A 140-year-old Manhattan townhouse at 238 West 74th Street has seen its asking price fall to $10.45 million following a fresh $1 million reduction in September 2026.

Steep Discounts in Ultra-Prime Property

The dramatic repositioning brings the cumulative price cut to nearly $4.5 million from its initial March 2026 listing price of $14.945 million. The pricing adjustment underscores an evolving dynamic in the global luxury residential sector, where even thoroughly modernized assets with rare architectural features are confronting sober market evaluations. High-net-worth buyers across key financial capitals continue to demand compelling pricing before committing capital to trophy homes.

Acquired for $8.8 million in 2012, the historic five-level property was subjected to an extensive gut renovation completed in 2022. Rather than settling for cosmetic updates, the overhaul re-engineered the interior core while preserving its historic facade within the West End–Collegiate Historic District.

A Rare Subterranean Sanctuary

The centerpiece of the entire renovation lies on the lowest level: a 41-foot heated indoor swimming pool illuminated by an overhead skylight. Such an amenity remains extraordinarily scarce in New York City brownstones, where structural and zoning hurdles make subterranean pools difficult to construct.

“A 41-foot heated indoor pool is an exceptionally rare find in an Upper West Side townhouse. It’s a private retreat for swimming and unwinding year-round,”

Listing agent Carl Gambino of Compass highlighted the spa-level amenities adjoining the water, which include a dedicated steam shower, a private dressing room, a wet bar, and heated floors. To prevent moisture damage, the space is serviced by a commercial-grade dehumidification system.

Nineteenth-Century Pedigree Meets Modern Engineering

The townhouse was originally built in 1885–86 by noted architect William J. Merritt, whose residential row houses helped define the aesthetic identity of the Upper West Side. Douglas Wagner of Bond New York, who brought the residence to market earlier in the year, noted that Merritt’s architectural signature remains a defining hallmark along these historic blocks.

Behind the classic brick and brownstone exterior, the 6,460-square-foot layout now functions as a high-tech modern home. Two private elevators connect all five levels, ensuring accessible movement across the expansive floor plan. On the main level, the living and dining quarters feature floor-to-ceiling glass opening onto a 34-foot landscaped private garden, offering a quiet outdoor retreat.

Turnkey Amenities for Discerning Buyers

The property includes six bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms, with five suites arranged on the upper levels. A south-facing bedroom suite enjoys its own private terrace, while radiant heated floors are installed across the home’s bathrooms. Culinary facilities include a main kitchen and a chef’s kitchen fitted with appliances from Wolf, Viking, and Bosch.

The infrastructure is reinforced with a rooftop emergency generator, multi-zone central air conditioning, automated window shades, dual laundry rooms, and comprehensive video security. The parlour level contains two separate entertaining zones, a wood-burning fireplace, and a second wet bar.

The High-End Urban Market

While private pools command astonishing premiums in Manhattan—such as an $85 million townhouse on West 69th Street housing a 55-foot lap pool, or a West 95th Street brownstone featuring a pool with an indoor waterfall—the repeated cuts at 238 West 74th Street demonstrate how sellers must calibrate prices to close transactions in a selective luxury market.