History, Design, and Breathtaking Views: Welcome to 21 Beekman Place
Welcome to 21 Beekman Place, a rare and expertly restored residence nestled on the northeast corner of a quiet picturesque street in an iconic Midtown East locale. Learn more about this incredible property from those who know it best, Compass agents Carl Gambino and Les Meyers.
21 Beekman Place is steeped in history and design pedigree. How does the legacy of renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman influence the experience of the home today?
There are two key defining features in this home that reinforce Shipman's vision and her commitment to landscape architecture and design. One is the bay window nook in the library - a personal touch from Shipman herself - as she reportedly loved to sit and read there, with the tree framing the view. The other is the sunroom, which is almost entirely composed of floor-to-ceiling windows - a very rare architectural feature for that period. It beautifully blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, especially in Shipman's time, when the surrounding natural beauty was uninterrupted by the FDR.
From antique oak floors to a grand curved staircase, the home preserves much of its original charm. What are some of your favorite original architectural details?
The parlor floor is the most charming level of any home I've ever seen in New York. The architectural style is both lyrical and elegant. This floor seamlessly blends the formality of a wood-paneled reading library with a grand entertaining space, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and silk-paneled walls.
The views from the home span the East River and beyond. Can you describe what it feels like to experience these vistas from different rooms in the house?
On both the main entertaining level and the primary suite floor which features a terrace and a solarium, you feel connected to the river and the sky. Both of these areas are defined by natural light and expansive windows, creating a sense of openness and airiness. In contrast, the upper floors are more private, with smaller windows that lend themselves to intimate and quiet moments, capturing a true yin/yang sentimentality.
The conservatory on the parlor level sounds magical. How does this space bring nature into the home, and how might a buyer use it day to day?
The space is incredibly grand and transforms throughout the day. There’s no question that, as a functional space for entertaining, it has no rival. But what’s less immediately apparent is that it also contains distinct areas within it - offering opportunities to create a cozy reading nook, a casual day room for friends and family, and even an ideal setting for more lively gatherings, like a game night.
The country-style kitchen is clearly designed with both form and function in mind. Can you tell us more about how this space balances luxury and practicality?
The kitchen is eat-in, making it a perfect day-to-day space to gather for a casual meal or quick snack. The double fridge and abundant pantry and closet space are designed to meet everyday needs, while also supporting the inner chef who wants to create Michelin-worthy meals for family or guests. For large-scale entertaining, there’s a dedicated delivery entrance, a spacious prep area, two dishwashers, and a La Cornue range - the envy of professional chefs.
With two terraces and a rooftop garden, outdoor living is a key part of this home’s appeal. How have you seen buyers respond to this kind of al fresco potential in Manhattan?
Absolutely - especially since the private elevator services the roof terrace. Buyers have envisioned evenings filled with en plein air activities.
The home offers modern comforts like an elevator and triple-pane windows. How would you describe the balance between its historic character and its contemporary upgrades?
I would say it’s seamless - the elevator is wood-paneled with heavy relief doors that are consistent throughout the home. It’s a modern feature, thoughtfully presented in a pre-war style.
Midtown East has its own unique elegance and legacy. How does Beekman Place stand apart from other pockets of the neighborhood and the city at large?
Beekman, on its own, holds impressive historical significance for New York City. The land was originally the site of the Beekman Manor, which played a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War. When the manor was eventually razed, the land was partitioned by J.P. Morgan’s daughter. From the very beginning, the area attracted distinguished New Yorkers such as William Paley and Irving Berlin.
The tucked-away nature of this ultra-small neighborhood, along with the period in which it was developed, gives it a time-capsule quality when you walk its streets. It also dead-ends, which greatly limits car traffic - adding to the charm and quietude of the location.
