A historic New York townhome that was built in 1899 for self-made millionaire James E. Nichols—and later became the site of a gruesome murder—has just hit the market for $68 million.
The Beaux Arts-style murder mansion on the Upper East Side was designed by architect C.P.H. Gilbert, but has been “completely rebuilt” and “brought to today’s top standard.”
However, behind the elegant facade lurks a terrifying tale of violence and tragedy. Just 15 years after the home was completed, Nichols died during a trip to Australia, leaving the extraordinary property to his widow, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nichols, who continued to reside there with several servants.
But tragedy would strike again just one year after her husband’s death, when Lizzie was strangled to death by her former butler, who broke into the property with two accomplices in a bid to steal the widow’s extraordinary collection of jewels.
According to a New York Times article published at the time, Lizzie was found with a towel wrapped around her throat—while the room around her had clear signs that a struggle had ensued.
The three men responsible for the crimes were later apprehended and executed in 1917.
But while many homes with similarly gruesome histories have seen their sale prices negatively impacted by events that have unfolded inside them, this townhouse appears to have bucked that trend—having last traded hands for the sky-high price of $56 million just one year ago.
Now, it is back on the market—and at the top of the week’s most expensive homes list—with an even higher asking price.
While still maintaining its architectural and historic integrity, the six-bedroom Upper East Side residence now features new security, audio, lighting, and temperature/humidity systems along with a new kitchen and modernized bathrooms.
Ornate highlights found inside the home include 13-foot ceilings, solid mahogany doors and windows, hand-selected marble paneling, and parquet de Versailles and herringbone white oak floors.
Offering Central Park views, the “captivating and compelling” residence with passenger and service elevators is ideally located steps from the galleries and boutiques found along Madison and Fifth avenues.
More jaw-dropping estates to make the week’s most expensive homes list include a remodeled waterfront compound in Charleston, SC; a Vail, CO, mountain mansion; and a California estate with astonishing shark-filled “aquarium walkway.”
10. 8955 Collins Ave Unit 402, Surfside, FL
Price: $26,000,000
Arte Surfside: This four-bedroom, oceanfront condo is nestled in an exclusive 16-residence complex between the enclaves of Indian Creek, Bay Harbor Islands, and Bal Harbour.
Located steps away from the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at the Surf Club, the 5,185-square-foot residence is encased in glass to soak in the unobstructed waterfront views. Opulent details include a private elevator, an expansive covered terrace, European white oak floors, a sleek kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, and a lavish primary suite with double-entry walk-in shower.
A $20,012 monthly association fee provides access to rooftop tennis courts, an indoor lap pool, outdoor pool, and a private beach.
Chad Carroll of COMPASS is the listing agent.
9. 5 Harbor Pt, Key Biscayne, FL
Price: $26,000,000
Seaside oasis: This three-bedroom mansion traded hands just last month when Coca-Cola bottling mogul Carlos de la Cruz Sr. sold the property for $23.5 million to an entity managed by Alvaro Castro Mendivil Pinillos, head of a Peruvian construction company.
Built in 1954, the 10,926-square-foot residence “celebrated as part of the Rosa de la Cruz Collection” is tucked away on the island’s only private road. The color-filled, artistically inspired interior boasts 20-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and French doors that open up to stunning Miami skyline views.
The waterfront property also has a deep-water boat dock and access to a secluded beach.
Giulietta Ulloa of BHHS EWM Realty is the listing agent.
8. 146 Bears Club Dr, Jupiter, FL
Price: $26,500,000
Lake and golf course views: This six-bedroom, European-style estate located in the exclusive gated Bear’s Club community is already under agreement before even hitting the market.
TFI International executives Alain Bedard and Johanne Dean sold the 10,401-square-foot home to Jim Meadlock, an engineer who worked on the Apollo missions, in an off-market transaction. Built in 2001, the waterfront residence was entirely renovated in 2015.
Overlooking the largest lake in the community, the 1.6-acre lot also has views of the 13th and 14th holes of the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Vince Marotta of Illustrated Properties/Corporate is the listing agent.
7. 25 E Battery St, Charleston, SC
Price: $28,000,000
The Drayton House: According to The Wall Street Journal, this historic waterfront compound is said to be owned by manufacturing entrepreneur Rob Honeycutt and his wife, Julie Honeycutt, who purchased it for $7.1 million in 2022 and spent the last two years renovating it.
Built in 1885, the meticulously remodeled, Victorian-style primary mansion boasts intricate millwork, a glass elevator, custom floors and ceilings, and piazzas overlooking the harbor. Other luxurious highlights include a gourmet kitchen with walk-in refrigerator, an additional “hidden” commercial-grade kitchen, a Ralph Lauren-inspired media room, a tiger onyx four-sided bar, and a 2,200-square-foot primary suite.
