Anne Vanderbilt, second wife of William Vanderbilt who created Newport’s famed Marble House, had an eye for New York real estate. She was a key figure in establishing Sutton Place as a desirable location when she renovated this four-story townhouse in 1921 and made it her place of residence. As expected any time a Vanderbilt made a move, New York high society followed suit.Since then, Curbed reports the historic Georgian structure has been home to Charles Merrill, founder of Merrill Lynch, and most recently, Drue Heinz, the heiress to the Heinz fortune. Ms. Heinz passed away in March, and now the exquisite abode is seeking a buyer for $21 million.Decadent interiors almost seem preserved from the Gilded Age, and it’s easy to picture a gracious butler gliding through parlors and sitting rooms with silver trays. There are staff rooms so this vision could become a reality.Located at 1 Sutton Place, the 7,000-square-foot boasts six fireplaces, six bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half baths, a massive chef’s kitchen, and ornate living areas. East River views impress throughout the house, but are most exceptional in the fourth-floor sunroom, which has a glass ceiling and ample windows.Mary C. Kent of Sotheby’s International Realty has the storied, Sutton Place listing.
