A mogul-ready Carnegie Hill townhouse that truly is a mix of old and new

Andrew Carnegie was something of a pioneer, one of the first millionaires to settle the corner of the Upper East Side that now bears his name. According to Daytonian in Manhattan, when he first built his mansion, a brownstone at 15 East 90th Street neighbored his home. The property was later converted to a Georgian-style townhouse by one Emily Trevor, a philanthropist; later, her brother and sister-in-law resided there, hosting many society events. Subsequent tenants have preserved the ornate design that Trevor selected, and it's not hard to picture socialite gatherings beneath the home's rococo ceilings. Listed at $32.5 million by Douglas Elliman, the five-bedroom Trevor house isn't for everyone, but it's definitely one of a kind. 

The foyer reflects the aesthetics of architect Mott Schmidt, famed for his grand Upper East Side townhouses. The marble floors, colonnades, gold mill work, and mural insets on the ceiling add up to an art museum vibe; it seems the kind of space where a captain of industry might feel at home. 

The tone shifts dramatically—perhaps abruptly—in the kitchen, which is very much of this century. The current owners' renovation efforts are evident in the wood floors, sleek quartz countertops, and brand-new appliances. Pendant lighting adds a warm, contemporary touch, and the glass doors onto the attached terrace bring in natural light. 

The winding staircase, with its mahogany banister, is a return to old-world grandeur. One of the five bedrooms—two of which are masters suites—is pictured here, in full love-it-or-hate-it baroque style; it includes a walk-in closet, working fireplace, and en suite bathroom. Three powder rooms and four other bathrooms spread over the property's five floors allow for plenty of privacy. 

 Lest you think this home is all heavy drapery and imposing plaster-relief sculpture, there's also a fifth-floor atrium that creates a bright, loft-like feel on the upper level, which opens onto a terrace decked out with upscale cabinetry and appliances. 

The Trevor House also includes covetable, of-the-moment amenities such as a gym with a sauna and steam shower, and two media rooms. For more outdoor space, there's an additional garden and roof deck, plus Central Park is half a block away; you'll find generous storage space and a laundry room in the cellar. For latter-day magnates with a nostalgia for New York's gilded past, this historical home seems the perfect spot to kick back.