A majestic limestone facade greets you. This is the Lucy Drexel Dahlgren House. Its French Renaissance Revival style is unmistakable. Built between 1915 and 1916 this architectural gem stands as a testament to a bygone era.
The Lucy Drexel Dahlgren House wasn’t just a home. It was a statement. Designed by Ogden Codman Jr. a prominent architect it reflects the sophisticated tastes of its original owner. Lucy Wharton Drexel Dahlgren inherited a vast fortune. She commissioned this house a luxurious retreat. It boasts 37 rooms eleven bathrooms and seven fireplaces. A testament to opulence even by today’s standards.
Imagine life within its walls. The grand marble staircase would have echoed with the footsteps of the Dahlgren family and their many guests. The octagonal dining room with its two fountains would have hosted lavish dinners. The house even had a unique feature. A car turntable in the rear courtyard allowed for easy access to the street a rarity in Manhattan.
But the Lucy Drexel Dahlgren House’s story doesn’t end with Lucy Dahlgren. Pierre Cartier famed jeweler purchased it in 1927. He used it as a city pied-à-terre. He made further modifications. He created a library in one of the rooms combining several others for his own use.
Later the St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church acquired the Lucy Drexel Dahlgren House. It served as a convent. The house changed hands several times undergoing restorations that preserved its historical significance. Today the Lucy Drexel Dahlgren House remains a private residence. A silent witness to the passage of time and the changing fortunes of its inhabitants. This elegant landmark stands as a lasting tribute to a remarkable legacy. Its story is far from over. Its presence evokes a sense of history and intrigue.