    The mansion has bounced on and off the market since 2021, initially hitting the market for an eye-popping $80 million. The seller, an LLC tied to former Goldman Sachs partner David Leuschen, ultimately settled for a more realistic price, allowing the deal to enter contract.