# Barbara Jakobson’s Historic Upper East Side Townhouse Listed for $9 Million The iconic Manhattan residence, once a hub for legendary artists, seeks a new owner. - **Source:** [ARTnews](https://www.artnews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1443c7b6-9ddb-412a-a302-275ad4a311b3 ## Historic Manhattan Property Listing The five-story townhouse on East 74th Street, formerly owned by art patron Barbara Jakobson, is currently listed for $8.99 million. Built in 1910 and expanded in 1956, the property spans 6,000 square feet. It recently underwent a price reduction of over $800,000 from its initial April 2026 asking price of $9.8 million. ## Legacy of the Squirrel House Known locally as the Squirrel House due to its distinctive bronze entrance sculptures, the residence served as Jakobson’s personal gallery for six decades. The home features eight bedrooms and six bathrooms, reflecting a refined aesthetic. Its red lacquered doors open into a space that once hosted iconic figures like Andy Warhol. ## Former Hollywood Connection Before Jakobson purchased the home in 1965, it was occupied by filmmaker Elia Kazan during his most prolific years. Stars such as James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Marlon Brando reportedly visited the 20-foot-wide townhouse. This historical pedigree adds a layer of cultural significance to the property beyond its current architectural appeal. ## Artistic Interior Design Elements The interior design includes a grand entry hall with triple arches and custom wallpaper by artist Peter Halley. A spiral staircase, famously featured in Vogue, connects the levels. The double-height great room still bears the outline of Frank Stella’s 1971 Felsztyn III, which was sold at a 2005 Christie’s auction. ## Private Garden and Layout The ground level provides access to a private 350-square-foot garden through glass doors, offering a rare outdoor retreat in Manhattan. The layout includes a parlor floor with a formal living room and a salon featuring a wood-burning fireplace. These spaces were designed to facilitate the owner’s evolving autobiographical art collection. ## Primary Suite and Amenities The residence dedicates its entire top floor to the primary suite, which includes a light-filled private lounge area. Below this, two junior suites with dressing rooms and en suite bathrooms occupy the middle levels. The home balances whimsical decorative choices with a functional layout suitable for high-end urban living requirements. ## Market Positioning and Sales Leslie Hirsch, Edward Joseph, Howard Morrel, and Benjamin Anderson of Christie’s International Real Estate New York are managing the sale. The price adjustment reflects current market conditions for historic Upper East Side properties. Potential buyers are purchasing not just a home, but a significant piece of New York’s creative history. ## Significance of the Estate Barbara Jakobson’s influence as a MoMA trustee and collector defined the property’s character for nearly sixty years. As the home transitions to a new owner, it marks the end of an era for the Lenox Hill neighborhood. The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a residence deeply embedded in art history. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/barbara-jakobson-art-collector-upper-east-side-townhouse-market-9-million-1234804913/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._