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Anne Vanderbilt’s Manhattan Townhouse Hits the Market for $21 Million

The charming prewar home was previously owned by a Heinz heiress

By Geoffrey Montes
Sunlit room with a round table, wooden chairs, bookshelves, and large windows offering a view of a bridge and blue sky.
The sunroom’s large glass windows offer views of the East River. Photo: Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

Architect Mott B. Schmidt built this Georgian-style townhouse—with unobstructed views of the East River—in the 1920s for Anne Vanderbilt, the widow of railroad scion William Vanderbilt. Decades later, Drue Heinz, who became publisher of The Paris Review, purchased the 7,000-square-foot Sutton Place home with her husband, Henry John Heinz II. The couple preserved much of the six-bedroom dwelling’s prewar charm, including a stunning spiral staircase, oak-paneled library, and notable electric-blue front door. Ever the philanthropist, Drue, who died in March, requested a portion of the proceeds be donated to charity.

The home is listed with Mary C. Kent of Sotheby’s.

Historic brick townhouse with ivy, blue door, black shutters, and lush green trees and shrubs lining the front pathway.
The front entrance to 1 Sutton Place. Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

Elegant spiral staircase with ornate railing, surrounded by vintage decor and furniture in a warmly lit room.
The spiral staircase is a statement piece in the home. Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

View of a bridge over a river with a lush green park in the foreground and a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds above.
The outdoor lawn area. Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

Elegant bedroom with a four-poster bed, vintage furniture, patterned wallpaper, and large window with a view.
The master bedroom. Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

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lush garden courtyard with stone path, vibrant green plants, and a striking blue door under an old brick building with ivy
A patio area with an abundance of vegetation. Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

Luxurious living room with ornate wallpaper, plush seating, a chandelier, and large windows overlooking a cityscape.
The terrace room leads out to the sunroom. Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2018 Winter issue under the headline “On the Market.” Subscribe to the magazine.