The property also has a carriage house and guesthouse.
Charles Sullivan of Carriage Properties LLC is the listing agent.
6. 53 Sea Castle Aly, Alys Beach, FL
Price: $31,250,000
Brand-new construction: This newly built estate overlooking the Gulf of America boasts panoramic waterfront views from nearly every room.
Located along the Emerald Coast, the five-bedroom residence was constructed entirely of solid concrete, including a concrete roof. The 5,214-square-foot sanctuary features a sun-soaked living room with retractable glass that opens up to a gulf-facing terrace. Other highlights include a European kitchen with “concealed” storage, a marble-accented wine installation, private guest suites, and a third-floor primary suite with custom dressing room.
The property also has a secluded courtyard pool and a rooftop terrace with custom mosaic pool and outdoor kitchen.
Dahler & Co. brokered by Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty is the listing agent.
5. Key Biscayne, FL
Price: $33,900,000
Coastal elegance: This four-bedroom penthouse is adjacent to the newly reimagined Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami.
Built in 1999, the 9,600-square-foot residence’s open floor plan features glass walls, high wood ceilings, a built-in bar, a dining room for grand-scale entertaining, a showstopper kitchen with dual islands, a home office, guest accommodations, and staff quarters. There are also more than 3,000 square feet of ocean-facing terraces.
The sale also includes five “premium” parking spaces and five “private storage cages.”
Julian Johnston of The Corcoran Group is the listing agent.
4. 1326 Spraddle Creek Rd, Vail, CO
Price: $37,900,000
Mountain mansion: This recently built, seven-bedroom residence is located in Spraddle Creek Estates and offers majestic views of Vail Mountain.
The 11,260-square-foot estate features wellness-focused amenities, including an oxygenated primary suite and family room, an infrared sauna, and a hyperbaric chamber. A slope side-facing primary suite boasts vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, soaking tub, and private balcony. Expansive patios and terraces overlook an in-ground pool, hot tub, and the 6.37-acre lot. There is also an eight-car garage and heated driveway.
According to the listing, the sale “includes ski slope parking and club membership.”
Ron Byrne of Ron Byrne & Associates Real Estate is the listing agent.
3. 360 S Hibiscus Dr, Miami Beach, FL
Price: $49,500,000
Hibiscus Island: This seven-bedroom waterfront mansion is currently under construction on the guard-gated island and slated for completion next year.
Designed by Kobi Karp, the “architectural marvel” is owned by Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The 8,300-square-foot interior will be a “living work of art” with timber floors, stone facade, and 90 feet of water frontage overlooking Biscayne Bay. Lavish details include an elevator, whole-home generator, a built-in bar, primary suite with sitting room, a rooftop entertainment level, and a private boat dock.
The guard-gated enclave also boasts community sports courts and a children’s playground.
Devin Kay of Douglas Elliman is the listing agent.
2. 706 Summit Cv, Palm Desert, CA
Price: $62,000,000
Coachella Valley mansion: Located within the Bighorn Golf Club, this 7.68-acre estate offering unobstructed valley views overlooking the Santa Rosa Mountains last traded hands for $42 million in 2022.
Built in 2007, the eye-popping 20,667-square-foot interior boasts retractable glass walls, curvilinear walls, an open-air glass elevator, exotic woods, and a titanium-clad fireplace. Other over-the-top amenities offered in the fully furnished mansion include an aquarium walkway with “rare sharks,” a primary suite with outdoor spa and private pool, and an “infamous private office” perched on a plateau nestled into rocks offering panoramic views of “simply everything.” There is also a private owner’s garage and a guest garage.
The enormous lot also has “intertwining sculptural” pools connecting a four-bedroom guest pavilion to the primary residence and sports courts.
BIGHORN Properties is the listing agency.
1. 4 E 79th St, New York, NY
Price: $68,000,000
Central Park views: This seven-story limestone mansion designed by architect C.P.H. Gilbert was built in 1899 for James E. Nichols. It is also where Nichols’ wife was murdered by her former butler in 1915.
Newly completed, the thoughtfully rebuilt modernized estate now offers all new updated systems, solid mahogany doors and windows, marble paneling, carved plaster crown moldings, parquet de Versailles and herringbone white oak floors, and several wood-burning fireplaces.
There are also passenger and service elevators, a wood-clad library with built-in bookcases, a new kitchen, a separate catering kitchen, “impressive reception rooms,” six spacious bedrooms, and seven modern bathrooms along with four powder rooms.
Serena Boardman of Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage is the listing agent.
